Holiday Events in South Jersey
This is a list of the Holiday Events in and around Cape May County NJ. Click on the website links or call for more information, and to check dates, times, and availability.
Wetlands Wonderland
The Wetlands Institute
1075 Stone Harbor Blvd Stone Harbor 08247
11/28/2015
9:30 am – 3:00 pm
REGISTRATION Not Required
ALL AGES
COST: Non-Member: $10 Adult, $8 child, $30 family pack of 4 Member: $8 Adult, $6 child, $25 family pack of 4
CALL: (609) 368-1211
WEBSITE
Spend the day discovering the winter wonders of the wetlands! Whether through hibernation, dormancy, migration or ‘toughing it out’ animals on the marsh have unique strategies for surviving the colder winter temperatures. Join us as we explore these animal adaptations and celebrate the seasonal change!
Throughout the day, we will have family fun activities including a very special live animal presentation Built to Survive by the Philadelphia Zoo, aquarium feedings, extended teaching and touch tank demonstrations, a special appearance by Scute, winter activities, crafts, games and more!
“Burn the Bird” Boardwalk 5K Turkey Trot
Wildwood Boardwalk Boardwalk Wildwoods Sign (Rio Grande & Ocean Avenues) Wildwood 08260
11/28/2015 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
NO REGISTRATION
AGE RANGE: All
COST: Call for details.
CALL: (800) 992-9732
WEBSITE
The South Jersey Triathlon Club invites you to work off that turkey from Thanksgiving, so join in the 6th Annual ‘Burn the Bird’ Turkey Trot! Registration begins at 9 a.m. at the Wildwoods Sign (Rio Grande & Ocean Avenues) on the Wildwoods Boardwalk. 5K run and 1 mile walk begin at 10 a.m. heading south to Cresse Avenue, turns around and heads north on the Boardwalk to Juniper Avenue, turns back and heads south to the Wildwoods Sign. http://www.LunchWithLynch.com/turkey
Seasonal Science Activities and Crafts
The Wetlands Institute 1075 Stone Harbor Blvd Stone Harbor 08247
10/16/2015 – 5/1/2016 Weekly on Friday , Saturday , Sunday
10:00 am – 4:00 pm
No REGISTRATION
ALL AGES
COST: Free with Admission
CALL: (609) 368-1211
WEBSITE
MORE DETAILS
We believe children and adults learn a great deal through moments of self-exploration. Each week we will offer a new self-guided science activity or craft related to seasonal changes in nature. We provide the supplies and you create the learning! Possible activities related to migration, geology, outdoor exploration, nature crafts, simple science experiments and much more!
Downtown Holiday Dash & Candy Scramble
Stone Harbor Chamber of Commerce 212 96th St Stone Harbor 08247-1912
11/28/2015 10:00 am – 11:00 am
REGISTRATION Is A MUST!!
FREE FOR ALL AGES
CALL: (609) 368-6101
WEBSITE
Dash along 11th Street with George Bailey! Check in begins at 8:30am with a complimentary Toys for Tots Breakfast. Advanced Registration is required for ages 7 and up. No pre-registration is needed for the candy scramble for ages 6 and under following the dash. We encourage you to wear your silliest north pole costume! Prizes will be awarded after the dash. Register by November 23rd!
Santa’s Trolley Ride in Cape May
(4 Departure Times Through 2:15pm)
Emlen Physick Estate 1048 Washington St Cape May 08204
11/28/2015 – 12/19/2015 Weekly on Saturday
11:00 am – 2:45 pm
NO REGISTRATION
ALL AGES
COST: Adults $10; Children (ages 3-12) $8. Advance reservations are strongly recommended
CALL: (609) 884-5404
WEBSITE
There are 4 Departure times. Bring the kids to the Physick Estate on weekends for a ride around Cape May with stories and songs led by Mrs. Claus. Santa will greet children with a sweet in the Carriage House.
Adults $10; Children (ages 3-12) $8. Advance reservations are strongly recommended
Purchase tickets at the Washington Street Mall Information Booth at Ocean Street or at the Physick Estate at 1048 Washington St. at the Carriage House or the Hill House Office.
Holiday Ceramics at Congress Hall
Congress Hall, Cape May 200 Congress Pl Cape May 08204
11/28/2015 – 12/26/2015 Weekly on Saturday
1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
NO REGISTRATION
ALL AGES
COST: Ceramics pieces vary. Call for details.
CALL: (609) 884-8421
WEBSITE
Join us Saturday afternoons through the holiday season at Santa’s Workshop to paint fun holiday ceramic masterpieces!
Christmas Fantasy With Lights
Storybook Land 6415 Black Horse Pike, Egg Harbor Township, NJ
Cardiff 08234
11/15/2015 – 12/27/2015 Weekly on Saturday , Sunday
2:00 pm – 9:00 pm
No REGISTRATION
ALL AGES
COST: Free with park admission
CALL: (609) 641-7847
WEBSITE
Come experience holiday magic right before your eyes!
