Dec. 1 Christmas Tour of Lewes offers mix of historic and contemporary homes

One of Lewes’ most beloved holiday traditions - the Christmas Tour of Lewes benefiting the Lewes Historical Society - is set for 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 1.

Advance tickets are on sale at historiclewes.org, by calling 302-645-7670, Ext. 12 or at the Ryves Holt House Museum Shop at the corner of Second and Mulberry streets. Tickets can also be purchased in Lewes at the Lewes Chamber of Commerce and the Zwaanendael Museum (both on Kings Highway), Community Bank Delaware, Habersham Peddler or at The Inn at Canal Square. In Rehoboth Beach, tickets may be purchased at the Rehoboth Beach Museum or Browseabout Books on Rehoboth Avenue. Advance tickets are $20 each; tickets purchased the day of the tour are $25 each.

Ticket mail order and phone requests received after Nov. 25 will be held at the Ryves Holt House Museum Shop and will be available for pickup beginning at 10 a.m. the day of the tour.

A wonderful selection of homes is on this year’s tour, from Colonial delights and 19th century beauties to 20th and 21st century masterpieces. Society Director Mike DiPaolo said, “The purpose of the tour is not only to experience the fabric of Lewes history and to learn about great architecture, but to recognize Lewes as both historic and contemporary.”

Houses on the tour will include 312 W. Market St., home of Carolyn and John Lester; 418 W. Fourth St., home of Elaine and Barry Simmerman; 421 Seagull Drive, home of Bill McGee and John Roman; 120 Dewey Ave., home of Bill Roeder and John Overton; 14 Shipcarpenter Square, home of Linda and Rick Palmer; 429 Third St., home of Diane and Peter Issel; and 25 Shipcarpenter Square, home of Stephanie and Stanley Green.

Beyond the seven private homes, the society’s museums will be open and decorated for the season, and local organizations such as the Col. David Hall DAR Chapter and the Zwaanendael Club will open their doors to the public.

A great selection of gifts will be on hand the day of the tour at the society’s Ryves Holt House Museum Gift Shop. Through Monday, Dec. 31, the society is offering members an additional 10 percent off merchandise, a total discount of 20 percent off.

During the tour, come by the Christmas Antiques Bazaar and Bake Sale, held at the Rabbit's Ferry House at Third and Shipcarpenter streets on the Lewes Historic Complex. It's a wonderful chance to do a bit of shopping for the holidays, as there will be a selection of small furniture, collectibles, dishware, jewelry and more. Also enjoy hot coffee, chili and delicious baked goods. Outside the house is a Holiday Greens Sale featuring fresh magnolia, pine and holly while supplies last.

Several area churches will have luncheons Saturday, Dec. 1. Bethel UMC will host a Cookie Walk, and Lewes Yacht Club will have an indoor Craft Fair and Luncheon.

The tour is presented by Community Bank Delaware and cosponsored by Schell Brothers. Bella Terra, Cadbury at Lewes, Griswold Special Care, The Inn at Canal Square, Irish Eyes Pub & Restaurant, Jeanine O'Donnell of State Farm, Peninsula Gallery and Sombar & Company PA support the 38th annual event as house sponsors.

For more information about the Lewes Christmas Tour or about the society, go to www.HistoricLewes.org, call 302-645-7670 or email info@historiclewes.org.