Sure the holidays are supposed to be joyful, but when you’re bogged down with to-do-lists, gift buying and decorating on top of all your everyday stuff, that’s a recipe for dampening your holiday spirits. So here’s an idea— why not slow down and recapture that joy during a weekend away that celebrates a classic small-town Christmas like those Hallmark movies? Create a new holiday tradition by heading to Cape May, where this Victorian-era village lights up with jolly decor, holiday-filled happenings, Santa sightings and of course, lots of old-fashioned charm. And with off-season rates at hotels, this is that family escape you’ve been dreaming of—without blowing your holiday budget. Read on to make this the merriest time for your family this season. If summer in Cape May is more your cup of cocoa, check out NJMOM’s guide to kid-friendly things to do in Cape May.
featured image via Lokal Hotel
WHERE TO PLAY:
Holiday Lights Trolley Ride: What better way to see Cape May in its holiday best than on an old-fashioned trolley ride? Kids will be in awe of the twinkling lights and festive decor on homes and inns in the historic district. Expect lots of sing-alongs to Christmas music throughout the 30-minute ride. On weekends, Mrs. Claus hosts the rides which end with a meet and greet with Santa at the carriage house. Rides start at $10 for adults, $8 for children.
WHERE TO STAY:
The Grand Hotel: You can’t beat the beachfront location, huge-sized rooms and suites with kitchenettes, the onsite family-friendly restaurant Hemingway’s and an indoor pool at this full-service resort. Kids will have a ball splashing around in the pool and playing arcade games in the game room, while you sweat it out in the fitness center. Each morning, Hemingway’s offers a huge breakfast buffet filled with Belgium waffle and omelet stations, and since both their lunch and dinner menu feature locally-sourced seafood and mouthwatering steaks, there’s no need to leave the hotel (which is so key when you’ve got littles that go to bed early). If you’re able to carve out adult time (and can swing a sitter) check out the Hemingway’s Bar, which hosts live music during the week and a DJ spinning ’80’s music on the weekends.
1045 Beach Ave, rates starting at $107
Congress Hall: This picture-perfect, historic hotel is what Christmas dreams are made of— the seaside resort transforms into a winter wonderland complete with a carousel, train, an enchanted shopping village and Santa’s Workshop, where kids can get personalized elf hats, listen to Mrs.Claus read stories, make crafts and write letters to the big guy. If that’s not enough, the entire resort is decorated with a traditional yuletide touch from top to bottom with fresh greens, giant nutcrackers and a magnificent lit tree that definitely makes you feel like you’ve landed in a classic Christmas movie. Opt for one of their holiday packages that includes a family bingo and dinner, breakfast with Santa or a festive feast complete with all the trimmings on Christmas Day.
200 Congress Place, rates starting at $139
Lokal Hotel: This boutique beach hotel is a fresh twist of modern design in a sea of Victorian-style bed and breakfasts. The fam will feel right at home here— with each spacious studio and two-bedroom room, you get a cozy living room, a full-service, stocked kitchen with plenty of dining space (so you can have meals in— a real relief for those traveling with littles), marble bathrooms and comfy beds, including some with kid-friendly bunks. Feeling like you need to unwind? Schedule an in-room massage while kids play board games provided by the hotel. The smaller size and attention to detail gives you a sense of calm as soon as you step through the doors— a welcome relief to all the holiday hustle and bustle happening outside.
5 Stockton Place, rates start at $271
The Virginia Hotel: Ok, this one is not kid-friendly, but it’s worth a mention if you can sneak away for a romantic weekend to this beautiful manor, which has privileges with Congress Hall (hello fitness room and spa). The gorgeous, charming decor makes you feel like you’re in a friend’s amazing country house— each room boasts luxe Belgium linens and plush furnishings done up in crisp whites and soft blues, while the cozy living room downstairs has a roaring fireplace and comfy leather chairs. A continental breakfast is included with each room, and for dinner, you won’t want to go any further than the famed Ebbitt Room— they source the cuisine from their very own Beach Plum Farm and there’s a jazzy piano player on weekends. Ring in the New Year with a package that includes dinner for two in the Ebbitt Room, glasses of champagne, extended late check-out, breakfast and complimentary valet parking.
25 Jackson Street, rates starting at $149.