Be here by 5:00PM when Santa Claus appears in his chimney, waves his magic wand,
and lights the park with over one million lights for the holiday season!
All of our rides, attractions, and snack bars are open!
(Santa is in his home and lights the park until December 23.)
A Cape May Christmas
Cape May Stage 405 Lafayette St Cape May 08204
11/27/2015 – 1/2/2016 Weekly on Saturday, Sunday 3pm Thurs, Fri, Sat 7:30pm
REGISTRATION: Yes
ALL AGES
COST: $53
CALL: (609) 770-8311
WEBSITE
This world premiere, family-friendly holiday production, combines fireside storytelling with the holiday classics. Intertwining tales of Saint Nicholas and Cape May’s historic hero Captain Mey, we lovingly celebrate the warmth of a contemporary Santa and Mrs. Claus on a secret visit to our seaside resort.
The Life & Adventures of Santa Claus
East Lynne Theater Company
The First Presbyterian Church of Cape May 500 Hughes Street Cape May 08204
11/27/2015 – 11/28/2015 8:00 pm – 9:30 pm
REGISTRATION: Yes
ALL AGES
COST: Adults: $25, Active Military/Student ID: $15, 12 & Under: FREE
CALL: 609-884-5898
WEBSITE
The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus is a charming tale about Claus’s life, from his early years to how he became immortal, presented in storytelling fashion by Artistic Director Gayle Stahlhuth, who has been praised by reviewers and audience alike for her portrayals of 30-plus roles in the telling of one tale. When ELTC last produced this one-person tour-de-force in 2010, it was designated an ‘American Masterpiece’ as part of the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Masterpieces Series. Show Dates/Times: Nov. 27 & 28, Dec. 6, 10, 11, & 12 at 8:00 pm; Sat. Matinee on Dec. 12 at 2:00 pm
Complimentary Kids Christmas Crafts during Happy Hour
Congress Hall, Cape May 200 Congress Pl Cape May 08204
11/28/2015 – 12/27/2015 Weekly on Saturday , Sunday
4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
NO REGISTRATION
FREE For ALL AGES
CALL: (609) 884-8421
WEBSITE
MORE DETAILS
Santa is setting up his workshop on Congress Hall’s Grand Lawn this Christmas. When the elves are not busy making toys, kids can come work on their very own Christmas crafts. Write a letter to Santa to let him know all of your Christmas wishes, and drop it in our special mailbox that will go straight to the North Pole! Thursdays and Fridays 5pm-7pm, Saturdays and Sundays from 4pm-6pm
Ghosts of Christmas Past Trolley Ride (2 Departure Times)
Mid Atlantic Center for The Arts 1048 Washington St Cape May 08204-1737
11/27/2015 – 11/28/2015 8:00 pm – 9:30 pm
NO REGISTRATION
ALL AGES
COST: Tickets $12 adults; $8 children (ages 3-12)
CALL: (609) 884-5404
WEBSITE
Tours are a half hour in length and the first of 2 tours departs at 8pm. A member of the East Lynne Theater Company regales you with a Victorian holiday ghost tale as you ride through Cape May’s festively decorated Historic District.
Tickets $12 adults; $8 children (ages 3-12). Advance reservation strongly recommended.
Purchase tickets at the Washington Street Mall Information Booth at Ocean Street or at the Physick Estate at 1048 Washington St. at the Carriage House or the Hill House Office.
Light Show on the Lake
Historic Smithville, NJ 615 E Moss Mill Rd Smithville 08205
11/28/2015 – 1/1/2016 Weekly on Thursday, Friday , Saturday , Sunday
5:30 pm – 8:30 pm
NO REGISTRATION: No
FREE FOR ALL AGES
CALL: (609) 748-8999
WEBSITE
Over 120 Christmas Trees constructed from over 50,000 Christmas lights, magically float on Lake Meone in the center of Historic Smithville. The moment darkness falls, an orchestrated show of lights and music is played out across the lake. The lights seem to dance and chase each other to the music all the while reflecting of the water’s surface. This show can be seen from either side of the village as well as the bridge. The show begins November 28 and runs until Jan 1.
Gingerbread Decorating with Mrs. Claus
Congress Hall, Cape May 200 Congress Pl Grand Ballroom Cape May 08204
11/29/2015 – 12/20/2015 Weekly on Sunday
2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
REGISTRATION: Yes
AGES: Preschoolers, Elementary, Tweens
COST: $25
CALL: (609) 884-8421
WEBSITE
Turn ordinary gingerbread houses into culinary works of art with the first lady of the North Pole- Mrs. Claus! Mrs. C will assist guests as they make their very own sweet creations in Congress Hall’s Grand Ballroom. Kids will get a gingerbread house with plenty of icing and candy like gum drops, peppermint, jelly rings and more to decorate a personalized Christmas cottage. Gingerbread decorating with Mrs. Claus is Sundays November 29th-Dcember 20th from 2:00pm until 4:00pm. Reservations are $25.00 per house and limited space is available. Please call 609-884-6583 to make your reservation for Gingerbread House Decorating with Mrs. Claus.
