It may not be snowing, but Santa is already thinking about how he’s going to squeeze all those Bluey Playhouses and Jurassic World inflatables into one sleigh.
Which means it’s time to survey your holiday calendar and find pockets of time between the cooking and the wrapping for the fun.
We’ve made it a bit easier for you with our guide to all things merry, bright and especially festive in Delaware (or close) this holiday season.
You can be sure that just like St. Nick, we will find room to squeeze additional links into this package as they arrive fresh from our workshop:
21 festive events for you to ring in 2022 holiday season in Delaware
Looking for something holly, jolly to do with family or friends?
From “Nutcrackers” to light shows, reporter Andre Lamar has the festivities covered. Take a look at all the fun you can have before you start stalking Santa on that Norad app.
For upcoming events, sign up for Andre’s DO Delaware weekly newsletter.
More:21 festive events for you to ring in 2022 holiday season in Delaware
Your guide to holiday lights, parades, tree lightings and shopping at the Delaware beaches
It’s no secret that there is no “off” season at the beach anymore.
And no reason your holiday fun needs to be confined to home, either. With Emily Lytle’s guide, you can bring all your best Elf impressions to Rehoboth, Dewey, Lewes and beyond.
There, you’ll find light shows, festival and plenty of chances to meet up with the Big Guy himself.
More:Your guide to holiday lights, parades, tree lightings and shopping at the Delaware beaches
Delaware has six new Christmas pop-up bars. And two are only 100 feet apart
One new holiday pop-up bar would be a treat. But how about having six to choose from when you long for a cozy spot to sip a seasonal cocktail?
Whether you want to head out in your ugliest Christmas sweater or your absolute cutest holiday outfit, these Instagrammable spots are perfect for kickstarting your holiday vibes.
More:Delaware has six new Christmas pop-up bars. And two are only 100 feet apart.
8 restaurants where you can cozy up to a firepit in Delaware
Sitting outside and eating dinner is one of life’s simple pleasures.
Just because the weather is cooler doesn’t mean we have to give up our outdoor dining. So many restaurants, bars and breweries have added outdoor heaters and firepits to keep their patrons toasty and warm during their meals – or a toast or two.
More:8 restaurants where you can cozy up to a firepit in Delaware
9 Delaware New Year’s Eve bashes to ring in 2023 include EDM concert with Firefly alum
Life is a game. And New Year’s Day is the reset button.
Before it’s time to get down to business and begin chasing your new goals in 2023, you need to chill and treat yourself to a good time.
There are fun New Year’s Eve celebrations planned throughout the First State. Which one has your name written on it?
More:9 Delaware New Year’s Eve bashes to ring in 2023 include EDM concert with Firefly alum
Two 24-hour diners, fondue spot & Bundt cake shop are among 8 new restaurants in Delaware
Speaking of restaurants, the holidays are a great time to scout out a new one to add to your menu of favorites.
Patricia Talorico has the scoop of lots of new places shaking up Delaware’s dining scene, whether you’re in the mood for some festive fondue or meatloaf.
More:Two 24-hour diners, fondue spot & Bundt cake shop are among 8 new restaurants in Delaware
Seeking winter ales? New crafts are coming to Delmarva
Not everyone is up for eggnog. While Oktoberfest season is a mere memory, there are a host of locally crafted winter ales and other holiday brews to enjoy.
Check out our guide to new ones popping up along the Eastern Shore, if only for your post-holiday planning purposes.
More:New craft breweries in Delmarva? Resurgence will bring 9 beer hot spots to Eastern Shore
Here’s why your Christmas tree may cost more this year and how to avoid it
Depending on where you get your Christmas tree, prepare to pay a little more for your living room’s centerpiece this holiday season.
According to many Christmas tree suppliers, there is a national shortage of tall pines and firs that can be linked to drought and disease as well as the 2008 Great Recession.
