From charming small-town Christmas parades to holiday light displays and shopping events for homemade gifts, the Delaware beaches have no shortage of holiday spirit throughout November and December.
Whether you’re looking to visit Santa with the little ones or attend a tree lighting by the ocean, we’ve got you covered.
Here is a roundup of holiday events in chronological order through New Year’s Day.
Winter WonderFest – Nov. 18 through Dec. 31
WHAT: This drive-thru light spectacular returns to Hudson Fields in Milton to raise money for Sussex County charities. People can purchase vehicle passes or wagon ride tickets online or at the gates.
WHEN: Open from 5 to 10 p.m. daily.
WHERE: 29763 Eagle Crest Road, Milton
LEARN MORE: www.facebook.com/wonderfestde or wonderfestde.org/.
Schellville – Nov. 19 through Dec. 31 (Thursday-Sunday)
WHAT: An admission-free Christmas village packed with activities – from snow machines to holiday shopping and a beer garden – Schellville is back for 2022. It’s wise to get reservations as early as possible for this holiday festival hosted by the homebuilding company Schell Brothers.
WHEN: While there is an option for early bird hours with limited activities, most of Schellville is open in the evening from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Open every day of the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day. Closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas.
WHERE: Seaside Outlet Drive, Rehoboth Beach
LEARN MORE: Make reservations at schellbrothers.com/promotions/schellville/.
Santa’s House in Rehoboth – Nov. 25 through Dec. 18
WHAT: Looking for a photo with Santa by the beach? Bring your camera and wish list then because Santa’s House is back on the Rehoboth Boardwalk at the end of Rehoboth Avenue. This tradition is entirely donation based.
WHEN: Here are Santa’s hours, subject to change:
- Friday, Nov. 25 – 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
- Saturday, Nov. 26 – 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
- Sunday, Nov. 27 – 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
- Saturday, Dec. 3 – 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
- Sunday, Dec. 4 – 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
- Saturday, Dec. 10 – 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
- Sunday, Dec. 11 – 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
- Saturday, Dec. 17 – 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
- Sunday, Dec. 18 – 12 p.m. – 3 p.m. (2 p.m. – 3 p.m.: Dogs may visit Santa at his house.)
In case of inclement weather, check www.beach-fun.com or the Chamber’s Facebook page for updates on house hours.
WHERE: Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk, Rehoboth Beach
LEARN MORE: www.beach-fun.com/holiday-fun.html.
Tree Lighting in Rehoboth Beach – Nov. 25
WHAT: Rehoboth Beach will kick off the holiday season with a tree lighting and traditional holiday sing-along with Clear Space Theatre chorus members. This year’s 30-foot, 2,000-pound tree was donated by area residents Dean and Debbie Smith.
WHEN: 6:30 pm
WHERE: Rehoboth Beach Bandstand, Rehoboth Avenue, Rehoboth Beach
LEARN MORE: www.cityofrehoboth.com.
TRADITION:‘Just a family thing’: Meet the family that’s moved Rehoboth’s Christmas tree for 35 years
Dewey Sip & Shop – Nov. 25 through Nov. 27
WHAT: Find local homemade gifts at this free-admission holiday market in Dewey Beach through Black Friday weekend. In one of the biggest shopping events of the year, the Developing Artist Collaboration hosts artist vendors, local breweries and musicians.
WHEN: Open each day 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
WHERE: Dewey Beach Lions Club, 115 McKinley St, Dewey Beach
LEARN MORE: developingarts.org/dewey-sip-shop-2022/.
Shop Local Extravaganza at Quiet Resorts – Nov. 26 through Jan. 2
WHAT: If you shop at participating businesses in the Quiet Resorts area (ranging from Bethany Beach to Fenwick Island, Millville and surrounding towns) from Small Business Saturday through the holidays, every purchase over $20 grants entry into that specific store’s prize drawing and a chance to win one of three $500 visa gift card grand prizes.
WHEN: Nov. 26 through Jan. 2 during business hours, and the drawings take place Jan. 3.
WHERE: Participating businesses are in Bethany Beach, Fenwick Island, Frankford, Dagsboro, Millville and Ocean View.
LEARN MORE: business.bethany-fenwick.org/events/details/shop-local-extravaganza-2022-24782
LOCAL BUSINESS:They’re moms. They’re business owners. They do it all in Delaware beach towns. Here’s why
Holiday Rehoboth Beach Farmers’ Market – Nov. 26
WHAT: A summertime favorite, the Rehoboth Beach farmers market is making a comeback for the holiday season. Visit your favorite local vendors for fresh food, crafts and holiday gifts.
WHEN: Noon to 3 p.m.
WHERE: Grove Park, 3 Grove St, Rehoboth Beach
LEARN MORE: rbfarmersmarket.com.
Santa Arrives in Lewes – Nov. 26 (with visits throughout December)
WHAT: Greet Santa Claus as he arrives on the Cape Water Taxi in Lewes for the season. Santa will make his way to his house on Second and Bank Street where he will reside and visit with families during special hours in December.
WHEN: Santa will arrive at City Dock in 1812 Park at 12:30 p.m. on Nov. 26. He will be at his house until 3 p.m. that day, as well as the following dates and hours:
- Thursday, Dec. 8 – 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
- Saturday, Dec. 10 – 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
- Thursday, Dec. 15 – 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
- Saturday, Dec. 17 and Sunday, Dec. 18 – 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
- Thursday, Dec. 22 – 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
WHERE: Second Street and Bank Street, Lewes
LEARN MORE: www.leweschamber.com.
