It’s time to write one of the most enjoyable blog posts of the year, spotlighting all of the wonderful things to do during the winter holiday season all around The First State. It’ll probably amount to two posts since the list is so extensive.
START WITH THE MOST FAMOUS PARADES
I’ll start in Sussex County, where on December 2nd Lewes will hold its annual Christmas Parade https://www.leweschamber.com/event/91st-annual-lewes-christmas-parade. This is always so much fun, especially if you have kids or grandkids. The theme – “Celebrating an Old-Fashioned Christmas in Lewes” – is perfect for the old-timey look and feel of all kinds of floats traveling past historic homes, commercial buildings and museums in the downtown area. NOTE: there’s a fun tradition whereby folks set out chairs and refreshments along Savannah Road well before the 5 p.m. start of the parade. It’s a good way to secure a prime viewing spot, although lots of people also walk along the parade route. If you’re driving into town arrive early to get a parking spot – and consider the lot next to the tennis courts at Canalfront Park.
Two days later you can go to the Rehoboth Volunteer Fire Company’s Hometown Christmas Parade https://www.rehobothbeachfire.com/messageCenter/detail?id=48770, which starts at 6 p.m. on Monday, December 4th. There will be an appearance by “the other” Santa and Mrs. Claus, along with lots of floats ranging from simple to elaborate. Parking in Reho is even more difficult than in Lewes, so unless you’re dropping family members off downtown and driving away I strongly recommend you consider public transit, which is pretty easy to deal with. Visit the Park and Ride https://www.cityofrehoboth.com/parking-information/park-and-ride or DART https://dartfirststate.com/ web sites to learn more.
If you’re still revved up you can go to the Milton Christmas Parade on Wednesday, December 6 https://www.etix.com/ticket/p/5849161/milton-christmas-parade-festivities-quayside-milton-milton-theatre. It starts at 6 p.m. beside the historic Milton Theatre.
KEEP PARADING ALL AROUND DELAWARE AND COASTAL MARYLAND
Thanks to Delaware Online https://www.delawareonline.com/story/entertainment/2023/11/14/delaware-christmas-parades-that-will-light-up-the-holiday-season/71300804007/, we have a list of Christmas parades taking place all over the rest of Delaware and neighboring Maryland, with events planned for Wilmington, Selbyville, Harrington, Ocean City, Claymont, Clayton, Seaford, Georgetown, Bridgeville, Camden-Wyoming, Dagsboro, Felton and Dover.
CELEBRATE HANUKKAH WITH FRIENDS AND FAMILY
The Seaside Jewish Community will once again host a Hanukkah gathering on Saturday, December 9 https://www.seasidejewishcommunity.com/event/hanukkah-party.html with a “souper” dinner, Havdalah, Hanukkah candle lighting and entertainment. Guests are encouraged to bring their own Hanukkah menorah and candles for the communal lighting, and soups and salad will be provided by the Seaside Jewish Community, with all guests being welcome to bring latkes or a dessert. Attendance is limited to 100 guests so make sure you reserve your space soon.
Also on December 9th, https://www.shalomdelaware.org/calendar/community-events.html/event/2023/12/09/hanukkah-happy-hour- the Jewish Federation of Delaware will host a Hanukkah Happy Hour from 7 to 10 p.m. at the Siegal Jewish Community Center in Wilmington https://www.siegeljcc.org/events/. It takes place in the Kehillah Lounge, with hors d’oevres, dancing, schmoozing and a communal candle lighting. The cost is $18 and you have to be a 21 to attend.
On December 10th the Chabad of Southern Delaware will host the lighting of a 9-foot Menorah with hot latkas, donuts and festive holiday music at Baywalk at Dewey Beach, just behind the Hyatt, at 5 p.m.
CELEBRATE FOR DAYS ON END IN WILMINGTON AND THE BRANDYWINE VALLEY
Northern Delaware celebrates the winter holidays with festivities throughout November and December. Visit https://www.visitwilmingtonde.com/events/holiday/ to learn about activities in gorgeous historic places, including Odessa, Old New Castle, Longwood Gardens, The Hagley, Nemours and much more.