Sussex County is jam packed with holiday fairs, festivals and activities during November and December. Holiday revelers have numerous choices.
One of the most popular special events is Schellville which opens the weekend of November 16 and 17. Hours are 1-4pm and 5-9pm. Subsequent open days during November and December are posted on the Schellville website.
Billed as a “magical winter village”, Schellville started modestly in 2017 with nine miniature decorated houses, activities, and some Christmas trees. Now, it sprawls over 5.5 acres next to Holland Glade Road right behind the Seaside Tanger shopping outlet. It includes includes train rides, snow zones, a “snow show” for 15 minutes each hour, Santa & Mrs. Claus, many additional houses, an artisan alley that features many local small crafters, and a strong lineup of local bands.
The City of Rehoboth holds it tree lighting ceremony on November 29 starting at 6:30 pm and the Dewey Beach tree lighting is set for the next day at 8pm at Fifer’s on Coastal Highway.
The Town of Milton hosts its annual Light up the Park event on November 30 with music by the Milford Community Band. Music begins in Memorial Park at 5:30pm. The actual lighting follows at 6 pm. There will be hot chocolate and cookies.
The first week in December is especially chock full of holiday things to do for the entire family.
The Rehoboth Beach Volunteer Fire Company hosts its annual Christmas parade on Monday, December 2 at 6:30pm. Parade participants and attendees are invited to the RB fire house after the parade for Santa’s Christmas party which will include refreshments.
The Lewes Hospitality Night on Thursday, December 5, features a festive block party on Second Street with sales at local shops, free samples from local restaurants, music, and a chance to visit Santa at his house on Second. Festivities run from 5 – 9 pm.
Saturday, December 7 is a big day for holiday enthusiasts. The 31st Annual Holly Festival takes place on Saturday, December 7 from 9am to 3pm. About 75 arts and crafts vendors will show their wares at three locations in Milton including the H.O Brittingham Elementary School, the fire department, and the library. This huge and diverse festival is named for the American Holly which is the official state tree of Delaware. It was named the official tree in 1939.
The Holly Festival is a major fundraiser for the Milton Garden Club. Members will be selling handmade wreathes and decorations garnished with fresh greenery and seasonal trimmings most of which were donated by residents in and around Milton.
The Milton Christmas Parade schedule will be announced shortly.
The 92nd Annual Lewes Christmas Parade is scheduled for December 7 starting at 5pm. The parade’s theme is “Celebrating an Old-Fashioned Christmas in Lewes.”
Prizes are awarded in several categories including Marching Group, Band, Clown, Equestrian, Decorated Classic Car (vintage 1967 or older), Decorated Vehicle (after 1967 or more recent), Fire Company, Commercial Float, Community Organization Float and Youth Organization Float.
Afterwards, parade-goers are invited to join Mayor Andrew Williams as he officially illuminates the Christmas tree in Zwaanendael Park. The lighting will be followed by candlelight caroling in the park. The tree lighting ceremony starts shortly after the last parade entry passes by the Judges’ Reviewing Stand in Zwaanendael Park.
The Women’s Club of Milton hosts its annual House Tour on Saturday, December 14, from 2:00 to 6:00pm. Tour tickets are $25 prior to the event and $30 the day of the tour.
By Mary Jo Tarallo, Resident Journalist
Mary Jo Tarallo spent much of her career in public relations with various non-profits and spent 40 years involved with the ski industry as a journalist, public relations director for a national trade association and as executive director of the Learn to Ski and Snowboard initiative. Prior to her ski industry involvement she worked for the Maryland International Center in Baltimore and United Way of Central Maryland. She won a Gold Award for TV programming for a United Way simulcast that starred Oprah Winfrey. She has been cited for her work by numerous organizations. Mary Jo grew up in Baltimore, attended the University of Maryland and Towson University, lived in Washington, DC for 21 years and has been a full time resident of Rehoboth Beach and Milton since May 2019.
