Winter Wonderland at Congress Hall in Cape May

By Amy A. Winnemore
With the scent of gingerbread in the air and twinkling lights shining brightly on the trees, Congress Hall’s grand lawn has been transformed into a magical winter wonderland.

All this month, there’s an abundance of holiday activities for all ages at this historic resort in Cape May, N.J. The oldest seaside hotel in the country is also wrapping up its bicentennial celebration with its annual Winter Wonderland festivities including Brunch with Santa, “It’s a Wonderful Life” and more.

Guests will be awed as they stroll into the Victorian hotel and gaze at the beautiful Christmas trees and the giant candy canes lining the hallways.

“We do Christmas on steroids,” says Curtis Bashaw, laughing as he describes the abundance of holiday cheer at Congress Hall.

Bashaw, whose grandfather, preacher Carl McIntire, once owned the hotel, is co-founder and co-managing partner of Cape Advisors and Cape Resorts Group which operates Congress Hall.

For more than a decade, the year-round hotel has played host to visitors who visit Cape May not just as a summer playground but also as a charming, winter village.

“I have so many wonderful memories here and I want guests to experience the same magic,” says Bashaw.

Every Thursday to Sunday until Jan. 1, visitors can stop by the hotel’s enchanted shopping village on its Grand Lawn, sample a soothing cup of hot chocolate, visit Santa’s Workshop or take a ride on the Congress Hall Express Train to get into the holiday spirit.

On Sunday, Dec. 18 Congress Hall’s Grand Ballroom will host Brunch with Santa. The buffet will feature omelet stations, carving stations and desserts with a visit from old St. Nick himself.

For Jimmy Stewart fans, the “This Wonderful Life” dinner and show held from Thursday-Sunday until Dec. 30 is a holiday must. The classic story of George and Mary Bailey and Mr. Potter, is brought to life in a theatrical version in Congress Hall’s Harrison Room. After that guests will enjoy a tasty dinner at the hotel’s Blue Big Tavern.

Instead of a just day trip, enjoy a relaxing night at the hotel and take advantage of their “Walkin’ in a Winter Wonderland” package. The package includes deluxe accommodations, Express Train rides, hot chocolate with whipped cream and a $30 breakfast dining credit at the Blue Big Tavern.

There is definitely something for all ages at Congress Hall this holiday season.

If you go: Congress Hall’s Winter Wonderland continues until Jan. 1. Visit www.caperesorts.com/hotels/capemay/congresshall/ or call 609-884-6542.

Comments

A stellar 'Philly POPS Christmas' at the Kimmel Center

With twinkling lights, classic Christmas carols and even a visit from Santa, the audience was swept up in the holiday spirit watching “A Philly Pops Christmas Spectacular Sounds of the Season” last weekend at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts in Philadelphia. Music Director Maestro Michael Krajewski conducted the sensational show featuring over 300 musicians and singers, including the 65-piece Pops orchestra, guest vocalist Justin Hopkins, organist Peter Richard Conte, the Philly POPS Festival Chorus, the Philadelphia Boys Choir and the African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas Gospel Choir. The Pops sounded exquisite as they performed amongst the twinkling trees on the stage and sparkling lighted snowflakes above. Hopkins's booming bass baritone voice was perfect as he narrated "The Grinch Medley." Describing the furry, green, grumpy recluse living above the town of Whoville (on Mount Crumpet) , Hopkins was superb as he sang "You're a Mean One, Mr....

Philadelphia Flower Show blossoms as an outdoor event

Visiting the Philadelphia Flower Show every March at the Pennsylvania Convention Center was an anticipated annual event for my mom & I for nearly 14 years. Our last show, on March 1, 2020, would turn out to be our final social event for a very long time. So when the show was moved to FDR Park in South Philly, & now in June, I was concerned it would be too hot for my mom, driving down & parking in $22 lots instead of taking the train, ect. But as we walked along the tree-lined pathways & blooming floral displays my mom turned to me & said, "this is my favorite show yet!" Now until June 19, "In Full Bloom" offers visitors a new show layout, food & beverage offerings, special events, & recreational spaces including the Kids Cocoon & Play Space & several dining options. A variety of ticket options are available for guests, along with several returning and new events that will appeal to both seasoned fans of the Show and new ...

'Jurassic Park in Concert' at the Mann Center

The thundering roar of a Tyrannosaurus rex rang through The Mann Center for the Performing Arts last Saturday. The king of the dinosaurs, along with Velociraptors and a Brachiosaurus, were projected in high definition as part of The Mann Center’s “Jurassic Park in Concert.” With the Philadelphia Orchestra performing the score live, it brought a newfound excitement to re-watching the 1993 summer blockbuster. As part of the Movies at The Mann series, “Jurassic Park” fans were part of a full sensory experience as the Orchestra, conducted by Aram Demirjian, heightened the excitement and anxiety as they performed the award-winning score by John Williams. Even though I’ve seen the movie many times, listening to the memorable music being performed live made it feel like I was in high school again watching the movie for the first time. When the helicopter carrying Dr. Alan Grant, Dr. Ellie Sattler, Dr. Ian Malcolm and John Hammond approaches Isla Nublar, you’re swept away...

Delco Collage

Search This Blog