Holiday Magic Comes to Downtown Wildwood with Parade and Festival

Issue #535

December 04, 2025

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In This Cape May Local Scoop Issue…

 📆 Cape May Events

☀️ Cape May Local Weather

🎭Holiday Magic Comes to Downtown Wildwood with Parade and Festival

𝄞⨾𓍢ִ໋ Ocean City Mayor Declares Personal Bankruptcy, Pledges Continued Service

⛽ Toll Takers Disappear as Atlantic City Expressway Goes Fully Automated

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👇  

 December 4

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Cape May County Theaters Earn Statewide Recognition for 2025 Season

Downtown Wildwood is gearing up for a festive weekend of holiday cheer as the Greater Wildwood Jaycees Christmas Parade and Christmas in the Plaza return December 5–6, 2025. This two-day celebration promises seasonal fun for the whole family, with activities, entertainment, and plenty of Christmas magic.

The festivities kick off Friday, December 5, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., with free carnival rides, vendors, and live music by the John Walter Band. Families can also enjoy a special story time with Mrs. Claus, adding a heartwarming touch to the evening.

The highlight of the weekend takes place Friday night at 6:00 p.m., when Santa Claus and his helpers lead the annual Christmas Parade. The procession starts on 16th Avenue in North Wildwood, heads south along Central Avenue, and continues down Pacific Avenue to Spicer Avenue before finishing at Byrne Plaza.

The celebration continues on Saturday, December 6, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., with more free rides, vendors, and holiday-themed entertainment in Byrne Plaza. In the event of inclement weather, the parade will be rescheduled for Sunday, December 7, at 5:00 p.m.

Parade registration forms and full event details are available at WildwoodHoliday.com. For additional information about the Wildwoods’ holiday season, call 609-729-9000 or visit WildwoodsNJ.com.

Ocean City Mayor Declares Personal Bankruptcy, Pledges Continued Service

 Ocean City Mayor Jay Gillian has filed for personal bankruptcy due to prolonged financial difficulties. Despite this personal setback, Gillian stressed that his dedication to his role as mayor remains unchanged. He pledged to continue focusing on key city priorities, including public safety, responsible development, and sound investment. He also expressed empathy for others facing financial hardship, stating that such difficulties are widespread and non-discriminatory, and encouraged those struggling to seek help.

The mayor acknowledged that some residents may have concerns about the bankruptcy filing, but reassured the community of his ongoing transparency and commitment. He called for unity and respect, particularly for his family, during this time, and expressed gratitude for the support he has received.

 

Toll Takers Disappear as Atlantic City Expressway Goes Fully Automated

 The once-familiar role of toll taker on the Atlantic City Expressway has officially been phased out — a move finalized nearly a decade ago but symbolizing a broader trend still unfolding today.

On January 4, 2016, the Expressway permanently stopped accepting cash payments at toll booths. Since then, drivers have been required to use E-ZPass or pay through Toll-by-Mail, in which overhead cameras capture a vehicle’s license plate and send the toll invoice by mail.

The transition marked the end of a job category that had existed for generations. Toll takers — once a fixture of daily life for commuters and travelers heading to the Jersey Shore — were replaced by a combination of automated systems, sensors, and cameras.

The disappearance of toll takers is just one example of how automation and artificial intelligence continue to reshape the workforce. The job of the toll taker, like many before it, is now a part of New Jersey’s past — a reminder of how quickly modern advancements can rewrite the rules of the road and the economy..

Cape May is home to a unique WWII-era structure that served as a coastal defense. What is this structure called?

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Answer to the December 3rd Trivia Question

What is the name of the ferry service that connects Cape May, New Jersey, to Lewes, Delaware?

A) Cape May Express
B) Atlantic Coastal Ferry
C) Delaware Bay Connector
D) Cape May–Lewes Ferry

Answer: D) Cape May–Lewes Ferry.

The Cape May–Lewes Ferry offers a scenic route across the Delaware Bay, connecting Cape May, New Jersey, to Lewes, Delaware. It has been operating since 1964 and is a popular mode of transport for tourists and locals.

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