12th Annual Cape Charles Holiday Sampler and Progressive Dinner Tour

It was 1994 when a group of local, very ambitious and energetic ladies realized there was an opportunity to showcase the historic town of Cape Charles with a holiday tour.

In their search for information, they learned of two other communities, one in North Carolina and the other in Maryland, offering holiday tours combined with refreshments at each stop.

This adventurous group of local ladies purchased tickets to both of the events, car pooling was arranged and off they went to see how it was done!

With the experience of these two holiday tours and the ideas it generated, it wasn't long before they began planning to product and market a similar successful event in Cape Charles.

Once the planning began, man-power became very necessary and community groups were asked to help with the many aspects of the complex evening.

The first year attracted about 200 attendees and close to the same number of volunteers. The volunteer needs were vast:

• a committee of group leaders to guide each group of 25 at 15 minute intervals;
• docents at each stop and in each room to welcome the guests;
• food preparation and serving at each location;
• someone to light the luminaries that provided the beautiful lighted pathways for the tour; and,
• transportation between the stops where walking was too lengthy.

Over the years, the event has enjoyed many enhancements, including musicians performing at each location. Additionally, sponsors were added for the different aspects of the event, and restaurants of the area now provide the signature courses at each stop, with a sit-down entrée just before the dessert stop as the finale.

Eastern Shore residents as well as guests who visit the Shore just for this event eagerly anticipate this annual sell-out evening of 500 attendees along with 150 volunteers who make the evening magical. Downtown Cape Charles comes alive with holiday decorations and residents now begin their decorating before Thanksgiving.

This one night event has returned profits back to our community well over $50,000.00.

The sponsorship by local businesses has enabled the individual courses and entree, transportation, lighting the way with luminaries, decorating and decking the halls, musicians giving us sounds of the season, and a volunteer dinner the same evening for the elves.

The restaurants too have generously contributed their culinary expertise to this much anticipated annual event.

Become a Sponsor

To become a sponsor, download the Sponsor Brochure, select the level at which you wish to participate, and then contact:

You will receive an invoice for the amount of the sponsorship. We thank you in advance for your contribution.