If I was super-determined, I suppose I could find someone who’s a certified “Grinch” during the winter holiday season. Alas, I haven’t encountered anyone yet. Here in Lewes, where we live, the town and most of the stores put their brightly colored decorations up two weeks ago, and our restaurants and cultural attractions are brimming with people in good spirits.
We’re hearing similar stories from Active Adults agents who live and work throughout the state. From Wilmington to Bethany and Fenwick, there are all kinds of fun ways to celebrate the holiday season. So many, in fact, that I’m going to need two blog posts to cover them. Here’s what’s happening this weekend.
In Lewes – Christmas Parades, Holiday Hospitality, and Historic Festivities
If you love Lewes, you’ll enjoy the Lewes Merchants’ Hospitality Night and Hospitality Night at the Zwaanendael Museum. Both take place from 5 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, December 2, and since they’re just one block apart you can learn about the First Town in the First State’s fascinating history at the museum before heading over to Second Street for holiday shopping, free refreshments, live music and dinner at one of our wonderful downtown restaurants.
On Friday and Saturday, December 3rd and 4th, the celebrating continues on the grounds of the Lewes Historical Society, which will be decked out in Colonial and Victorian decorations, with live music, food and vendors offering all kinds of gifts.
Also on Saturday, December 3rd, is the annual Holiday Tour of Lewes, when some of the town’s most beautiful homes are decked out for the season and open to visitors. It happens from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Learn more and buy tickets on the Lewes Chamber of Commerce website.
If you’ve ever wanted to tour the historic Lightship Overfalls in Canalfront Park, it’ll also be open for visitors, along with its store, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, December 3rd.
As the skies darken and streets take on a brighter holiday glow, you’ll also have a great time at the 90th Annual Lewes Christmas Parade.
which also happens next Saturday, December 3rd. It’s free and so much fun, with dozens of floats sponsored by local businesses and civic organizations. Some are quirky. Some are big and fabulous. And all come before the very last one, which features the REAL Santa Claus. It starts at 5 p.m. on Savannah Road, close to the elementary school, and proceeds down Savannah and through downtown. If you’re driving into Lewes make sure you get there early so you can park and set up a spot for prime time viewing.
In Rehoboth, More Holiday Fun by the Sea
Rehoboth Beach also celebrates with a fabulous Christmas Parade, sponsored by the Rehoboth Fire Company. It takes place this year on Monday, December 5th beginning at 6 p.m. If you’re driving into town, get there early to find a parking spot, or consider taking the Park and Ride Shuttle for an easy trip into town.
If you and your grandkids are interested in talking directly with Santa, you can do so at his house on the Rehoboth Boardwalk on Saturday and Sunday, December 3rd and 4th, from 1 to 3 p.m.
And if you’re looking for another fun way to shop for gifts and spend the day with people of all ages, you’ll enjoy the annual Open House at the Rehoboth Art League at the League’s historic campus. . It takes place on Saturday, December 3rd from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and features abundant art and crafts by area artists.
Bethany’s Big Day is Saturday, December 3rd
In Bethany, it’s mostly about the kids, at least until the annual Tree Lighting accompanied by the SDSA Choir at 5 p.m. on Saturday, December 3rd. Leading up to it is a storytelling event at the Nature Center at 10: 30 a.m., a party with Santa (the OTHER real one) from 1 to 3 p.m. and trolley and tractor rides from 1 to 4 p.m. And if you live in the area and want to show off your home or business, sign up for the Annual Christmas Showdown, which runs from December 10th through the 17th.
Enjoy Christmas in the Country in Harrington, Marydel and Clayton
If you live in one of the quieter communities inland, you’ll enjoy taking your family to the Christmas Parade in Harrington, from 6 to 7 p.m., on Friday, December 2nd and to the Christmas Village in Marydel, taking place at the Harvest Ridge Winery beginning at 12 p.m. on Saturday, December 3rd. If you live near Clayton, mark Sunday, December 4th on your calendar for a day of holiday celebrations, including Breakfast with Santa, Christmas Hay Rides, a Tree Lighting and a parade.
Tune in Next Week for Much More!
Since there are so many festive events this month, I’ve focused this post on what’s happening up through this weekend. Next week we’ll spotlight a series of holiday happenings in other small towns throughout Delaware and those taking place in Wilmington and the Brandywine Valley throughout the month of December. We’ll also do a round-up of Hanukkah events that are open to the public.
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