Glimmering in the stark winter night, Christmas lights sway from every porch and window frame of Cape May’s historic Victorians, dancing in the ocean breeze. Layered in generations of sophistication and charm, Cape Resorts does not take Christmas lightly at their properties, with no hall being left undecked. No matter which property you opt for, the experience is surreal and all-encompassing: as though you’ve taken a long weekend in a snow globe — and nowhere near New Jersey.
Congress Hall, the largest of Cape Resort’s properties, originally opened in 1816, is lauded as America’s oldest seaside resort. A mere stroll away from Cape May’s historic district, the hotel’s majestic façade and broad grand lawns overlook the white sands of the pristine Cape May beaches. The grandeur of the hotel is accentuated with the flourishes of festive coastal decor in every available space, with not a bare bow to be found. During its Winter Wonderland extravaganza, the resort’s lawn transforms into the Enchanted Vendor Village. Complete with a menagerie of fun finds from local and regional merchants, the curated shopping experience is excellent for last-minute gifts and eclectic grabs. The vintage Congress Hall Carousel stands proudly, welcoming another season of families making memories. Hop on the Congress Hall Express, a rideable trolley that takes guests around the hotel’s charming veranda. Those in search of boundless holiday cheer would be remiss to skip caroling in the hotel’s bar, complete with costumes dating back to the early 1800s — because we love a good theme. The Grand Ballroom, an architectural legend, hosts another legend every holiday weekend — breakfast with Santa.
When you’re not beaming with holiday cheer, opt for a decompressing massage at the Sea Spa (you’ll need it to melt away the December stress), or pop into the onsite Blue Pig Tavern, a family-friendly eatery sporting comforting classics, such as jumbo lump crab cakes, bacon-wrapped meatloaf, and shrimp and lobster bucatini. Pay very close attention to the “Beach Plum Farms” ingredients on the menu. Located a mile down the road and available for farm tours, this regenerative farm is also a Cape Resorts property, which supplies fresh produce and meat options to all the group’s locations. Talk about homegrown.
“No matter which property you opt for, the experience is surreal and all-encompassing.”
For a cozy, more intimate stay, The Virginia Hotel is a sophisticated adults-only venue located in one of the city’s most beautiful Victorian-period structures. Equally decorated to the standards of a Hallmark movie and looking like a full scale gingerbread house, this impeccably restored circa 1879 24-room boutique hotel offers an extra layer of refinement for a Cape May experience. Keep your head on a swivel for some of the property’s most sophisticated details, such as the monogrammed rug, sweeping stained-glass window, and fireplace perfect to saunter up to with a good book. Just off the check-in desk is The Ebbitt Room, perfect for a fine-dining experience or just a nightcap to the tune of live piano music. Guests also can enjoy a delicious Continental breakfast by filling out their menu card and leaving it on the doorknob (if the weather isn’t too brisk, take that breakfast out on the porch for some soothing sea air to start your day), sip complimentary afternoon coffee and baked goods and a “social sips” hour at The Ebbitt Room Bar. Nearby are the Virginia Cottages — available as a full house rental or as separate apartments — perfect for large or small groups or families on an extended stay.
For a true bespoke Christmas experience, you would be hard-pressed to find a more enchanting backdrop than the one you’ll find when this coastal New Jersey town transforms itself as the mercury drops. There is endless magic to be found behind the doors of Congress Hall or The Virginia — and there will always be a warm hot chocolate and an even warmer smile to greet you there.
Rooms at Congress Hall and The Virginia begin at $199/night. Cottages at Beach Plum Farm begin at $650/night.
Related: Amangiri Is a Haven for Remote Respites in the Utah Desert
