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DELAWARE/MARYLAND - 'Tis the season to immerse yourself in the holiday spirit across Delmarva, and there's no shortage of merry events to explore. Parades, performances, Santa sightings and more are planned all weekend long to kick off the month of December.

LEWES LIGHTS

The fourth season of Lewes Lights officially kicks off Dec. 1 and this year brings new delights. Interactive maps guide you to beautifully decorated homes and businesses. Notably, houses west of Route One now have their own map, and fresh prize categories add an extra dash of competition.

BETHANY BEACH HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS

An interactive map of Bethany Beach will take you to all of the displays competing in the Coastal Christmas Showdown. Cast a vote for your favorite on the town's website.

The holiday happenings on Saturday, Dec. 2 will start with story time at the Nature Center on Garfield Parkway at 10:30 a.m. There will be pony rides on the beach from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Photo opportunities with Santa are available from 1 to 3 p.m. Tractor rides on the beach, trolley rides, and a spin on Santa’s Express train are available from 1 to 4 p.m. 
 
The annual tree lighting ceremony at the Bethany Beach Bandstand starts at 5 p.m. with a concert featuring the Southern Delaware School of the Arts Show Choir.

MILFORD HOLIDAY STROLL AND CHRISTMAS MARKET

The 18th Annual Holiday Stroll and 4th Annual Christmas Market in downtown Milford runs from 3 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2. According to Downtown Milford, Inc. performances include a live Nativity with animals at the Amphitheater, strolling choirs, gymnastic tumblers, Irish Dancers and a Leprechaun, and October Oak Acoustic Duo.

Santa will be at his house on Walnut Street during the Holiday Stroll. There will also be ornament crafts at the Milford Library and the 1st Presbyterian Church, raffles, an ugly sweater contest, and more.

CHRISTMAS CRAFT SHOW

Over 70 vendors will showcase their handcrafted products at Woodbridge Middle School on Saturday for the 47th annual Bridgeville Christmas Craft Show. Admission is free. Organizers say attendees could have the chance to win a $500 VISA gift card.
 
HOLIDAY MAGIC IN LEWES: VILLAGE, MARKET, AND MORE

The Lewes Historical Society invites you to experience their Holiday Village and Market, where you can listen to Christmas readings by historic characters, as well as music by Blarney Pilgrims.

LET IT SNOW CAMPFIRE EXPERIENCE AND ELF ROOM

Join the festivities at Crooked Hammock in Lewes, featuring snow machines, s'mores, caroling, and campfires. Don't miss the chance to make your own snowflake or your own Elf-inspired spaghetti dessert similar to the one made by Buddy the Elf in the movie. 100% of profits from the Buddy's Spaghetti Breakfast beer and dessert will be donated to local chapters of the Make-A-Wish Foundation.  

MUSICAL MERRIMENT ACROSS DELMARVA

  • Delight in musical performances this weekend with the Expressions of Joy Christmas Harp Concert at the Greenwood Library on Saturday at 11 a.m. This concert is sponsored by the Friends of the Greenwood Library. Admission is free.
  • The Mid-Atlantic Symphony will bring generations of Christmas classics to Cape Henlopen High School on Saturday at 7 p.m. and the Performing Arts Center in Ocean City at 3 p.m. on Sunday. The orchestra  features Soprano Claire Galloway and Baritone Rob McGinness. Free tickets are available for students 18 years old and younger.

OPERATION STUFF THE COMMAND POST: BRING JOY WITH TOYS

Head to the Seaford Walmart on Saturday for Operation Stuff the Command Post, collecting unopened toys to spread holiday cheer. Officer Wingate will be  in the Police Command Post on Dec. 2 and 9th from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Organizers say the goal is to fill the Command Post with new and unopened toys for children in the community.

MILLVILLE YULETIDE FESTIVAL

The Millville Yuletide Festival kicks off with an Artisan Marketplace inside the Community Center at Evans Park from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Starting at 3 p.m. you can take photos with Santa, make ornaments, play games to win prizes, make s'mores and more in the park. The tree lighting ceremony starts at dusk.

FESTIVAL OF TREES

The Delaware Hospice 36th Annual Festival of Trees is on display Dec. 1-3, offering a visually stunning celebration. According to the event page, this year’s event will include a marketplace and specialty trees such as the Remembrance Tree, Memorial Tree, and New Hope Tree. 

REHOBOTH BEACH MAIN STREET COMMUNITY UNITY DINNER

Join Santa and Mrs. Claus at the Rehoboth Beach Main Street Community Unity Dinner on Sunday at the Rehoboth Beach Convention Center. The event runs from 4:30 to 7 p.m. There you can find an ice cream bar, the Cape Jazz Band, Nutcracker Ballerinas, and more.

BREAKFAST WITH SANTA: A JOLLY START TO THE DAY

Kick off your weekend mornings with Breakfast with Santa at Camp Arrowhead on Saturday and Sunday from 9 to 11 a.m. and at Crooked Hammock on Sunday from 9 to 11 a.m. Santa will also make a special appearance at Bethany Beach Books on Saturday.

ANNUAL PARADES

  • On Friday, Dec. 1, Church Street and Dukes Street in Selbyville will close at 5 p.m. for the Christmas Parade. It's a 62-year-old tradition.

  • Ocean City's holiday parade starts at 11 a.m. Saturday on Old Landing Road and marches north on Coastal Highway to the judges’ stand at 120th Street. 
  • Delmar's annual Christmas Parade starts at 2 p.m. Saturday. Floats and performers line up at 12:30 p.m. on Pennsylvania Ave.
  • The Millsboro Christmas Parade is from 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday.
  • The 91st annual Lewes Christmas Parade starts at 5 p.m. Saturday. The Lewes Fire Department Auxiliary will be collecting toys for Toys for Tots during the Lewes parade. 

Millsboro and Lewes will both hold their annual tree lighting ceremonies at the conclusion of their parades.

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