Share: 

Dewey Business Partnership spreads cheer with tree-lighting

Santa and Mrs. Claus attend annual event
Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus, a.k.a. Dewey Business Partnership Executive Director Kelly Ranieri, arrive at Fifer’s Farm Kitchen by fire truck Nov. 29 for DBP’s annual Dewey Beach Christmas tree-lighting. ELLEN MCINTYRE PHOTOS
Ellen McIntyre
December 1, 2025

The Dewey Business Partnership held its annual Dewey Beach Christmas tree-lighting event at Fifer’s Farm Kitchen Nov. 29.

The crowd cheered as Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus arrived by fire truck to help with the lighting and listen to folks’ Christmas wishes.

Guests huddled by campfires and heaters for warmth, and enjoyed free food and drinks from local vendors like The Starboard, Woody’s and Grotto Pizza.

DBP also offered its annual Christmas winning tree, where for $20 guests could pick a number from the tree and win a correlating prize. Everyone was a winner, with prizes like gift cards, clothing, beach gear, wine, a hotel stay and more.

Donations benefited DBP, which comprises local businesses that work together, alongside the Rehoboth Beach-Dewey Beach Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center, to enhance the community through year-round town initiatives and family-friendly events. DBP also helps to fund the town’s public services and local charities.

 

Santa Claus waves to an awaiting crowd at the Fifer’s Christmas tree-lighting in Dewey Beach on Nov. 29.
Chad Ackland, left, and Ximena Leon enjoy the evening with their dog, Max.
Ainsley Skarda meets Santa Claus at the Fifer’s Farm Kitchen tree-lighting in Dewey Beach Nov. 29.
A crowd awaits Santa Claus, who waves from atop a fire truck, at Fifer’s Farm Kitchen Nov. 29.
The Starboard’s Dylan Scerri, left, and Doug Moore are ready to serve drinks to people at the Fifer’s tree-lighting.
The Finlay family meets Santa Claus at the Fifer’s Farm Kitchen tree-lighting. In back are J.P., left, and wife Lauren. In front are daughters Shelby, left, and Ainslie.
Dewey Beach residents, friends and loved ones embrace the holiday spirit at the Fifer’s Farm Kitchen tree-lighting. Shown in back are (l-r) Patrick Zmuda, Brandy Zmuda, Georgie Penny and Forest Penny. In middle are Spencer Stallings, Margo Zmuda, Sawyer Stallings and Baylyn Penny. In front are Colton Penny and Dalton Zmuda.
The Christmas tree at Fifer’s is all lit up after Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus arrive.
Rich Godbout of the Dewey Business Partnership helps out at the tree-lighting.

Most Popular

Ellen McIntyre is a reporter covering education and all things Dewey Beach. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Penn State - Schreyer Honors College in May 2024, then completed an internship writing for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. In 2023, she covered the Women’s World Cup in New Zealand as a freelancer for the Associated Press and saw her work published by outlets including The Washington Post and Fox Sports. Her variety of reporting experience covers crime and courts, investigations, politics and the arts. As a Hockessin, Delaware native, Ellen is happy to be back in her home state, though she enjoys traveling and learning about new cultures. She also loves live music, reading, hiking and spending time in nature.

Most Popular