CAPE MAY – When it comes to Christmas, few states do it like New Jersey. In most towns across the state, streets are filled with rows and rows of homes lavishly decorated for Christmas. We also go big in New Jersey. With several major Christmas light show drive-throughs and over-the-top private light shows and displays, it’s hard to beat the New Jersey Christmas spirit.
But two New Jersey towns were among the top 25 in America’s “Best Towns for the Holidays” list published by Travel & Leisure.
The first is Cape May, located at the southern tip of New Jersey and the Jersey Shore.
“This Jersey Shore town has a strong Victorian streak — it’s easily recognized by its quaint architecture — and the holiday season pushes it a little further on the Dickensian scale. The walkable Washington Street Mall gets draped in greenery and festive lights,” the report stated. “To sweeten the season, drop by the Original Fudge Kitchen, which also offers great fudge-and-saltwater-taffy gift boxes. If you have kids, check in to Congress Hall, where the Grand Lawn across from the beach turns into a seaside winter wonderland complete with festive activities.”
The second best town for Christmas in New Jersey was Atlantic City.
“A casino and boardwalk don’t exactly conjure images of plum puddings and carolers, yet travelers appreciate Atlantic City’s wild weekend spirit and vivid people-watching around the holidays. Festivities this year include the Tree Lighting and Holiday Musical Light Show at The Quarter at Tropicana. Plus, don’t miss the Atlantic City Bazaar at the Noyes Arts Garage of Stockton University,” the report said.
Left off the list was the historic village of Smithville, which is probably one of the nicest places in the state during the holidays.
Christmas and holiday joy can be found all across the Garden State. It’s not hard to find a great Christmas destination in your part of the state.