Christmas in Cape May & Lewes

Ready To Get Into the Holiday Spirit?

Come and experience the magic of the holiday season in Cape May and Lewes. These destinations have a lot to offer, from exciting shopping opportunities to delightful Winter Wonderland Villages. You can indulge in various activities to immerse yourself and your family in the festive spirit. Take advantage of the fantastic holiday happenings in Cape May and Lewes!

Cape May 

Winter Wonderland at Congress Hall Returning November 28, 2025

Winter Wonderland has returned to Congress Hall. When visiting Cape May this holiday season, prioritize this stop. Whether you’re looking to grab a cup of hot cocoa, shop, or ride with the kids aboard the Congress Hall Express, there is something for the whole family to enjoy.

Congress Hall

An Old Fashioned Christmas Exhibit at Emlen Physick Estate. November 21, 2025 – January 4, 2026.

The Old Fashioned Christmas Exhibit is a wonderful display of the extensive Dept. 56 Dickens Village collection, located at the Emlen Physick Estate. It is bound to leave you feeling like a kid at Christmas again. And don’t worry, once you’re filled with holiday cheer, there’s a spot for you to leave your letter to Santa!

Lewes 

Lewes Lights December 5th – 31st from 5-9 pm nightly. 

Take a trip through the local neighborhoods of Lewes and see how participating homeowners and businesses have decorated for the holiday season, bringing all things merry and bright to Lewes! You will follow the driving map tour of all the illuminated homes and businesses, and while on your tour, make sure to stop in the local businesses downtown to do some holiday shopping and grab a bite to eat! 

Schellville Winter Celebration in Rehoboth

Explore Schellville, where you will discover a plethora of activities, local vendors, live entertainment, and even get a chance to meet Mr. and Mrs. Claus! This fun-filled attraction is suitable for the whole family and is just a short ride from Lewes. You can find it located in Rehoboth Beach, behind the Tanger Outlets. Get your tickets online now! 

 

HOLIDAY TRAVELS

TIS THE SEASON TO SAIL

Holiday Ferry Travel Tips

🎄 7 Essential Holiday Ferry Travel Tips for a Smooth & Stress-Free Season

The holiday season is one of the most magical times of year — and also one of the busiest for travelers. Whether you’re heading across the Delaware Bay to see family, joining friends for a festive getaway, or simply taking a scenic break from the holiday rush, the Cape May–Lewes Ferry is one of the most relaxing ways to travel this time of year. With stunning winter skies, warm onboard amenities, and the chance to skip traffic on the bridges, your journey can feel like part of the holiday celebration itself.

To help you sail smoothly, here are seven updated, evergreen tips to make your holiday Ferry travel easy, enjoyable, and stress-free — whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, New Year’s, or any winter weekend in between.

A photo of the Cape May - Lewes Ferry Float decorated for a winter holiday parade in Lewes Delaware
The Ferry Float appears in the Lewes Holiday Parade
  1. Book Early — Holiday Sailings Fill Up Fast.
    Holiday weeks and weekends are some of our most popular travel periods. Booking your reservation in advance ensures you get your preferred sailing time — and keeps your travel plans merry and bright.
    Pro Tip: Morning sailings often have lighter traffic and breathtaking winter sunrises.
  2. Arrive 60 Minutes Before Departure (More During Peak Times).
    Give yourself plenty of time to check in, unload your luggage, and enjoy the terminals before boarding. Between holiday traffic, gifts, winter coats, and excited family members, the extra time makes a world of difference.
  3. Bring the Holiday Cheer for the Kids.
    Traveling with children during the holidays? Pack snack bags, favorite toys, headphones, and seasonal surprises like mini crafts or holiday coloring sheets. Once onboard, little ones love spotting lighthouses, ships, seabirds — and sometimes even dolphins!
  4. Enjoy the Ride — Stretch, Snack & Explore.
    A Ferry crossing is the perfect chance to unwind after hours on the road. Step out of your vehicle and enjoy:
    • Comfortable indoor lounges
    • Seasonal snacks and beverages
    • The gift shop (perfect for last-minute souvenirs!)
    • Fresh Bay breezes and winter views from the outdoor deck
    • A little movement goes a long way toward keeping everyone relaxed for the rest of the journey.
  5. Plan for Winter Weather Flexibility.
    Winter weather can be unpredictable. While delays are rare, it’s always smart to:
    • Keep an eye on traffic or storm forecasts
    • Make sure your contact information is updated in your reservation
    • Allow buffer time between your crossing and your next appointment or gathering
    • This small bit of planning helps keep the season stress-free, even when the forecast takes a turn.
  6. Keep Essentials Handy (Not Packed Away).
    Holiday gifts, snacks, chargers, medication, and winter layers should stay with you — not locked in the car. It makes the crossing more comfortable and avoids unnecessary trips back to your vehicle.
  7. Don’t Forget to Book Your Return Trip.
    The holidays go by quickly — and return sailings fill just as fast as outbound ones. Secure your trip home early so you can extend the festive fun without worrying about schedules.  Book online anytime or visit the Ticket Counter at either terminal.
The Capy May Ferry Terminal is decorated for the Holidays and ready to greet travelers and visitors to the Ferry
The Cape May Ferry Terminal Decorated for the Holidays

