Cape May, New Jersey - A gift of twinkling lights, wreathes, greens and special holiday touches await on Victorian Cape May’s 28^{th annual Christmas Candlelight House Tours, Saturdays, December 1, 8 and 15 from 5:30pm-8:30pm. Come join the cheerful crowd of fellow revelers and get into the spirit of the season as you go on these self-guided tours of Cape May’s homes, inns, hotels and churches specially decorated for the holidays (at least 15 each night).}

All three tours feature entry to Captain Mey’s Inn (circ. 1890), whose interior features old world charm with warm oak and Tiffany stained glass, and whose exterior boasts wraparound porches with round, smooth columns; The Fairthorne (circ. 1892), which was built by a whaling ship captain with wraparound veranda with fluted columns and a ship’s mantel in the dining room; and The Brass Bed (circ.1872), which features paired brackets, ^{fishscale cut cedar shakes on the second floor bay and carved vergeboard detailing on the main gable on the exterior and a unique collection of brass beds inside.}

On Saturday, December 1 tourgoers will also enjoy visiting such houses as The Henry Sawyer Inn, The Mason Cottage, Woodleigh House and Twin Gables in addition to those listed above. Some of the highlights of this evening include needlework pieces, Tiffany-style stained glass windows and family antiques.

On Saturday, December 8, tourgoers will enjoy such houses as The Canterbury Cottage Inn, King’s Cottage, The Manse, Queen’s Hotel and the Albert Stevens Inn in addition to the three inns being featured on all tours. Some of the highlights include a 1910 player piano, oriental carpets and twin fireplaces.

On Saturday, December 15, tourgoers will enjoy such houses as the Canterbury Cottage Inn, The Duke of Windsor, The John F. Craig House, The Jeremiah Hand House and the Wooden Rabbit. Some of the highlights include Arts & Crafts period furniture, metalwork, art pottery and prints, plaster ceiling medallions, an open staircase with hand-carved lion’s heads on the newel posts and a five-chandeliered dining room.

Christmas Candlelight House Tours also include a visit to the Emlen Physick

Estate, Cape May’s only Victorian House Museum, authentically decorated for the holidays, and the “A Stitch in Time” Victorian quilt exhibit at the Carriage House Gallery, 1048 Washington Street.

Conveniently located hospitality sites are available the evening of the tours, allowing visitors to rest and enjoy free warm beverages and home-baked goodies. On all evenings, the Twinings Tearoom at the Emlen Physick Estate will be open. On December 1 and 15 a second hospitality site will be available at Cape Island Baptist Church, Columbia Avenue and Guerney Street, and on December 8 a second site will be available at The Episcopal Church of the Advent, Washington & Franklin Streets.

Admission to the Christmas Candlelight House Tours is $20 for adults and $10 for children (3-12). Since the tour is limited, it is strongly recommended that tickets be reserved in advance at the MAC Office, 1048 Washington Street by calling 609-884-5404 or 800-275-4278.

The Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts (MAC) is a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and interpretation of Cape May’s Victorian heritage. MAC also fosters the performing arts. MAC membership is open to all. For information about MAC’s year-round schedule of tours, festivals, and special events, call 609-884-5404 or 800-275-4278, or visit MAC’s website at www.capemaymac.org. Many MAC events and tours can be purchased online.