Grab a cup of hot cocoa and a heaping plate of holiday spirit, because this year’s festivities are about to begin. These Sussex County holiday happenings are perfect for the whole family— and as a bonus —light on the wallet.
Winter Wonderland
Nov. 17 thru Dec. 31
This is the third year for the event, which includes a drive-through light show in Cape Henlopen State Park, and the Christmas Village in Cape May-Lewes Ferry’s terminal parking lot. The village features carnival games and rides, as well as an ice-skating rink. Ticket packages for the games and rides range from $40 to $60, and are available online. The fee for the light show is $15 per car, $30 per van and $50 per bus.
5099 Cape Henlopen Drive, Lewes • 727-0221
Rehoboth Beach Christmas Singalong and Tree-Lighting
Nov. 23 at 6:30 p.m.
Locals and visitors alike gather around the bandstand to belt out holiday songs and watch the tree lighting ceremony.
Rehoboth Avenue and the boardwalk • 227-6181
A Christmas Carol: The Musical
Nov. 23 thru Dec. 9
Clear Space Theatre Company presents the Broadway version of the Charles Dickens classic. Tickets are $17-$32.
20 Baltimore Ave., Rehoboth Beach • 227-2270
Rehoboth Beach Gingerbread House Contest
Nov. 24 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Open to novices and pros, the contest benefits Christmas Joy! 365 at Epworth United Methodist Church. Professional entries are judged by a panel of experts and will be sold at a silent auction. Amateur winners are decided by the people; tickets to vote cost $1 each or 6 for $5. Admission is free and open to the public. There is also a quilt show and sale, and breakfast with Santa.
19285 Holland-Glade Road, Rehoboth Beach • 227-7743
Edwards Christmas Village Display
Nov. 30 • Dec. 1- 2 • Dec. 7- 8
One family’s collection of miniature houses has inspired an annual event with craft vendors, a choir and sleigh rides. Hours are 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. except for Dec. 2, when the hours are 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
18179 Robinsonville Road, Lewes • 645-9380
45th Annual Christmas Tour of Lewes
Dec. 1 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Nine decorated properties, including private homes, are open to the public. The event benefits the Lewes Historical Society. Tickets are $30, and you can buy them online until Nov. 30. Tickets purchased on the day of the event are $35. There are also vendors on the grounds, and many churches and businesses hold ancillary holiday events in the historic district.
110 Shipcarpenter St. • 645-7670
Bethany Beach Tree Lighting and Caroling
Dec. 1
Head to Town Hall for a day of festivities beginning at 1 p.m. with a party with Santa and ending at 5 p.m. with carols and the tree-lighting.
214 Garfield Parkway, Bethany Beach • 539-8011
87th Annual Lewes Christmas Parade
Dec. 1 beginning at 5 p.m.
The parade’s theme this year is “Celebrating an Old-Fashioned Christmas in Lewes.” Prizes are awarded in a number of categories including: best original entry, marching group, band, decorated classic car, decorated vehicle, fire company, commercial float, community organization float and youth organization float. After the parade, carolers gather in Zwaanendael Park for the tree lighting.
Savannah Road and Kings Highway, Lewes • 645-8073
Weekend Wonderland in Bethany
Dec. 1 thru Dec. 22
On Saturdays, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Bethany Beach offers a variety of holiday-themed activities, including carriage rides, caroling, photos with Santa and a search for the Elf on the Shelf in local businesses.
Downtown Bethany Beach • 539-8011
Rehoboth Beach Hometown Christmas Parade
Dec. 4 at 6:30 p.m.
The annual event this year is presented by the Rehoboth Beach Volunteer Fire Company with support from the city of Rehoboth Beach and the Rehoboth Beach-Dewey Beach Chamber of Commerce. After the parade, visit the convention center for refreshments, a meet-and-greet with Santa and the award presentation.
229 Rehoboth Ave., Rehoboth Beach • 542-6802
