Make a weekend of it.
Explore weekend events in the Wildwoods and Cape May, from holiday celebrations to local tours and spring festivals.
November 2026
Physick Estate Christmas Tree Lighting
Start the season with a holiday craft show, live music, and Santa lighting the estate’s Christmas tree. The house museum also offers free first-floor tours from 5–8 p.m.
Craft show 4 p.m. · Tree lighting 7 p.m. · Emlen Physick Estate
Christmas in North Wildwood
Enjoy festive lights, music, outdoor firepits, hot chocolate, and a strolling Santa. A free snowflake shuttle connects activities on Saturday.
Various North Wildwood locations · See organizer for activity times
Family Holiday Beach Bonfire
Bring a beach chair or blanket for a festive evening with music and holiday photo opportunities. Food and refreshments are available for purchase.
2nd & Surf avenues · Donation admission · Confirm hours with organizer
Wildwoods Holiday Shopping Village
Shop local artisans, handmade gifts, baked goods, and holiday decorations at this outdoor Small Business Saturday event.
10:30 a.m.–3 p.m. · Byrne Plaza & Downtown Wildwood
Winter Wonderland at Congress Hall
Explore the holiday vendor village, enjoy seasonal treats, and take a spin on the carousel or Congress Hall Express. Rides are weather-dependent.
Friday 2–9 p.m. · Saturday 11 a.m.–10 p.m. · Sunday 11 a.m.–7 p.m. · Special holiday hours may apply
December 2026
Winter Wonderland at Congress Hall
Explore the holiday vendor village, enjoy seasonal treats, and take a spin on the carousel or Congress Hall Express. Rides are weather-dependent.
Friday 2–9 p.m. · Saturday 11 a.m.–10 p.m. · Sunday 11 a.m.–7 p.m. · Special holiday hours may apply
Breakfast with Santa at Congress Hall
Enjoy a breakfast buffet and a visit from Santa in Congress Hall’s decorated Grand Ballroom. Check the organizer’s booking calendar for available dates.
Reservations required · Booking opens six weeks before each date
Congress Hall Tree Lighting
Gather on the Grand Lawn for choir music and the lighting of Congress Hall’s Christmas tree.
6–9 p.m. · Congress Hall · Open to the public
West Cape May Community Christmas Parade
Enjoy a hometown holiday parade beginning at the West Cape May Volunteer Firehouse, traveling along Broadway and Perry Street, and ending on Carpenter Lane.
5 p.m. · Route through West Cape May and Cape May
Greater Wildwood Jaycees Christmas Parade
Watch decorated floats and marching bands along the parade route.
6 p.m. · North Wildwood & Wildwood
Christmas in the Plaza
Enjoy carnival rides, vendors and live music downtown.
Byrne Plaza · Holiday activities and entertainment
Wildwood Holiday Spectacular
The Duprees and Joey M join host Tommy Cono for an evening of classic songs and holiday music.
7 p.m. · Wildwoods Convention Center · Ticketed
Christmas Candlelight House Tour
Explore decorated homes, inns and churches on a self-guided evening walk through Cape May’s Historic District. Advance tickets are recommended.
5:30 p.m. · Historic District · Ticketed
Gingerbread House Community Contest
See gingerbread creations and join the seasonal activities.
10 a.m.–noon · Wildwood Crest Arts Pavilion
Winter Wonderland at Holly Beach Park
See the park illuminated for the holidays.
5–9 p.m. · Holiday light shows
Family Holiday Celebration & Tree Lighting
Browse holiday vendors and enjoy family activities before the tree lighting.
9 a.m.–4 p.m. · Wildwoods Convention Center
Christmas Candlelight House Tour
Explore decorated homes, inns and churches on a self-guided evening walk through Cape May’s Historic District. Advance tickets are recommended.
5:30 p.m. · Historic District · Ticketed
Holidays at HenVille Shopping Village
Shop the seasonal village at MudHen.
10 a.m.–3 p.m. · MudHen Brewing Company
Winter Wonderland at Holly Beach Park
See the park illuminated for the holidays.
5–9 p.m. · Holiday light shows
Christmas Candlelight House Tour
Explore decorated homes, inns and churches on a self-guided evening walk through Cape May’s Historic District. Advance tickets are recommended.
5:30 p.m. · Historic District · Ticketed
Holidays at HenVille Shopping Village
Shop the seasonal village at MudHen.
10 a.m.–3 p.m. · MudHen Brewing Company
January 2027
Polar Bear Plunge
Take a winter dip in the Atlantic or cheer from the beach while supporting Special Olympics New Jersey.
Special Olympics New Jersey · See organizer for schedule and registration
February 2027
Crafts & Collectibles in Winter
Browse crafts and collectibles from regional vendors during Cape May’s Presidents’ Weekend celebrations.
Cape May Convention Hall · See organizer for hours
Winter Birding in Cape May
Join Cape May Bird Observatory naturalists to look for wintering ducks and other coastal birds. The outing travels through Cape May County by private vehicle.
Noon–4 p.m. · NJ Audubon · Preregistration required
March 2027
Mid-Atlantic Cheer Championships Grand Nationals
Watch cheer teams perform choreographed routines as they compete for championship honors at the oceanfront convention center.
Wildwoods Convention Center · Admission charged
April 2027
Beast of the East
Spirit Brands brings its Beast of the East cheer competition to Wildwood. Check the organizer’s page for spectator information.
Spirit Brands cheer competition · See organizer for venue and admission
MudHen IPA 5K & Little Hen Mile
Run a flat coastal course through Wildwood, then gather at MudHen for post-race refreshments. A separate Little Hen Mile is also scheduled.
5K: 9 a.m. · Little Hen Mile: 10:15 a.m. · Registration required
May 2027
Cape May Renaissance Faire
Enjoy a weekend of medieval entertainment, music, artisan vendors and activities at the county fairgrounds. Check the organizer’s site for ticket announcements.
Cape May County 4-H Fairgrounds · Tickets not yet available
Run Through History 5K
Run or walk through Cape May’s historic streets on a course that starts and finishes at Lafayette Street Park.
8 a.m. · Lafayette Street Park · Registration required
Selected announced events. Winter and spring schedules are still being released. Confirm dates, times, admission and availability with the organizer before making plans.
