Sometimes, the holidays can get busy. And stressful. And we just need a quick get-away from the hustle and bustle, to settle into a cozy South Jersey small town and live out our Hallmark fantasies. (Ruggedly handsome, brooding love interest who only wears flannel and has just enough facial hair not included.)

Holiday by the sea 

Home base. When you enter Cape May’s town center, you might think you’ve accidentally stepped onto a set of your favorite Hallmark holiday movie. But don’t worry – you’re still in South Jersey. The resort town is the perfect place to start your Hallmark getaway, with a truly decked-out downtown, cozy inns and tours of the holiday sights by trolley, it can’t get much more festive. 

Dashing through the snow. Whether you’re cozying up with your new-found love interest (who also happens to run the local Inn that your boss wants you to shut down), or piling into a carriage with the whole family to search for the true meaning of Christmas, Ocean City’s horse and carriage rides will get you in the spirit. They start at 6th and Asbury Ave. every Saturday and Sunday from noon to 3 pm. 

Romantic sights at great heights. We suggest leaving those city-slicker stilettos at home for this leg of your trip – but it’s worth it. South Jersey’s lighthouses are a great road trip to see a number of towns along the coast as well as take in the sweeping views across the Atlantic Ocean, all while getting that fresh, cool sea air in your lungs. Start at Cape May Lighthouse, then head to Absecon Lighthouse, followed by Barnegat Lighthouse. (Barnegat Lighthouse is closed to climbers after Labor Day weekend, check websites for climbing schedules of Cape May and Absecon Lighthouses.) 

Christmas in the pines

Home base. Leave the big city behind and head into the woods – but, like, in a cute and cozy way. Historic Medford Village has the perfect log cabin feel that will have you ready to cozy up next to the fire each night with a sweet mug of hot chocolate. Shop through your holiday gift list at the many local stores. Plus, make sure you schedule your visit for Dec. 7 to stroll through the annual Dickens Fest featuring food trucks, carollers, Santa and more. 

Stroll. You know when the Hallmark heroine needs to make a big decision, so she goes for a walk to clear her head, but it happens to be the most gorgeous view? Well, we’re pretty sure they stole that from South Jersey. You’ll have plenty of breathtaking locations to choose from in the Pine Barrens for those big decision moments (or if you just want a break). One of our favorites is seeing the Lydia Bog in Black Run Preserve, which you can reach either by the Borton Connector off of Borton Rd. or the Borton Connector via the Kettle Trail off of Kettle Run Rd. 

Town square. Ever wanted to live in a town that has a carousel in the town center? Welcome to Historic Smithville. The historic village, which used to be a stagecoach stop, has 50 shoppes, a train, a mill, footbridges and a Colonial Inn Bed & Breakfast. Plus, every weekend in December, the town hosts Christmas train rides, bonfires with s’mores and its Magical Talking Tree. We dare you not to feel the holiday spirit.