Let’s talk about the holiday classic – “The Twelve Days of Christmas.” You know the song about what “my true love gave to me” that includes several maids a milking and a partridge in a pear tree. Well, from November through the end of December, our area is a leaping full of holiday activities for adults and children alike. Whether breakfast with Santa or Christmas Cookies & Cocktails for adults, there are many winter season activities to partake in from November to the end of December. So, grab a cup of eggnog (spiked or not), and let’s see what local events are happening in our area besides the 12 drummers drumming!
Historic Smithville
The quaint shops and grounds that make up the Smithville Village epitomize Christmas décor - a town full of holiday gingerbread houses. Even at night, the village is illuminated with a light show consisting of over 120 Christmas trees dancing across the lake. Whether you are in for some serious holiday shopping or looking to take a walk through the scenic village, Smithville’s holiday calendar is bursting with activities for all ages.
Magic Talking Tree (free)
Located next to the Smithville Train Station, an oversized Christmas tree “awakens” to talk to you about the holidays and anything else you’d like to ask like, “Where’s Santa?”
Dickens Fest (free)
Enjoy an original, musical adaptation of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” – the classic tale of Ebenezer Scrooge and the three ghosts that visit him on a memorable Christmas Eve.
The Smithville Train
Take a 6-minute ride around Smithville Village for a wonderful tour of the decorated town.
S’mores on the Greene
On Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, purchase your own s’mores packet and enjoy yummy treats around the fire pits on the Greene.
Special Nights at Smithville:
Hospitality Night
December 3rd - Discounts, refreshments, raffles, and live entertainment.
Girls Night Out
December 8th - An evening for ladies to shop and partake in wine and cheese, raffles, and discounts.
Breakfast with Santa
Dec 11th and 18th – Ho ho ho with the happy man in red at Ethel’s Lantern Light.
For more information: December in Smithville
Renault Winery & Resort
During the holiday months, Renault transforms itself into a “Vinter Wonderland” – fire pits, ice skating, and much more. From breakfast with Santa to cocktails with the girls, you will find food, drink, and entertainment options that will top off your holiday spirit.
Tree Lightening with Santa
Start off the holiday season at Renault Winery with the lighting of their famous barrel tree. It’s a perfect spot to take your holiday greeting card photo as Santa flips the switch on to herald in the holiday season.
Story time with Santa
Relax and enjoy fresh baked cookies from Renault’s Cafe La Fleur as Santa Clause reads a Christmas classic in a way that only Santa can. Yes, photo ops are a must!
Cookies & Cocktails
Grab your BFF and partake in some of Renault’s signature cocktails and festive cookies!
Breakfast with Santa
Whether you are naughty or nice, come to have breakfast with Santa in Renault’s beautiful Chateau Ballroom. A variety of breakfast favorites are served buffet-style with coffee, juice, and tea.
Gingerbread Cookie Decorating
No experience necessary! A fun event for the whole family - decorate (& eat) your very own Gingerbread Man!
For more information: Renault Winery Resort
Cape May
Like a Currier & Ives postcard, the Victorian homes in Cape May decorated for the holiday season beg to be photographed. The town offers many yuletide events from house tours to carolers and shopping through the pedestrian Washington Street Mall.
Holiday Season – Kick-Off
Join Santa and Mrs. Claus along with a band of merry elves at the amazingly decorated Physick Estate to officially light the tree. The Atlantic Brass Band performs holiday classics in the Victorian mansion aglow with thousands of lights and holiday trimmings.
The West Cape May Christmas Parade
Now in its 57th year, the parade is a longtime community favorite that says, “Christmas is here!”
Trolley Tours
The best way to see Cape May’s Christmas lights and decorations is on board a heated trolley with dramatic tales told by an East Lynne Theater Company member. Holiday themes include Ghosts of Christmas Past and Santa’s Trolley.
Cape May City Crafts at Christmas
The crafty fair is free and open to the public. What a fun way to find that perfect hand-crafted gift for someone special on your list.
Holiday Inns Tour
Take a self-guided tour through several Cape May bed & breakfast inns decorated ever so festively for the holidays. Continuous trolley shuttle service takes you from house to house.
For more information: Christmas in Cape May
