(CAPE MAY, NJ) -- Cape May MAC (Museums+Arts+Culture) held its annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony Saturday, November 21 at the Emlen Physick Estate, ushering in six weeks of Cape May holiday tours, activities and events in 2020, with some unique features that reflect this year's focus on healthy community participation. Social distancing areas were marked out on the expansive grounds, and a limit on the number of persons on the grounds permitted by state protocols was maintained through a check-in and pre-registration process.
The photo show Santa Claus on the outdoor stage as he prepares to flip the switch at 7:00pm to light the huge Christmas tree located on the estate's front lawn. Sally Bingham performed an interactive reading of "'Twas the Night Before Christmas." A highlight of this year's celebration was the Atlantic Brass Band in a free Cape May Music Festival concert of holiday melodies and carols, with support from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts. The Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony was sponsored by Sturdy Savings Bank.
The Physick Estate grounds are open to the public this holiday season, and a variety of holiday house and trolley tours and events are offered, all in accordance with state guidelines. Masks are required on the estate.
Cape May MAC (Museums+Arts+Culture), previously known as the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts & Humanities, is a multifaceted not-for-profit organization committed to promoting the preservation, interpretation, and cultural enrichment of the Cape May region for its residents and visitors. Cape May MAC membership is open to all. For information about Cape May MAC’s year-round schedule of tours, festivals, and special events, call 609-884-5404 or 800-275-4278. For information about restaurants, accommodations and shopping, call the Chamber of Commerce of Greater Cape May at 609-884-5508 or visit www.capemaychamber.com. For information about historic accommodations, contact Cape May Historic Accommodations at www.capemaylodging.com.
Photo credit: Photos by Joseph Evangelista