Winter Wonderland at Congress Hall - New Jersey's Holiday HQ

Christmas in Cape May

One of America’s most charming holiday beach towns welcomes back holiday guests
Cape May Transforms into New Jersey’s Holiday HQ with Winter Wonderland Festivities for All
Known for its award-winning beaches and charming Victorian architecture, Cape May is also one of the most treasured holiday beach towns in the country. This winter, travelers are heading to Exit 0 on the Garden State Parkway for the most charming displays of holiday merriment and the annual Winter Wonderland celebrations.

And no one does it grander than the Grand Dame of the northeast, America’s oldest seaside resort, Congress Hall, which has been making spirits bright since 1816.

Even the jolly big guy in the red suit spends the holiday season in Cape May. Here’s where you can find the holiday fun this season:

Take a walk in Congress Hall’s Winter Wonderland

Friday, November 27th kicks off Congress Hall's magical Winter Wonderland! Welcome the yuletide season and watch the Big House By the Sea's enchanted transformation. Kids from 1 to 92 will love the festive holiday decorations, rides on the Congress Hall Express, ornament and wreath making, and so much more. The train will run every weekend at Congress Hall through January 2, cruising from the Veranda to the Flagpole and back again. Train rides are available to Cape Resorts guests, as well as to dining guests with reservations at the Blue Pig Tavern, The Boiler Room, the Brown Room, the Ballroom, and the Winter Igloos at Congress Hall. Guests of Congress Hall will receive a letter from Santa upon arrival and five tickets for the Congress Hall Express. Those staying on Christmas Eve will be greeted with festive stockings adorning their rooms.

The Congress Hall Tree Lighting takes place Friday, December 4, 6:00pm
Head to Congress Hall's Grand Lawn as the hotel ushers in the spirit of the holidays with its annual Tree Lighting Ceremony. Enjoy live music while waiting for the resort’s 30-foot Tannenbaum tree to light and officially kick-off the holiday season.

Winter Igloos, Beginning November 27th
Dine outside in your very own Winter Igloo, arranged on the Grand Lawn of Congress Hall, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean! Twelve snow white igloos are available for reservation by guests and visitors, accommodating parties of up to eight, making them the perfect private and socially-distance outdoor dining option for groups looking to toast the holiday season together. The elevated menu consists of cocktails and light fare. (Daily, 5:30 – 9:30pm - reservations through Concierge@caperesorts.com).

Additional Outdoor and Indoor Dining
At Veranda Bar, guests can warm-up at the Hot Cocoa Bar and enjoy the same menu available at The Igloos to pair with themed a la carte cocktails; no reservations required. Blue Pig Tavern’s a la carte menu will be updated for the season while additional seating is available on the outdoor patio in heated tents overlooking a roaring fireplace.

Holiday Breakfast with Santa - Saturdays and Sundays, November 28-December 20
One of the most anticipated Cape May holiday events of the season is Congress Hall's Breakfast with Santa! Enjoy a delicious breakfast and get the chance to see Mr. Claus who will be greeting children (socially-distanced) while walking through the Ballroom and dining rooms of the Blue Pig Tavern. Kids will delight in custom cups, a surprise gift, and festive menus that include a letter to Santa template so they may tell Father Christmas all their holiday wishes.

Around town:
Christmas in Cape May includes Christmas candlelight house tours, Santa Trolley rides, the annual West Cape May Christmas Parade (12/5) and so much more.

Stay awhile:
Stay in Cape May for a holiday experience the entire family will cherish forever. Retreat to your plush guest room at Congress Hall after a day of Winter Wonderland whimsy, or unwrap gifts in the cozy living room of one of our Beach Plum Farm cottages. With accommodations ranging from quaint and intimate boutique rooms to whole-house luxury rentals, a stay with Cape Resorts is a guarantee that your season will be merry and bright. Congress Hall’s Breakfast with Santa offer is one of the most popular holiday getaways! View accommodations and offers here.

Congress Hall photos - Credit: Photos courtesy of Cape Resorts
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/ia1ibim10u8uij4/AACQ9OyBQQUfxjscswy0XtPma?dl=0

Frequently Asked Questions for Winter Wonderland 2020 can be found here.

Cape Resorts is operating in compliance with state and federal COVID-19 health and safety regulations. For more information on this, please visit the Cape Resorts COVID-19 statement.