Lewes Christmas Parade to spread yuletide spirit Dec. 6

The Wagon Queen Family Truckster, from the movie “National Lampoon’s Vacation” drives the 2024 parade with Clark Griswold at the wheel and Cousin Eddie walking along. The 1983 Ford wagon, owned by Mark Riley and Alicia Purdy, won first place in the decorated vehicle category. BILL SHULL PHOTO

November 28, 2025

Event Date:

Fri, 11/21/2025 - 08:45 am

The 93rd annual Lewes Christmas parade, presented by the City of Lewes and the Lewes Chamber of Commerce, will step off at 5 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 6, from Lewes Elementary School parking lot on Savannah Road. It will progress down Savannah to Second Street, ending in front of King’s Ice Cream shop. In case of inclement weather, the parade will be held at the same time Sunday, Dec. 7.

Celebrating an Old-Fashioned Christmas in Lewes and America’s 250th are the themes.

The parade organizing committee is co-chaired by Craig Beebe of NextHome Tomorrow Realty and G.W. Thompson of NerdsToGo.

Warren Golde has been selected as this year’s honorary grand marshal in recognition of his work to found Lewes in Bloom 24 years ago, and for his many years of beautifying Lewes in public gardens and the historic commercial district surrounding Second Street.

Reprising their roles as parade announcers will be chamber board member Jim Smith of Delmarva Power and Michael DiPaolo of the Delaware Community Foundation.

Parade prizes are awarded in a number of categories, including: Marching Group, Band, Clown, Equestrian, Decorated Classic Car (vintage 1967 or older), Decorated Vehicle (1968 or more recent), Fire Company, Commercial Float, Community Organization Float and Youth Organization Float.

Registration closed Nov. 21.

After the parade, everyone is invited to join Mayor Amy Marasco as she officially illuminates the Christmas tree in Zwaanendael Park, followed by candlelight caroling in the park led by Christy Taylor with some of her music students. The tree-lighting ceremony will commence shortly after the last parade entry passes the judges’ reviewing stand in Zwaanendael Park.

Christmas festivities in the First Town will kick off with an evening of shopping featuring complimentary refreshments during the 38th annual Lewes Merchants Hospitality Night from 5 to 8 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 4, in the historic commercial district. Second Street will be closed to vehicular traffic from 3 to 8 p.m.

Santa will make a brief visit that evening to his Lewes house at the corner of Second and Bank streets. Numerous additional activities associated with the holiday weekend are planned throughout the Lewes area.

To learn more, call 302-645-8073 or go to leweschamber.com.