Christmas for kids

Christmastime is magical for children when it captures their lively imagination and fuels the excitement of childhood possibilities. We adults love to recapture that same magic we remember as children by sharing the holiday with families and little ones. Cape May at Christmas offers so many ways to share memorable experiences with the children in your life.

Since 2011, the yuletide display “An Old-Fashioned Christmas Exhibit: Holiday Traditions through the Years,” has been a beloved tradition of Cape May MAC’s festive holiday season. Hosted at the Carroll Gallery on the grounds of the 1879 Emlen Physick Estate, this charming exhibit has welcomed thousands of holiday visitors, both young and old, over the years. Experience holiday traditions complete with a stately Christmas tree, a Dept. 56 Dickens Village, model trains, nostalgic photos from Christmas past and much more. Cape May MAC received a donation in 2009 of an extensive Dept. 56 Dickens Village Collection from Ernie & Betsy Heegard. The collection has become the integral piece in this exhibit, which is open daily Nov. 18 through Jan. 1, 2024 (except Thanksgiving and Christmas Day). Admission is free. Click here for more information.

Breakfast is more than a delicious treat when a special guest stops by! Share a bountiful breakfast with family and friends during Breakfast with Santa at Ocean 7 and welcome special guest Santa Claus, himself, as he drops in at the Inn of Cape May, 7 Ocean St., and greets guests with time for photos and sharing wish lists, on select dates leading up to Christmas. Event is limited. Offered at multiple times in the morning on Nov. 25, Dec. 2, 3, 9 and 16. Click here for more information.

Mrs. Claus comes directly from the North Pole to lead the Santa’s Trolley Ride! She tells stories and leads holiday songs on this jolly holiday trolley ride through town. Santa joins the fun at the Gazebo on the grounds of the 1879 Emlen Physick Estate. The tour begins and ends at the Physick Estate, 1048 Washington St. Offered Saturdays and Sundays, Nov. 25-Dec. 23, from 10 a.m. to 12 noon. Click here for more information.

Who can resist the twinkle of Cape May’s beautiful Victorian homes decorated for Christmas? Listen to Christmas music and enjoy hearing about the history of Victorian Christmas traditions on the evening Holiday Lights Trolley Rides. Victorian Cape May at Christmas is magical and this is a ride to share with friends and family. Trolleys are openair. Blankets are recommended. Tour begins and ends at the trolley stop on Ocean Street. Offered Sundays through Fridays, Nov. 24Dec. 15 and nightly Dec. 17-23, and Dec. 2631. Click here for more information.

-- SK