The East Coast’s Most Enchanting Christmas Village is Just 2.5 Hours from NYC — With Glowing Streets, Holiday Trolleys, and Breakfast With Santa

New York City during the holiday season is hard to top. Between the holiday markets, illuminated Christmas trees galore, and The Rockettes—just to name a few things— it can seem easy to stick around during the festive season. But we highly recommend expanding your horizons. And one festive town in particular is especially stealing the show, Cape May, New Jersey , a Victorian-era town that truly sparkles during this time of year. Only a 2.5-hour drive from Manhattan , this charming seaside town trades the chaos of Rockefeller Center for gaslit streets, horse-drawn carriages, and candy-colored Victorian homes wrapped in garlands . It’s one of the East Coast’s most enchanting winter getaways — and come December, it transforms into a real-life Dickens village by the sea . While most associate Cape May as an ideal summer beach town, the National Historic Landmark city truly comes alive during the holidays. Its famous for its stunning collection of Victorian architecture , and near Christmastime, every inn, B&B, and boutique along the iconic Washington Street glows with twinkling lights, red bows, and fresh greenery . Strolling the cobblestone streets feels like walking through a Hallmark movie — complete with the sound of distant carolers and the scent of hot cocoa drifting from local cafés. The holiday heart of Cape May: Congress Hall -------------------------------------------- The crown jewel of Cape May’s holiday season is Congress Hall , America’s first seaside resort. Each year, the grand yellow hotel transforms into a full-blown Winter Wonderland (Nov. 28 – Dec. 31, 2025), complete with: * Breakfast with Santa in the Grand Ballroom * The Congress Hall Express , a festive mini train that circles the front lawn * A whimsical carousel and family photo ops galore * Vendor Village , where candy cane-striped tents sell Cape May-made gifts and seasonal treats * Tree Lighting Ceremony on December 5th, with a countdown to switching the lights on and live music from a choir You can even book a stay at Congress Hall and wake up to the sounds of carolers and the sight of twinkling lights from your balcony — an experience straight out of a snow globe. ☃️ Learn more about Congress Hall and how to book here! Step back in time with The Christmas Candlelight Tours ------------------------------------------------------ Each December, Cape May’s gaslit streets set the stage for its most famous tradition — the [Christmas Candlelight House Tours](https://capemaymac.org/experience/christmas-in-cape-may/christmas-candlelight-house-tour/) , this year celebrating their 53rd year. On select Saturdays (Dec. 6, 13, and 20), visitors can explore the interiors of beautifully decorated Victorian homes, inns, and churches while listening to live carolers and sipping warm cider . For even more holiday nostalgia, head to the Emlen Physick Estate aka “the most beautiful building in New Jersey,” where you’ll find: * The Evening Yuletide House Tour , led by guides in period costume * The Old-Fashioned Christmas Exhibit , featuring a 30-foot tree, model trains, and a full Dept. 56 Dickens Village * The Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony (Nov. 22, 2025), complete with a live band and Santa appearance More to explore during Christmas in Cape May -------------------------------------------- Cape May goes all out for Christmas — and it’s not just for history lovers. Hop aboard the Mrs. Claus Trolley for a jolly ride through town, complete with holiday songs, stories, and a Santa visit at the previously mentioned Emlen Physick Estate. For a spookier twist, the Holiday Ghost Trolley mixes Victorian Christmas traditions with tales of ghosts and strange holiday antics from the town’s history. Or bundle up for the Holiday Lights Trolley , an open-air ride past the glowing, garland-draped homes of the historic district. Food lovers won’t be disappointed either. Beach Plum Farm offers farm-to-table candlelit dinners with hayrides, cocktail hours, and multi-course meals highlighting the season’s freshest ingredients, and guests can even stay overnight in the cozy farm cottages. Historic inns and restaurants like The Blue Pig Tavern at Congress Hall and The Washington Inn serve festive menus by the fire, while The Ebbitt Room at The Virginia Hotel is perfect for a seasonal cocktail under twinkling chandeliers. Beyond food and tours, Cape May hosts caroling walks , lamplighter tours , and multiple tree lighting ceremonies , all capturing the town’s Victorian charm. 🎄 See a full list of all of Cape May’s Christmas happenings here! How to get to Cape May from NYC ------------------------------- 🚗 Drive: About 2.5 hours from Manhattan 🚌 Bus: NJ Transit and Academy Bus run direct routes to Cape May Source: https://secretnyc.co/cape-may-nj-christmas-town-near-nyc/