Events This Weekend in Delaware and Maryland
Now in the heart of the 2024 holiday season, we're excited to bring you a full and festive calendar of events for this first weekend of December at and near the Delaware and Maryland beaches.
Our events calendar this week is filled with all things Christmas, from annual parades to festive gatherings, and several sightings of the one-and-only Santa Claus. Man, does that dude ever get around!
In all, we have more than 20 events to share with you for the extended weekend of December 6-8 in locations throughout the region. So be sure to keep reading for the Oldfather Group's top choices over the next few days.
And, as always, have a fantastic weekend everyone!
Milton Holly Festival (December 7)
This annual tradition in the town of Milton is taking place on Saturday, December 7. Scheduled times are from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m.
Nearly 100 vendors are expected this year in three separate locations, at the Milton Fire Department, at the Milton Library, and at H.O. Brittingham Elementary School.
In addition to all of the great vendors, visitors can expect food trucks, bake sales, children's activities, visits with Santa Claus, and a spectacularly festive atmosphere in downtown Milton.
Lewes Christmas Parade (December 7)
The "First Town in the First State" will be hosting its annual Christmas parade this Saturday, December 7, beginning at 5 p.m.
Presented by the City of Lewes and the Lewes Chamber of Commerce, the 92nd annual parade will meander down Savannah Road from Lewes Elementary School, then turn onto historic Second Street before concluding.
The town's Christmas Tree will be lit in Zwaanendael Park following the parade.
Learn more at leweschamber.com.
Bethany Beach Weekend Wonderland (December 7, 14, 21)
This event in downtown Bethany Beach is focused on the "shop local" movement and will be held this and every Saturday leading up to Christmas 2024.
This Saturday, December 7, will also feature activities that include pony rides on the beach, a "party with Santa" at Town Hall, train and tractor rides, and the resort's tree lighting at 5 p.m.
Visit townofbethanybeach.com to learn more.
Holiday Stroll & Christmas Market (December 7)
Scheduled for 3 to 8 p.m. on Saturday, December 7, the downtown areas of Milford will be alive with holiday cheer for the entire family.
The Holiday Stroll is being held for the 19th time in 2024 and is joined by the Christmas Market, which is in its fifth year.
All of the downtown shops will be decorated for the season this Saturday. There will also be live holiday music, children's activities, displays at the fire hall, complimentary treats, visits with Santa Claus, and much more.
More information is available by visiting downtownmilford.org.
Schellville Enchanted Winter Celebration (Through the Holidays)
The always fun and popular winter celebration at Schellville has quickly become one of the staples of the holiday season here at the Delaware beaches.
A change this year for the popular holiday event - no tickets are required for entry during the 2024 run. Just come out and enjoy the festivities!
Popular activities at Schellville will again include the outdoor roller skating rink, a sled hill, train rides, a snow zone, live music, a tree maze, nearly two dozen miniature themed houses, concessions, and a lot more.
Schellville is located behind Tanger Outlets Seaside on Coastal Highway in Rehoboth Beach.
Learn much more about the 2024 Enchanted Winter Celebration by visiting schellbrothers.com.
Fenwick Island Tree Lighting (December 6)
The town of Fenwick Island will be lighting its Christmas Tree this Friday, December 6, beginning at 5:30 p.m. at Cannon Street Park on Route 1.
Enjoy hot chocolate, Christmas caroling, and more, leading up to the lighting of the tree.
Learn more at fenwickisland.delaware.gov.
Selbyville Christmas Parade (December 6)
Visit Church Street in Selbyville this Friday, December 6, for that town's annual Christmas parade. The fun kicks off at 7 p.m.
Expected for this year's parade are floats, marching bands, fire trucks, classic cars, and more. And, of course, Santa Claus will also be making an appearance.
Learn more by visiting the website of the Bethany-Fenwick Area Chamber of Commerce.
Dogfish Head Tree Lighting (December 6)
For a Christmas Tree lighting that's a little more low key, consider visiting Dogfish Head Brewing & Eats on Rehoboth Avenue this Friday evening. The tree will be lit promptly at 7:15 p.m. in the courtyard between Dogfish Head and Chesapeake & Maine.
In addition to the tree lighting, there will also be live music, holiday spirits, and visits with Santa Claus. The evening also marks the beginning of Dogfish Head's 2024 One Warm Coat Drive.
Learn more at dogfish.com.
Santa Bar Crawl (December 7)
This fun-loving holiday event is being held for the third time in 2024 and is scheduled to run from 1 until 6 p.m. on Saturday, December 7.
The afternoon begins with a group photo on the Boardwalk at Wilmington Avenue at 1 p.m. and continues as participants hop from location to location throughout the day. More than 25 locations are taking part in the festivities in 2024.
Bar crawlers are encouraged to dress up like Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus, or one of Santa's elves for the event and are asked to bring along a new, unwrapped Christmas gift for the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation.
Learn more about this event at rbsantabarcrawl.com.
Milton Arts Guild Winter Market (December 6-8)
The folks at the Milton Arts Guild will be hosting this three-day event from Friday to Sunday, December 6-8, at two separate locations in downtown Milton.
Approximately two dozen local artists will be offering unique items for sale at both the Art Guild's gallery on Federal Street and at Studios on Walnut, located at 310 Walnut Street.
Scheduled hours are 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Friday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday.
Learnmore at miltonartsguild.org.
Ocean City Christmas Parade (December 7)
Maryland's favorite summertime playground gets into the holiday spirit this Saturday, December 7, with the resort city's annual Christmas parade.
Beginning at 11 a.m. on Old Landing Road, the parade marches up Coastal Highway to the judges' stand on 120th Street. More than 70 marching bands, car clubs, holiday floats, and more are expected for the 2024 event.
Post-parade activities will be held at the Carousel Hotel and include ice skating, holiday music, photos with Santa Claus and complimentary refreshments.
Learn more at oceancitymd.gov.
Festival of Lights at Delaware Park (November 29 - December 21)
This outdoor, family-friendly light display and holiday market kicked off on Friday, November 29, and runs every Friday and Saturday night through December 21.
The event also features photo opportunities, holiday vendors, pictures with Santa Claus, food and beverage specials, and more.
Visit lightsatdelpark.com to learn more.
... plus so much more!
Click here for the rest of this weekend’s events calendar
