Here Are Some of the Hottest Holiday Happenings at the Beach

From parades to tree lightings, these are upcoming events you can’t miss.

Forget sun visors and bathing suits. For the next few weeks, visitors to Delaware’s coastal towns are more likely to spy Santa hats and sensible coats. There is a bevy of seasonal activities at the beach and many are outside, so dress warmly.

Milford

30th Annual Delaware Hospice Festival of Trees

What: This event, which also runs in New Castle County, features trees decorated by local businesses, groups and individuals. The Milford event will include games, Santa, a cocktail event on Saturday evening and a Sip & Shop on Sunday. Admission is free.

When: Friday, Dec. 1 through Sunday, Dec. 3, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

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Where: Delaware Hospice Center in Milford


Milton

Milton Arts Guild Winter Exhibition and Sale & Holly Days

What: Winter-themed artwork by guild members will be showcased during an open house that also features artisan crafts, holiday treats and seasonal libations.

When: Saturday, Dec. 9, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Where: 310 Walnut St., Milton

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Lewes

Lewes Hospitality Night

What: The downtown merchants pull out all the stops during this annual event, which features food, music and artists such as calligrapher Katy Ackerman, who will demonstrate her work at the Lewes Historical Society Museum Store

When: Thursday, Nov. 30, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Where: Downtown Lewes


Victorian Yuletide Celebration

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What: As part of Hospitality Night, Sussex Gardeners have decorated the Zwaanendael Museum, which will have historical interpreters on hand.

When: Thursday, Nov. 30, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Where: Zwaanendael Museum on Kings Highway


Children’s Beach House Winter White Benefit

What: Enjoy cocktails, music by Pamela Stanley and pre-sale access to the art show. Tickets are $100 per person.

When: Friday, Dec. 1, 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Where: Children’s Beach House on Bay Avenue in Lewes


Children’s Beach House Art Show and Sale

What: If you didn’t snatch up artwork during the Winter White event, stop by and peruse the selection.

When: Saturday, Dec. 2, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Where: Children’s Beach House


44th Annual Lewes Historical Society House Tour

What: This much-loved tradition is a self-guided tour of nine homes. The LHS also holds a sale of Christmas collectibles on its campus. Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 on the day of the event at the LHS store at 302 Savannah Road.

When: Saturday, Dec. 2, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Where: Downtown Lewes


Annual Christmas Market

What: Lewes in Bloom’s annual event offers handmade centerpieces, long-lasting greens, wreaths and other items that will benefit the organization, which is responsible for all the tulips you see during the town’s annual Tulip Celebration. While you’re there, pop into St. Peter’s for the annual soup luncheon from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

When: Saturday, Dec. 2, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Where: The courtyard of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church


Lewes Old-Fashioned Christmas Parade and tree-lighting and candlelight caroling

What: This year’s procession is dedicated to Tom King, who recently passed away, and Dennis Forney, both of whom are longtime organizers.

When: Saturday, Dec. 2, 5 p.m. for the parade; the tree lighting is immediately after the parade


Cape Artist Holiday Open House

What: Shop for fine art, holiday cards and ornaments while enjoying refreshments at the gallery.

When: Saturday, Dec. 2, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Where: Cape Artist Gallery, 110 W. Third St., Lewes


Rehoboth Beach

2017 Rehoboth Beach Hometown Christmas Parade

What: The event is presented by the Rehoboth Beach Volunteer Fire Company, the City of Rehoboth Beach and the Rehoboth Beach-Dewey Beach Chamber of Commerce. The Parade will be followed by Santa’s Christmas Party at the Rehoboth Fire Station.

When: Tuesday, Dec. 5, 6:30 p.m.

Where: Downtown Rehoboth


Cookies, Cocktail & Cheer

What: Downtown Rehoboth retailers pair with restaurants to offer cookies, cocktails and lots of holiday spirit.

When: Friday, Dec. 8, 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Where: Downtown Rehoboth


Dewey Beach

Second Annual Santa Cause 5K & Fun Run

What: Don your Santa suit or hat and your sneakers for this event, which benefits Children & Families First. There is a fun walk/run and a competitive run. Choose your track.

When: Sunday, Dec. 3 at noon

Where: The Starboard


Bethany Beach

Third Annual Tree Lighting and Caroling on the Bandstand

What: Head to the boardwalk to be the first to see the holiday light sensation by the sea, followed by caroling.

When: Saturday, Dec. 2 beginning at 5 p.m. (Caroling will continue at 5 p.m. on Dec. 9 and Dec. 16.)

Where: The Bethany Beach Bandstand

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