Santa’s Trolley Ride (3 Departure Times Through 1:45pm)
Emlen Physick Estate 1048 Washington St Cape May 08204
11/29/2015 – 12/13/2015 Weekly on Sunday
11:45 pm – 2:15 pm
REGISTRATION: No
ALL AGES
COST: Adults $10; Children (ages 3-12) $8. Advance reservations are strongly recommended
CALL: (609) 884-5404
WEBSITE
There are 4 Departure times today between 5:30 & 8:15 for this 30 minute tour. Bring the kids to the Physick Estate on weekends for a ride around Cape May with stories and songs led by Mrs. Claus. Santa will greet children with a sweet in the Carriage House.
Adults $10; Children (ages 3-12) $8. Advance reservations are strongly recommended
Purchase tickets at the Washington Street Mall Information Booth at Ocean Street or at the Physick Estate at 1048 Washington St. at the Carriage House or the Hill House Office.
The NJ Ballet Presents The Nutcracker
Levoy Theatre 126-130 N High St Millville 08332
11/29/2015 2:00 pm & 5pm
REGISTRATION: Yes
ALL AGES
COST: $25
CALL: (856) 327-6400
WEBSITE
Don’t miss out on this holiday classic skillfully performed by The New Jersey Ballet. Bring your family and friends and create memories of a joyful evening at the Levoy Theatre with this show.
It’s a Shore Holiday
Atlantic City Ballet Park Place & Boardwalk Atlantic City 08401
Saturday November 28th-7:00pm & Sunday Novenber 29th-4:00pm, 2015
REGISTRATION: Yes
AGE RANGE: All
COST: $20- $50
CALL: (609) 348-7201
WEBSITE
This “radio city-esque” review features a blend of contemporary and classical dance all set to your most beloved holiday tunes. Add singers and a live band and you will be transported to a Holiday Winter Wonderland that will capture your inner child’s imagination. This delightful show will bring out the holiday spirit in everyone. There is no better place to be this holiday than with the Atlantic City Ballet! It is a one-of-a-kind celebration for sharing with family, friends and loved ones.
Pet Photos with Santa Sundays
Hamilton Mall 4403 Black Horse Pike Mays Landing 08330
11/15/2015 – 12/13/2015 Weekly on Sunday
4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
COST: Photo Package Prices Vary if Purchased
CALL: (609) 646-8326
WEBSITE
Your pets are important, too so we reserved Sundays in November & December for you to make time for your favorite furry friend to visit & get a keepsake photo with Santa. Pet photos will be available beginning Sunday, November 15 continuing on Sundays through December 13 from 4-6pm for your convenience. (All pets must be in a carrier or on a leash).
The Santa Express (Departure from Tuckahoe- 3 Departure Times)
Cape May Seashore Lines Santa Express
Reading Ave & Mill Rd Tuckahoe 08270
11/28/2015 – 12/20/2015 Weekly on Saturday , Sunday
10:15 am – 5:00 pm
NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED
ALL AGES
COST: Coach – adult: $16 Coach – child (ages 2-12): $10 Cafe Car (all ages 2 and up): $26 Lounge Car (all ages 2 and up): $26 Children under 2 years old ride free in all cars – on lap.
CALL: Email for info
WEBSITE
A Christmas Tradition continues! Ride the Seashore Lines on a historic, comfortable and fun train ride with Santa Claus, as Santa returns to visit with children (young and old!) on board The SANTA Express!!
Departure times at 10:15, 1:05 & 3:50.
The SANTA “Starlight” Express! operates select weeknights, round trip, between Tuckahoe and Richland until Christmas. Make The SANTA “Starlight” Express even more special…wear your pajamas!
NEW! The WINTER Express! Ride the train after Christmas! Santa will be home at the North Pole relaxing, and will not appear on The WINTER Express! but he would like you to continue to celebrate the Christmas season with the Seashore Lines, aboard The WINTER Express!
The Magic Talking Christmas Tree & Train Ride
The Magic Talking Christmas Tree & Train Ride
Historic Smithville, NJ
615 E Moss Mill Rd Smithville 08205
12/1/2015 – 12/31/2015 Weekly on Friday , Saturday
10:00 am – 8:00 pm
No Registration Required
ALL AGEs
COST: For $2.00 per person you take a 6 1/2 minute ride on the outskirts of Smithville on this fun, whimsical train.
CALL: (609) 748-8999
WEBSITE
Next to the Smithville Train Station an over sized Christmas tree is brought in from Santa’s private forest. This beautifully decorated Christmas tree awakens every Saturday and Sunday from noon to 5:00 to talk with you and your children about the upcoming holidays and, well, anything you might want. Right next to the Magic Talking Tree the Smithville Train has decorated it’s tracks for the Holiday’s. For $2.00 per person you take a 6 1/2 minute ride on the outskirts of Smithville on this fun, whimsical train. Both the train and carousel are open village hours weather permitting throughout the month of December.