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Hospitality for the holidays in downtown Lewes

Businesses owners thank customers at annual night out
Sharon Tercha from Flair hands out hot drinks to people on Second Street at Lewes Hospitality Night Dec. 4. The annual event gives businesses owners an opportunity to thank customers for their support during the year. Many stores give out free treats during the evening. BILL SHULL PHOTOS
Bill Shull
December 8, 2025

The downtown Lewes business district was alive with the sights and sounds of the holiday during the annual Hospitality Night gathering Dec. 4.

The event is an opportunity for business owners to thank customers for their support throughout the year.

“It’s a good opportunity for people to visit Lewes, see different stores,” said Gina O’Keefe of the Delaware Jewelry Exchange. “It’s a good time to give out refreshments and meet people.”

“We’ve been here 13 years. It’s always been a fun night,” said Michelle Teed, owner of Edie Bees Confection Shop.

Refreshments took many forms, from candy and cookies to cider.

Nancy and Ken Weiland of Milton enjoyed a hot sticky bun outside Lewes Bake Shoppe.

“We enjoy the shopping here. It’s just a nice time to get out and see everyone. It’s just very festive,” they said.

Second Street was filled with Christmas music, thanks to the Cape Henlopen High School chorale and jazz band.

For holiday shoppers, Hospitality Night means exploring stores for holiday gifts and soaking in the hometown atmosphere.

“Every year, we’re here. We love it. It’s like a Hallmark movie experience,” said Lisa Bush.

 

Jeff Tarconish dresses up in holiday attire to bring his kids Claire, left, and Josh to Hospitality Night.
Edie Bees Confection Shop is very popular for their candy samples. Shown are (l-r) Cameron Walker, Michelle Teed and Gabriella Landos.
Hospitality Night is also a perfect opportunity to window shop for that perfect gift.
The Historic Lewes Farmers Market is among the organizations set up in the former Henlopen Trading Company space. Shown are (l-r) Abbey Feierstein, Jessica Charters and Ellie Shue, executive director.
Second Street is packed with people.
A large gingerbread cookie promotes the Bethel United Methodist Church cookie walk.
The Cape Henlopen High School chorale performs Christmas music on Second Street.
Lisa Bush, right, collects a bag of Zeppoles from Scott Walbert at Touch of Italy.
Nancy and Ken Weiland of Milton enjoy a hot sticky bun from Lewes Bake Shoppe.
The folks at the M&T Bank welcome people in for Hospitality Night. Shown are (l-r) Gary Graham, Marian Kaminski, Gabby Madden and Russ Consaul as Santa Claus.
Suzanne Crager wears festive glasses in front of St. Peter’s. Volunteers from the church were giving out hot chocolate and cider.
Best friends Denise Talley, left, and Tammy Todd are just getting started on their annual Hospitality Night visit.
Santa’s Second Street house was open for business on Hospitality Night.
McGruff the Crime Dog stops for a photo with Ashley Akgoren, Lewes city clerk, left, and Lewes Police Lt. James Azato.

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Bill Shull has been covering Lewes for the Cape Gazette since 2023. He comes to the world of print journalism after 40 years in TV news. Bill has worked in his hometown of Philadelphia, as well as Atlanta and Washington, D.C. He came to Lewes in 2014 to help launch WRDE-TV. Bill served as WRDE’s news director for more than eight years, working in Lewes and Milton. He is a 1986 graduate of Penn State University. Bill is an avid aviation and wildlife photographer, and a big Penn State football, Eagles, Phillies and PGA Tour golf fan. Bill, his wife Jill and their rescue cat, Lucky, live in Rehoboth Beach.

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