Holiday Travel Made Easy

With a little planning and a lot of scenery, holiday travel on the Cape May–Lewes Ferry is one of the easiest — and most relaxing — ways to cross the Delaware Bay. Book early, take your time, and enjoy a winter journey that’s filled with comfort, views, and holiday spirit.

Ready to set sail? Reserve your holiday crossing today!

HOLIDAY CELEBRATIONS

BEGIN ON THE FERRY

Christmas in July & Christmas Shops

Ways To Celebrate Christmas in July This Summer

Why celebrate Christmas once when you can celebrate it twice?  Christmas in July has become a very popular phenomenon throughout the past few years, and it’s not hard to see why. When mid-summer hits and you’re hot, sweaty, and sunburnt, dreaming of the brisk holiday season can provide a welcome chill! And although you can’t change the season, you can certainly still celebrate it.

Take a break from the beach and pull out your Santa hat because we have the ultimate guide to help you deck the halls this summer.  These must see Christmas shops located in your favorite shore towns will make this “holiday season” the best one yet.

Winterwood Gift & Christmas Shoppe

Winterwood Gift & Christmas Shoppe is a full service gift shoppe with three locations in Rio Grande (3137 Rt. 9 South, Rio Grande NJ), Cape May (526 Washington Street, Cape May NJ), and Wildwood (2910 Boardwalk, Wildwood NJ).  Each Shoppe has its own unique touch filled with festive home decor, art, gifts, collectibles, and Christmas ornaments.  Winterwood is a must see shoppe in Cape May County!

Winterwood Gift & Christmas Shoppe
Photo Credit
Winterwood Gift & Christmas Shoppe

Mia’s Christmas Gallery

Mia’s Christmas Gallery is a famous landmark located on Asbury Avenue in Ocean City, NJ.  It is a family owned business and has been around for 42 years, so it is filled with holiday tradition.  Be sure to stop in and check out all of the unique ornaments, decorations, and gifts that Mia’s has to offer.

 Mia's Christmas Gallery
Photo Credit
Mia’s Christmas Gallery

Paisley Christmas Shoppe

Paisley Christmas Shoppe has been around since 1985 and is located in the heart of Stone Harbor’s iconic Main Street among all of the awesome shops and restaurants.  Paisley Christmas Shoppe is most famously known for their beautiful handcrafted personalized Surf Clam ornaments, the perfect touch to your Christmas in July Celebrations!

Custom-painted Surf Clam Christmas ornaments
Photo Credit
Paisley Christmas Shoppe

Christmas Spirit

Christmas Spirit in Rehoboth Beach is a must see! This past winter, Christmas Spirit moved back to its original home of 20 years at 129 Rehoboth Ave.  Christmas Spirit sells everything from Christmas trees, to ornaments, wreaths, hand-painted sea shells and sand dollars, and just about everything in between. The store has over 60 different themes and you can personalize any item. Be sure to check out the new location right in the heart of Rehoboth beach.

Christmas Spirit Rehoboth
Photo Credit
Christmas Spirit

Search in CMLF

Cape May Lewes Ferry

Subscribe to our newsletter

Booking Form