Brrrrr. It’s a COLD start to the weekend here in Cape May! But that’s okay, because we are in the heart of the holiday season, and everything around town looks and feels just as festive as ever. For those of you who had the pleasure of attending West Cape May’s annual Christmas parade last week, we hope you had a great time and had the chance to wave to the Homestead cars! We remind everyone that tonight, Friday, December 9th, is the second night of Cape May’s annual hospitality event on the Washington Street Mall. If you’ve not been to the mall in some time, we especially recommend paying a visit this holiday season. Hospitality night is an ideal time to do so. You’ll find that the offerings have become a bit more eclectic in recent years, and there is truly something for everyone on your list…even if they aren’t a beach or shore decor lover.
With Christmas a mere two weeks away, there will be fervor of holiday events and activities around town. Here’s a look at what to do, where to be, and what not to miss over the next few weeks…
The always popular Christmas Candlelight House tours continue, and if you’ve not yet experienced a tour you will want to hurry, as there are only two Saturday’s left before Christmas!
If you’re excited to see Cape May’s Christmas lights but may not be enthusiastic about a full walking tour, a great alternative is the Evening Yuletide House Tour of the Emlen Physick Estate. This is a magical way to step into Christmas past, and it can also be combined with a Holiday Lights Trolley Ride! Relax and stay off your feet in the warmth of the trolley as you view Cape May’s historic district in its full Christmas glory.
On Saturday December 10th and Sunday December 11th, check out the Fourth Annual Holiday “Sip and Shop ‘Local Love Drive’” at the Willow Creek Winery in West Cape May. Admission is FREE. This is your chance to sample and purchase numerous local wines WHILE you shop! There will be over 60 vendors at the winery, indoors AND out. It will be cold, but be sure to bundle up and brave the outdoors because you won’t want to miss any of the fabulous selections of gifts crafted by local small business owners and artisans. Offerings will include jewelry, baked goods, and pottery…just to name 
a few! Finish up your holiday shopping and treat yourself while you’re at it. If you plan to attend this holiday event, it’s requested that you bring along a non-perishable food item to donate to the West Cape May Fire Department food drive. You may also bring an unwrapped toy for tots. Your donation will automatically qualify you to win over 50 prizes throughout the weekend. So shop, sip, and support this holiday season!
Holiday events aren’t just for the weekend. On Wednesday, December 14th at 7:00 pm, Angelus Chorus will be performing a FREE holiday concert at Cape May Convention Hall. Enjoy the sounds of the season as a beautiful selection of traditional and secular music will be performed.
It just wouldn’t be the holiday season without attending a proper ugly Christmas sweater party. Have some fun on Saturday, December 17th at Fins Restaurant for the Ugly Holiday Sweater Ball. Enjoy food, friends, and even prizes! The event will begin at 10:00 pm.
On Sunday, December 18th from noon-3:00 pm, the place to be is the Cape May Lewes Ferry Terminal for a “Ferry Merry Christmas”. Santa will be on site, as well as Christmas games, a hot chocolate/cookie bar, and fun activities for children ages 3-9. This is a great event for the entire family.
We hope you are able to enjoy some or all of these wonderful events over the exciting few weeks ahead. The anticipation of Christmas and the joy in the air creates a magical environment in Cape May, no matter what you choose to do! We encourage riding (or walking) around town to view the Christmas lights, dining in Cape May’s decked out restaurants, or maybe even taking a chilly stroll on the promenade while contemplating the beauty of the season and the tranquility of the winter to follow.
For our rental guests, whether you are planning a return to one of our properties or you’re discovering us for the first time…we thank you for your business and remind you to reserve soon. We know that after Christmas many of you turn thoughts to summer and sun! Everyone seems to have a similar idea, and there is a surge in summer bookings just after the commencement of the new year. So relax and book before the holidays to secure the summer property you want! Homestead also has numerous homes available for weekend rentals OR for the entire winter. It’s not too late to spend Christmas in Cape May, but if that’s not possible, try visiting just for a weekend!
We wish a joyous holiday season and a very Merry Christmas to our guests, neighbors, friends, and Homestead family. The holiday season will be end just as quickly as it began, so take time to relax and enjoy this wonderful time of the year.
