Share:
Elks host annual children’s Christmas party
January 2, 2026
After acquiring her golden ticket to board the Polar Express train, 5-year-old Elliana Dezso presents it to conductor Marty Schreck. SUBMITTED PHOTOS
Olivia Davis, 2, gets a high-five from Santa, aka John Jeep.
Many volunteers made the Cape Henlopen Elks Polar Express party a success.
Zoë Bradney, 22 months, waits for a hug from Santa, aka John Jeep.
Standing at the mailbox is (l-r) Tony Esposito helping Lincoln Wilkinson mail his wish list while his parents Thadd Wilkinson and Nina Wilkinson keep watch.
Riley Reed eagerly unwraps her gifts with grandparents Patty and Bruce Herbert.
The Cape Henlopen Elks Lodge 2540 welcomed more than 50 children along with their family members for a “Polar Express”-themed Christmas party.
Helpful elves directed passengers to stations, and attendees filled out wish lists and dropped them into the mailbox for delivery to the North Pole. Tickets in hand, children continued the adventure, feeding Santa's hungry reindeer in their pen, enjoying dancers carrying trays of hot chocolate, and meeting the Grinch and his dog Max.
Santa's helpers passed out hand-picked gifts for youngsters to unwrap before all guests enjoyed popcorn, cookies and ice cream. Everyone brought home memories full of holiday magic.