More:Here’s why your Christmas tree may cost more this year and how to avoid it
Buying a real Christmas tree this year? Here are some fire prevention tips to help keep you safe
Like most holiday items, artificial Christmas trees are selling out fast amid a nationwide shortage due to supply chain issues, meaning those who were hoping to have a fake tree may have to get a real one this year. But while picking the perfect Christmas tree would involve picking the best looking or least expensive one, what people need to consider is if the tree will be a fire hazard.
More:Buying a real Christmas tree this year? Here are some fire prevention tips to help keep you safe
Gallery: Jill Biden draws inspiration from ‘We the People’ for White House holiday theme
Take a tour of the newly decorated White House and a close look at the decorations the First Lady has chosen for the season.
More:Jill Biden draws inspiration from ‘We the People’ for White House holiday theme
Delaware man chosen to help decorate the White House for the holidays
It looks like the first family won’t be the only touch of Delaware in the White House this year. A man from Odessa has been selected as a White House volunteer decorator for the 2022 holiday season.
More:Delaware man chosen to help decorate the White House for the holidays
‘A Longwood Christmas’ glows with half a million lights that take months to install
Longwood Gardens invites its army of plant lovers to warm up to the holiday season with a display of 500,500 LED lights.
Tickets are available now for the annual “A Longwood Christmas” exhibit. Timed tickets are required and daily slots (Monday through Sunday) are from 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
More:‘A Longwood Christmas’ glows with half a million lights that take months to install
Gallery: Winterthur Mansion in miniature is a sweet and snowy wintry wonder
Take a tour through Winterthur Mansion’s winter gingerbread wonderland with this gallery of photos by William Bretzger.
More:Winterthur Mansion in miniature is a sweet and snowy wintry wonder
Christmastime is here! What’s your favorite holiday special or TV show?
![In the 1966 holiday classic “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” the title character gives Cindy Lou Who a pat on the head. [NBC]](https://www.gannett-cdn.com/authoring/2019/12/21/NCOD/ghows-OH-dcaa9ef2-4e69-4e87-a620-6f2324bd8468-5433f4db.jpeg?width=660&height=467&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
In the spirit of the holidays, Delaware Online/The News Journal has put together the Tournament of Christmas Classics. We’ve selected a 32-show field filled with some of the greatest Christmas movies and television specials. You can check out the field on our Instagram account and vote for your favorites.
More:Christmastime is here! What’s your favorite holiday special or TV show?
90+ popular Christmas movies to watch this holiday season on Netflix, Hulu and more
The holiday season is already upon us. From decorating your home with a tree and ornaments to drinking hot chocolate by the fire, there is plenty to do to get you into the festive spirit.
But as the days to Christmas tick away, there may not be enough time to find every Christmas movie to stream. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
More:90+ popular Christmas movies to watch this holiday season on Netflix, Hulu and more
Ultimate Christmas music guide: 50 of the best songs to get you into the holiday spirit
Some of us prefer our Christmas music on the pensive side, with wistful lyrics about dusky snowfalls and memories. It’s not joy being sought, but permission to wallow in nostalgia.
Others relish the frisky sounds of sleigh bells and triumphant cascades of horns that embellish so many holiday classics. The season doesn’t go into effect until they’ve literally rocked around the Christmas tree.
More:Ultimate Christmas music guide: 50 of the best songs to get you into the holiday spirit
Christmas shipping deadlines 2022: FedEx, UPS and USPS say these are the last days to ship gifts
Need to ship a package in time for it to land under someone’s tree?
Here’s what you need to know.
More:Christmas shipping deadlines 2022: FedEx, UPS and USPS say these are the last days to ship gifts
Headed to NYC? 11 restaurants that won’t break the bank for a holiday visit
It’s officially the holiday season and you want to celebrate with a meal in Manhattan, some festive light displays, and perhaps a show or shopping. But here’s the rub — you don’t want to spend a fortune.
More:Where to eat in NYC during the holidays: 11 restaurants that won’t break the bank
Northern lights: Head to Jersey to tour these holiday displays
Up for a drive? Here are some not-to-be-missed holiday light shows across the border in New Jersey.
More:Drive-through holiday light displays in New Jersey you don’t want to miss
