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Cape May at Christmastime

We had such a good time at Cape May over the weekend.  If you live within driving distance of this beautiful seaside historic town, you really should visit over the Christmas holiday!  The town is decked out in holiday lights and is magical!  I took my camera along on this weekend getaway to “play” and just take some photos for fun!  I’m still learning so much about photography and have a loooooong way to go – but I’m finding that it’s something that I really enjoy!  While I share the photos, I’ll try to hit on some of the things there are to do in Cape May at Christmastime!

There were six of us who went on this outing, my two sister-in-loves, Pam and Connie (who are also sisters), and Pam’s two girls, Kelsey and Emily, and her daughter-in-law, Ashley.  And, my daughter-in-law, Sarah, came making it extra special for me!  We stayed in a 100 year old homeaway home that was so charming.  The decor was relaxed and very coastal cottage in style!  There were three stories with six bedrooms and two and a half baths!  When you stay in Cape May, make sure you stay somewhere within walking distance of the downtown shops!  It’s so nice to walk there instead of hopping in the car to drive.  We did drive some, just because it was so cold.  And, we were just two blocks from the beach.  Our homeaway address was 815 Benton Avenue and you can book your stay HERE.

There are so many things to do in Cape May at Christmas!  I really could never include them all, but you can read all about the many things to do and see HERE.

The Virginia Hotel in Cape May, NJ, at Christmastime

The victorian homes and hotels in Cape May are gorgeous in any season, but some go all out with their Christmas decor and I captured a few shots of some of my favorites!  The Virginia Hotel   was built in 1879 and is near the downtown shopping district.  The Virginia Hotel had vintage Santa Claus characters climbing all over the light blue exterior!  It was so charming!

Santa on the porch at the Virginia Hotel, Cape May, NJ

Santa perched on the sign at the Virginia Hotel in Cape May, NJ, at Christmas.

Close to The Virginia Hotel was this gorgeous 1898 historic stone church, The First Presbyterian Church of Cape May.  Those red doors against the gray stone were beautiful!

The First Presbyterian Church of Cape May.

I was walking down the street and noticed this little lady in, what I’m sure was a gorgeous garden in the spring and summer months!

Garden statue in the winter at Cape May, NJ

There were horse drawn carriage tours that begin at the shopping district of Cape May.  The horses and carriages were all dressed up for Christmas!  This little girl caught my eye.  She is wearing a Santa hat!  She was patiently waiting for her next ride and let me take some pictures of her!

Santa Carriage Horse in Cape May, NJ at Christmastime

Carriage horse in Cape May at Christmastime

Congress Hall is another historic must see hotel in Cape May!  You can read all about this historic hotel HERE.  It’s a grand sight right by the ocean with a buttery yellow exterior, black shutters and doors,  and white trim!  There were large (let’s say huge) toy soldiers standing guard all around Congress Hall for Christmas with gorgeous cedar garland and shiny red ornaments!

Large toy soldier at Congress Hall, Cape May, NJ at Christmas

Old Doors at Congress Hall in Cape May, NJ

Congress Hall sign at Christmas in Cape May, NJ

In, the lobby there was a majestic Christmas tree in the corner with a roaring fireplace and lots of cozy seating!

Christmas tree inside the lobby of Congress Hall at Cape May, NJ

The Blue Pig Tavern is part of Congress Hall and was the first tavern in Cape May and is on the same site of a tavern that served whalers in 1700’s.

The Blue Pig Tavern at Congress Hall in Cape May, NJ

Outside in the courtyard at Congress Hall it’s a winter wonderland with pop up shops, hot mulled wine and hot chocolate, a large firepit with benches, a huge Christmas tree, more toy soldiers, a train ride and carousel for the kids, and more!  It’s so beautiful and I wish I was able to capture more of it for you.  Alas, my photography skills were not up to par to capture the scene at night!  But, here’s to learning!!!

Outdoor Christmas tree at Congress Hall in Cape May, NJ

Outdoor Christmas train for the kids at Congress Hall in Cape May, NJ

A trip to Cape May is not complete, in my opinion, without a stop to Sunset Beach and the historic Cape May Lighthouse.  Here are some shots I captured at the beach here and of the lighthouse itself.

The beach in the winter at Cape May, NJ

The lighthouse at Cape May, NJ at Christmas

The photo below is of St. Mary by-the-Sea Retreat House.

St. Mary by-the-Sea Retreat House, Cape May, NJ

This photo was taken at The Point beach.  It struck me as beautiful that this little makeshift flag was at half staff in honor of former President Bush.

Flag on the beach at Cape May, NJ

I hope that you enjoyed seeing a peek at my weekend getaway to Cape May at Christmas!  It was just what I needed in this busy Christmas season!  A chance to stop and relax and enjoy time spent with family!

A Visit to Cape May at Christmas

You can read about my trip to Waco, TX,  and Magnolia Market earlier this year HERE.

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Lee DUrden

Thursday 13th of December 2018

I Loved the trip to Cape May! Your photography was great & allowed me to learn about a beautiful place in our history. (I will probably never get there...from Idaho!)

Gwen

Thursday 13th of December 2018

I’m not from the East Coast si I’d never heard of this beautiful place! I loved all the photos!!! What a great place to go each year for Christmas. The lights. The buildings. Even the woman looked beautiful in her winter garden of serene minimalist hues. I’m so glad you shared! PS. You’re actually quite trim!!! But I’m all for doing the healthy stuff. We live where the oranges are ripe now and ohhh they are so good! Each season brings its bounty!!! Christmas cookies included. Wink.

Becky

Thursday 13th of December 2018

The pictures are great! You have an eye for very interesting subjects. Thanks for sharing your trip to Cape May. It looks like a place I would like to visit. I would enjoy following your weight loss journey. Have a blessed day.

Tom McNulty

Thursday 13th of December 2018

Love to hear how visitors enjoy Cape May especially at Xmas season. We live 10 minutes from Cape May and love it. Something not mentioned is that Cape May restaurants, lounges and bars offer some of the best entertainers and music scene you can find anywhere all year long.

Robin

Wednesday 12th of December 2018

Visted a couple years ago in Sept. So very charming! Loved the holiday pix!