In This Cape May Local Scoop Issue…

 📆 Cape May Events

☀️ Cape May Local Weather

 🎄 Middle Township Invites Local Businesses to Join First Wreath Decorating Contest

 🎄 Holiday Festivities Light Up Cape May’s Washington Street Mall

 🎄 Wildwoods Celebrates December with Four Festive Tree Lightings Across the Island

 🏨 Residents Divided Over Plan to Replace Wonderland Pier with Large Resort Hotel

👇 Here’s what’s going on in the Cape May Local Area👇

 November 15

• Live music at Elaine’s - 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm

• Live music at the Mad Batter - 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm

 November 16

• Christmas Makers Market at Convention Hall - 10:00 am - 4:00 pm

 November 17

• Cape May Jazz Vespers Welcomes The Hot Club of Philadelphia - 3:00 PM

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Middle Township Invites Local Businesses to Join First Wreath Decorating Contest

Middle Township is inviting local businesses to join in its first-ever wreath decorating contest as part of the annual Christmas in Court House celebration on December 6th. Open to just 20 participants, each registered business will receive a 24-inch wreath to decorate and display on the Pocket Park fence near the library. Festival-goers will vote for their favorite wreath, with the winning business to be announced at the Fire Hall following the holiday parade.

Businesses eager to showcase their festive spirit can register online or via QR code by November 25th at noon. Decorated wreaths must be submitted by December 5th at noon, with drop-offs coordinated through email or phone. For more information, participants can contact the library’s outreach team by email or phone.

Holiday Festivities Light Up Cape May’s Washington Street Mall

Cape May is celebrating the holiday season with a series of festive events that highlight the charm of the historic Washington Street Mall. From November 30th through December 13th, visitors can enjoy activities that capture the spirit of the season, offering something for everyone.

On Saturday, November 30th, the festivities kick off with the Small Business Saturday Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at Rotary Park. Guests can shop small, take advantage of special sales, listen to an old-fashioned Christmas choir, and even meet Santa Claus.

December 6th features a night of holiday cheer with the annual Christmas Parade on Perry Street and Carpenters Lane, Cape May’s largest winter event. The season wraps up on December 13th with a Mall-wide Christmas Hospitality Night, a long-standing tradition that showcases Cape May’s warm community spirit.

For full event details and to plan your visit, check out washingtonstreetmall.com/events.

Wildwoods Celebrates December with Four Festive Tree Lightings Across the Island

The Wildwoods are ready to welcome the holiday season with four festive tree lighting ceremonies across Five Mile Island in December, creating opportunities for families and friends to enjoy holiday traditions, treats, and live music. Here’s a look at what’s planned:

• Tuesday, December 3: The Wildwood Crest Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony will be held at Sunset Lake (Atlanta and New Jersey Avenues) at 5:30 p.m. Guests can enjoy refreshments, holiday music, and photos with Santa as Wildwood Crest kicks off its holiday season.

• Friday, December 6: Wildwood’s Business Improvement District will host a tree lighting at Byrne Plaza around 8:00 p.m., following the Greater Wildwood Jaycees Christmas Parade and awards ceremony. This event is part of the Christmas in the Plaza Festival, which continues through Saturday, December 7.

• Saturday, December 7: North Wildwood’s tree lighting will take place at the Hereford Inlet Lighthouse Courtyard at 5:00 p.m., featuring a holiday performance by the Margaret Mace School Choir, refreshments, a self-guided lighthouse tour, and a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus.

• Saturday, December 14: The Wildwoods Convention Center will hold a grand tree lighting ceremony at 4:30 p.m., concluding a Family Holiday Celebration from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Santa and Mrs. Claus will join the event to light up the final tree of the season.

Each of these events offers unique attractions to brighten the season for visitors and residents alike.

Residents Divided Over Plan to Replace Wonderland Pier with Large Resort Hotel

The iconic Gillian's Wonderland Pier on Ocean City's boardwalk, closed since October, could be transformed into a major new oceanfront hotel. Developer Eustace Mita, CEO of ICONA Resorts and current owner of Wonderland Pier, has announced plans for a 252-room hotel named "ICONA in Wonderland." This project, estimated at $135 to $155 million, aims to preserve the iconic Ferris wheel and carousel, raising them by 10 feet as part of a $1.5 million refurbishment effort.

Mita's proposal underscores the need for more accommodations in Ocean City, where tourism fuels the local economy. However, the plan has drawn opposition from residents and local officials. Bill Merritt, president of the Friends of OCNJ History & Culture, expressed concerns over the loss of a family-centric space, which he believes could alter the character of the area and disrupt nearby neighborhoods.

City Councilman Keith Hartzell also voiced reservations, noting that while the city needs development, he would prefer a smaller, family-focused hotel with modest amusement options. Hartzell also highlighted potential parking issues, as the proposed site includes 375 parking spaces, but nearby areas like Plaza Place and Pelham Place could face additional strain.

Mita plans to request that the area be designated as a "redevelopment zone," a move that would support hotel construction on the boardwalk. The proposal still requires approval from city council, local planning and zoning, and the state’s Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) before construction could begin, with a potential groundbreaking in early 2025 and an estimated 24-month completion period.

Answer to the November 12th Trivia Question

Which historic structure in Cape May was built in 1859 and continues to operate today?

A) Congress Hall.

B) Cape May Lighthouse

C) Arlington Hotel

D) Erwin Agnew House

Answer: B) Cape May Lighthouse

The Cape May Lighthouse, constructed in 1859, is an active lighthouse located at Cape May Point State Park. It has been an important navigational aid and a popular tourist attraction​