The winter solstice fast is approaching, so it’s natural to experience a sense of wanderlust and longing for your next beach vacation – be it a plane ride away or a short drive down the Garden State Parkway. But long after the temperature has dropped, the crowds have retreated, and seasonal businesses have closed, one Jersey Shore town maintains its charm through the holiday season – Cape May.

Billed as America’s oldest seaside resort town, Cape May is a National Historic Landmark that’s situated on the southernmost point of New Jersey. This quaint town may be best known for having hundreds of picturesque Victorian era buildings, but there are many reasons to visit in December.

Stay in a historic inn

Cape May is one of the top B&B destinations in the world, with many of the town’s 19th-century buildings operating as B&Bs and restaurants. Choose from over 30 B&Bs, or splurge on 4-star accommodations at the 200-year-old Congress Hall or the luxury boutique Virginia Hotel.

Take advantage of off-season dining

Cape May is full of charming restaurants and some of the Jersey Shore’s best dining. While some restaurants close for the off-season, many of the town’s most popular establishments like The Mad Batter, Oyster Bay, and The Ebbitt Room remain open through the holidays. Or grab some more casual fare at George’s Place, a cozy diner that serves breakfast perfection such as Tiramisu waffles with chocolate and cinnamon.

Hear some live music with your dinner or cocktail

From piano solos and jazz trios, to cover bands and local acts, you can find plenty of live music in Cape May’s bars and restaurant scene year round. Enjoy piano music with your fancy dinner at The Ebbitt Room or grab a cocktail and listen to some jazz at The Mad Batter or The Brown Room. For a more casual scene, check out local acts at bars such as Fins, Ugly Mug, Carney’s and Cabanas.

Enjoy a winter stroll along the beach

Cape May is one of the few places along the Eastern seaboard where you can watch the sunset over the open water. Bundle up, grab a hot coffee from Tommy Folly’s or Coffee Tyme and enjoy Sunset Beach all to yourself. Or venture a bit further to see the Cape May Lighthouse at Cape May Point Park.

Do some holiday shopping on Washington Street

You’ll find no shortage of local art, handcrafted goods, books, clothing, and candy along the charming Washington Street Mall. During the holiday season, the three-block pedestrian mall is festively decorated, and its 90+ merchants offer special deals and refreshments to shoppers on Hospitality Nights.

Experience Cape May’s holiday festivities

If walking amongst the beautifully decorated Victorian homes isn’t enough to meet your holiday fix, explore the seasonal shops, special dinners, and concerts of Congress Hall’s Winter Wonderland. You can also go on a candlelight walking tour, take a carriage ride, attend a Charles Dickens reading, or see an adaptation of It’s a Wonderful Life or A Christmas Carol.

A bit further from the center of town, you can explore other great attractions such as the Cape May Brewing Company, Beach Plum Farm, and Cape May Winery. And if you’d rather explore Cape May in the springtime, check out the area’s many festivals, such as the Exit Zero Jazz Festival in April, or the Singer-Songwriter of Cape May showcase in May.