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The Magic Returns to Congress Hall

Congress Hall is delighted to announce its thirteenth annual Winter Wonderland—our beloved holiday spectacular that celebrates this special time of year in Cape May. Join us for old favorites like Breakfast with Santa, Congress Hall Express rides, and Santa's Workshop activities.
November 24, 2023 - January 1, 2024

Congress Hall was honored as one of America's 10 Best Holiday Hotels by USA TODAY Reader's Choice. Now in its thirteenth year, Congress Hall's Winter Wonderland draws thousands of holiday visitors annually.

Train & Carousel Rides

at Congress Hall
All aboard! The Congress Hall Express and Carousel returns this year for another year of Winter Wonderland festivities.
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Enchanted Vendor Village

at Congress Hall
Complete with candy cane-striped tents, Congress Hall's iconic Vendor Village returns just in time for the holiday shopping season!
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HOLIDAY Dining Events

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Breakfast with Santa

Congress Hall Ballroom

November 25 through December 24, 2023
Every Saturday & Sunday from 8:00am - 3:00pm

Breakfast with Santa returns to Congress Hall! We are excited to host this holiday family favorite in the Grand Ballroom. Our team has prepared a delicious buffet menu. Dress up in your holiday best for photos with Saint Nick by the poinsettia tree.

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HOLIDAY FARM DINNERS

at Beach Plum Farm

Celebrate the most wonderful time of the year in the warm glow of Beach Plum Farm’s rustic, yet elegant hoop house. Holiday Farm-to-Table Dinners begin with a hayride tour of the farm fields, followed by a candle lit stroll through the Woodland Trail for fellowship and cocktail hour.

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Please note that our Farm Dinners are best enjoyed by those age 21 and up. All dinners are BYOB.

The Annual Congress Hall

Tree Lighting Ceremony

Head to Congress Hall's Grand Lawn as we usher in the spirit of the holidays with our Tree Lighting Ceremony. Enjoy live music from our Festival Choir as we wait in anticipation. Then, we'll count down together and throw the switch, illuminating our gorgeous 30-foot Norway Spruce.

Friday, December 1st



Tree Lighting Program

  • 6:00 PM: Live Music on the Congress Hall Lawn
    • We'll kick off the evening with live music, featuring the talents of the Don Evans Trio.
  • 7:30 PM: Concert and Sing-Along with the Congress Hall Festival Choir
    • Who doesn't love a holiday sing-along? The Congress Hall Festival choir will take the stage to lead the crowd in festive song.
  • 8:00 PM: Tree Lighting Ceremony Begins
    • After our sing-along, we'll count down together and throw the switch!
For safety and space, we ask that parents not bring strollers into the Lawn area directly in front of the Tree Lighting stage.


Train & Carousel Rides

The Congress Hall Express

The Congress Hall Express returns for rides around our grand hotel's lawn and veranda.

Train Rides Available November 24 - December 23

Thursday - Friday: 4:00pm - 9:00pm
Saturday: 11:00am - 9:00pm
Sunday: 11:00am - 8:00pm

$5 per Ride*

Special Events hours subject to change.
*Cape Resorts Hotel Guests will receive one Ticket at check-in per child under 12 years of age that can be used for the Congress Hall Carousel or Train.

The Congress Hall Carousel

We are so excited to bring back Congress Hall's Carousel for Winter Wonderland!

Carousel Rides Available November 24 - December 23

Thursday - Friday: 4:00pm - 9:00pm
Saturday: 9:00am - 9:00pm
Sunday: 9:00am - 8:00pm

$5 per Ride*

Special Events hours subject to change.
*Cape Resorts Hotel Guests will receive one Ticket at check-in per child under 12 years of age that can be used for the Congress Hall Carousel or Train.

Congress Hall

Enchanted
Vendor Village

Complete with candy cane-striped tents, Congress Hall's iconic Vendor Village returns just in time for the holiday shopping season! This year's vendor village features seventeen specialty stores, each featuring Cape May gifts, souvenirs and curiosities perfect for everyone on your list.

Returning November 24th, 2023!

Thursday & Friday: 4:00pm - 9:00pm
Saturday: 11:00am - 9:00pm
Sunday: 11:00am - 8:00pm

Local Holiday Shopping

west end garage

West End Garage

Cape May's premier shopping destination featuring 50 stores and 62 vendors in a charming renovated garage.

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Tommy’s Folly

A trip to Cape May isn't complete without a visit to Tommy's Folly. There's something for everyone here, from resort-wear finds to Cape May souvenirs.

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beach plum farm

Farm to home. Shop fresh produce, local artisans crafts, farm-inspired merchandise perfect for holiday gifting.

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