Cape May Hosts Dual Tree Lightings to Ring in Holiday Season

Issue #536

December 05, 2025

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In This Cape May Local Scoop Issue…

 📆 Cape May Events

☀️ Cape May Local Weather

🎭Cape May Hosts Dual Tree Lightings to Ring in Holiday Season

𝄞⨾𓍢ִ໋ $78M Diesel-Hybrid Ferry Coming to Cape May–Lewes Route

⛽ Stone Harbor Eyes 3% Occupancy Tax on Short-Term Rentals

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 5

Have an Upcoming Event?

Bring Home a Piece of Cape May for Christmas

Cape May Hosts Dual Tree Lightings to Ring in Holiday Season

Cape May will officially usher in the holiday season tonight, with two beloved tree lighting ceremonies happening just blocks apart in the heart of town. Locals and visitors alike can look forward to a festive evening filled with lights, music, and holiday cheer.

At Rotary Park, the city's official tree lighting will take place from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The cozy gathering will feature classic caroling and a special appearance by Santa Claus, and Cape May’s own Mary Roth offering families a chance to enjoy a warm, small-town holiday tradition. Rotary Park is located at 400 Lafayette Street, making it an easily accessible spot for a community celebration.

Congress Hall will also host its annual tree lighting event on the hotel’s grand lawn. Running from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., this larger celebration includes live entertainment, seasonal treats, and Santa’s grand arrival, culminating in the illumination of Congress Hall’s towering Christmas tree. The event takes place at 200 Congress Place.

With both events happening on the same night, Cape May promises a festive double feature for holiday lovers, with plenty of cheer and sparkle to go around.

$78M Diesel-Hybrid Ferry Coming to Cape May–Lewes Route

 A significant step toward a more sustainable future is underway for the Cape May–Lewes Ferry, as the Delaware River and Bay Authority (DRBA) moves forward with plans to introduce a diesel-hybrid vessel to its fleet.

This new ferry will have the capacity to carry 75 vehicles and hundreds of passengers, and is designed to reduce emissions and lower operational costs. The DRBA awarded the $78.6 million construction contract to SENESCO Marine of Rhode Island, the lowest bidder for the project. A $20 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation will help fund the environmentally friendly upgrade.

Construction is scheduled to begin in 2026, with the ferry expected to be in service by summer 2029. Once operational, it will replace the MV Cape Henlopen, one of the oldest ferries in the current fleet at more than 40 years old.

The new vessel’s hybrid technology will allow it to operate with zero emissions while docked and significantly reduced emissions at sea. The ferry is projected to cut carbon dioxide output by more than 2,000 tons per year and reduce fuel use by about 35%. It will also slash emissions of nitrogen dioxide and carbon monoxide, improving air quality in the region.

 

Stone Harbor Eyes 3% Occupancy Tax on Short-Term Rentals

Stone Harbor is advancing plans to implement a 3% occupancy tax on hotel and motel stays, as well as short-term rentals arranged through online platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo. The ordinance, introduced by Borough Council on December 2, is set for a public hearing and possible adoption on December 16.

Under the proposal, rentals brokered by licensed real estate agents would remain exempt due to state law. If adopted, Stone Harbor would join several neighboring towns—including Cape May, Ocean City, and Lower and Middle townships—that have already enacted similar taxes.

The proposed tax is intended to generate new revenue for the borough without increasing the burden on local property owners.

What is the name of Cape May’s popular walkway that runs parallel to the beach, attracting both locals and tourists for scenic walks?

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Answer to the December 4th Trivia Question

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

A) Battery 223
B) Fort Mott
C) Fort Hancock
D) Battery Park Tower

Answer: A) Battery 223.

Battery 223, located near Cape May Point, is a coastal defense structure built during World War II. It was part of the harbor defense system for the Delaware Bay and is now part of Cape May Point State Park.

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