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Cape May Zoo Lights Up the Holidays with Tree Lighting and Drone Spectacle

Issue #530

November 29, 2025

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In This Cape May Local Scoop Issue…

 📆 Cape May Events

☀️ Cape May Local Weather

🦁 Cape May Zoo Lights Up the Holidays with Tree Lighting and Drone Spectacle

🎡Cape May Turns Into a Victorian Holiday Wonderland for Christmas

💰 New Jersey Powerball Luck Continues with $1M Win in Cape May

Cape May Local Scoop’s Events Are Sponsored By: The Cape May Holiday Guide

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

 November 29

Have an Upcoming Event?

Cape May Zoo Lights Up the Holidays with Tree Lighting and Drone Spectacle

The holiday season kicks off in high spirits at Cape May County Park & Zoo with its annual tree lighting event, turning the popular attraction into a winter wonderland of lights, music, and festive family fun. Taking place on Saturday, November 29, from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., this free celebration promises a full afternoon of seasonal cheer, capped off with a tree lighting ceremony and a jaw-dropping drone show.

Starting at 2:00 p.m., the park transforms into a holiday hub featuring bounce houses, a walk-through “Wild Lights” display, and live performances by the John Walter Cape Community Band. Kids and adults alike can mingle with festive characters while enjoying seasonal snacks and treats. Local vendors will offer one-of-a-kind gifts, handmade crafts, and even artwork created by the zoo's resident animals—courtesy of the Cape May County Association of Zoo Keepers.

Before the festivities kick off, the zoo will be open from 10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., giving visitors the chance to explore animal exhibits ahead of the evening’s events.

The highlight of the evening begins at 5:00 p.m. with the lighting of a giant holiday tree, promising the kind of picture-perfect glow-up that defines the season. But the night doesn’t end there. Following the tree lighting, Cape May Aerial Ads will launch a drone light show, lighting up the sky with synchronized, high-tech displays that will leave the crowd in awe.

Cape May Turns Into a Victorian Holiday Wonderland for Christmas

 As the holiday season approaches, few places capture the spirit of Christmas quite like Cape May. According to Travel and Leisure, this Jersey Shore gem—already known for its charming Victorian architecture—takes on a magical, storybook quality when winter arrives. Twinkling lights, garland-draped lampposts, and festive storefronts bring a Dickensian atmosphere to life, turning this coastal town into a true Christmas destination.

Strolling down the Washington Street Mall during December feels like stepping into a Hallmark movie. Locals and visitors browse boutiques beneath glowing string lights, pausing to admire elaborate window displays or sip hot cocoa from nearby cafés. Among the favorite stops is The Original Fudge Kitchen, where gift boxes filled with creamy fudge and saltwater taffy make for perfect holiday treats.

For those planning an overnight stay, Congress Hall offers a family-friendly holiday experience. Each year, the historic hotel transforms its Grand Lawn into a seaside winter wonderland. Guests can enjoy seasonal activities, festive décor, and the cozy ambiance that has made this landmark hotel a Cape May tradition.

Whether you're traveling with loved ones or flying solo, Cape May offers an unforgettable setting for a classic Christmas escape—where even the coldest winter nights feel warm with holiday cheer.

 

New Jersey Powerball Luck Continues with $1M Win in Cape May

  A lucky Powerball player in Cape May County is celebrating a $1 million win after purchasing a ticket at the ShopRite of Rio Grande, located at 1700 Route 47 South. The ticket matched five of the five white balls drawn—07, 08, 15, 19, and 28—missing only the red Powerball number, which was 03. The Power Play multiplier was also 03.

While no one claimed the full jackpot, the grand prize has now surged to $719 million for Saturday’s upcoming drawing, with a lump-sum cash value of $333.3 million.

This $1 million win is one of several high-value prizes awarded in New Jersey since the current Powerball run began on September 8. In that time, 22 New Jersey players have claimed prizes of $50,000 or more. Among them were two $1 million winners, including this recent Cape May ticket.

Cape May is often considered the oldest seaside resort in the United States. When did it first begin attracting vacationers?

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Answer to the November 28th Trivia Question

Cape May is home to which historical estate, now a museum, that offers a glimpse into life during the Victorian era?

A) Emlen Physick Estate
B) Southern Mansion
C) The Chalfonte Hotel
D) The Virginia Hotel

Answer: A) Emlen Physick Estate

The Emlen Physick Estate, built in 1879, is a restored Victorian house museum that gives visitors insight into Cape May’s rich history and the life of its Victorian residents.

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