Lewes Lights – Dec. 1 through Dec. 31
WHAT: This free, self-guided holiday light tour throughout the Lewes area has become a beloved tradition in the community after starting during the pandemic. Houses east of Route 1 can register by Dec. 1, and then the Lewes Lights organizers will release a map that visitors can follow to see all the decked-out and illuminated homes.
WHEN: People can participate in the holiday light tour throughout December.
WHERE: Lewes (zip code 19958, east of Route 1)
LEARN MORE: www.leweslights.org
HOW IT STARTED:How Lewes Lights is reminding people of the joy that comes with decorating for the holidays
Merchants’ Hospitality Night in Lewes – Dec. 1
WHAT: Second Street in Lewes will shut down to vehicle traffic for the evening as merchants open their doors for holiday shopping. Families can visit Santa, enjoy complimentary refreshments and enjoy live music while strolling down the decked-out street in downtown Lewes.
WHEN: 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
WHERE: Second Street, Lewes
LEARN MORE: www.leweschamber.com/event/community-events/lewes-merchants-hospitality-night-1
Holiday Creative Market – Dec. 3, Dec. 10 and Dec. 17
WHAT: West Side Creative Market typically hosts artist vendors, food trucks, musicians and more at its weekly summer market, but the Developing Artist Collaboration is bringing it back for three weekends – weather dependent – this holiday season. People can also come make some art of their own at the market or newly opened Artpothecary at nearby Out of the Box DIY.
WHEN: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
WHERE: 19826 Central St., Rehoboth Beach
LEARN MORE: developingarts.org/west-side-creative-market/
Weekend Wonderland in Bethany – Dec. 3, Dec. 10 and Dec. 17
WHAT: Every Saturday in December leading up to Christmas, shoppers and visitors can celebrate the season in Bethany Beach with fun activities, including The Elf on the Shelf scavenger hunt, visits with Santa and a hot cocoa crawl.
WHEN: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. The tree lighting will be at 5 p.m. on Dec. 3.
A more detailed schedule is available on the Bethany-Fenwick Area Chamber of Commerce’s website.
WHERE: Downtown Bethany Beach
LEARN MORE: business.bethany-fenwick.org/events/details/weekend-wonderland-in-bethany-2022-24479.
Lewes Christmas Parade, Tree Lighting and Caroling – Dec. 3
WHAT: One of the most festive days in historic Lewes, the Christmas parade will lead right into the tree lighting with Mayor Andrew Williams, who will illuminate the tree with a five-foot-tall switch created by resident Ed Tessein. Christy Taylor will once again lead the caroling in Zwaanendael Park with the students from her music school, as well as Taylor Music Studio instrumental students.
WHEN: Starts at 5 p.m. (Arrive early to snag a spot on the sidewalk!)
WHERE: The parade kicks off at the main entrance to the Lewes Elementary School parking lot on Savannah Road and travels down Savannah to Second Street, ending in front of King’s Ice Cream shop.
LEARN MORE: www.leweschamber.com/event/chamber-sponsored-events/2022-90th-annual-lewes-christmas-parade.
Hometown Christmas Parade in Rehoboth – Dec. 5
WHAT: Come witness the beautiful displays and cheerful parade participants at this year’s Hometown Christmas Parade in Rehoboth Beach, which is hosted by the Rehoboth Beach Volunteer Fire Company. All parade participants and attendees are invited to the Rehoboth Beach Volunteer Fire Station Museum after the parade for Santa’s Christmas Party for refreshments. Children can visit Santa Claus for a small gift.
WHEN: 6 p.m.
WHERE: Rehoboth Avenue, Rehoboth Beach
LEARN MORE: www.rehobothbeachfire.com.
Milton Christmas Parade – Dec. 7
WHAT: Bring a chair and snag a spot along the street in downtown Milton to view the annual Christmas parade, this year featuring the cast of The Wizard of Oz from the Milton Theatre’s production. The theater will host a beer garden and food stall.
WHEN: 7 p.m.
WHERE: Downtown Milton and Milton Theatre, 110 Union St, Milton.
LEARN MORE: www.visitdelaware.com/events/milton-christmas-parade-festivities/77144.
Dewey Ball Drop – Dec. 31
WHAT: Ring in 2023 with this free New Year’s Eve event in Dewey Beach, hosted by the Dewey Business Partnership.
WHEN: 11:30 p.m.
WHERE: Route 1 and New Orleans Street (Oceanside)
LEARN MORE: deweybusinesspartnership.com/dewey-beach-events.
Leo Brady New Year’s Day Plunge in Bethany – Jan. 1
WHAT: Start your year with a frigid plunge into the Atlantic Ocean – for a good cause, of course! The Bethany-Fenwick Area Chamber of Commerce will once again host this plunge to benefit the William O. Murray Scholarship Fund.
WHEN: Noon. (See the chamber’s website for the detailed schedule).
WHERE: Plunge happens on the beach at Garfield Parkway.Packet pick-up and the post-plunge party is at Bethany Boathouse: 39187 Hickman Plaza Rd., Bethany Beach.
LEARN MORE: business.bethany-fenwick.org/events/details/2023-leo-brady-new-year-s-day-plunge-24189.
Emily Lytle covers Sussex County from the inland towns to the beaches, with a focus on health-related issues. Got a story she should tell? Contact her at elytle@delmarvanow.com or 302-332-0370. Follow her on Twitter at @emily3lytle.
