christmasmgn

(Photo: MGN Online)

 By Kye Parsons

From annual parades to festivals and Christmas tree lightings, a variety of events will highlight the upcoming 2018 holiday season on Delmarva. Don’t miss out on the fun by check out our list of Christmas and holiday events near you.

Parades

11/24 – Chestertown, Md. – the Kent County (Md.) Christmas Parade will be held at 10:30.m. in downtown Chestertown. More information here.

11/26 –Pocomoke City, Md. – The parade Monday will begin at 7 p.m. for its 46th year, featuring marching bands representing seven counties in three states. Also featured will be beautifully decorated and lighted floats entered by schools, civic organizations, churches, and commercial enterprises. Clowns, marching units, fire departments, equestrian units, and Santa Claus will round out the two-hour event. The route will take the parade north on Market Street beginning at 14th Street and ending at the Pocomoke River. Professional judges, including members of the National Judges Association, will score entries in many different categories. Cash prizes and trophies will be awarded immediately following the event to the top entries in each category. For more information view the event online.

12/1 – Chincoteague, Va. – Starts at 7 p.m. Floats, bands, fire companies from all around the Eastern Shore and a special visit from Santa. More information here.

12/1 – Easton, Md. – 6-8 p.m.  Featuring floats, vehicles, bands, and more throughout the downtown business district. More information here.

12/1 – Millsboro, Del. – Starts at 5 p.m. Tree lighting is included in this event. Bring a chair.  More information here.

12/1– Lewes, Del. – Starts at 5 p.m. More information here.

12/1 – Ocean City, Md. – The parade starts at 11 a.m. on Old Landing Road and marches northbound in the southbound lanes of Coastal Hwy. to the judges’ stand at 120th Street. The event will feature more than 50 units, including high school bands, horses, antique cars, colorful holiday floats, and more. Click here for more information.

12/1 – Seaford, Del. – Starts at 7 p.m. “A Star Bright Christmas” will be presented by the Downtown Seaford Association and the City of Seaford. This will Seaford’s 153rd annual Christmas parade.

12/1 –  Princess Anne, Md. – 11 a.m.-2 p.m.  There will be fun, games, music, food and Santa. More information here.

12/1 – Delmar Md./Del. – 2-3:30 p.m. Rain date: Saturday, Dec. 14 at 2 p.m. Click here for more information.

12/2 – Cambridge, Md. – The Cambridge-Dorchester County 70th Annual Christmas Parade gets underway at 5 p.m.  The theme is “70 Years of Christmas Cheer!” More information here.

12/2– Salisbury, Md. – The Jaycees of Salisbury host the 72nd  annual Christmas parade in Salisbury, starting at 2 p.m. This year’s theme is “A Wicomico Winter Wonderland.” More details and parade route information here.

12/3 – Snow Hill, Md. – The parade begins at 7 p.m. The parade starts near Snow Hill High School and proceeds to the courthouse on Market Street. Rain Date is Wednesday, Dec. 5. For more information view the Snow Hill events calendar online.

12/4 – Rehoboth, Del. – Starts at 6:30 p.m.  All parade participants and attendees are invited to the Rehoboth Beach Convention Center after the event for Santa’s Christmas Party for refreshments, the awarding or trophies, and for children to visit Santa Claus for a small gift. Click here for more information.

12/7 – Crisfield, Md. – Starts at 6:30 p.m. Featuring bands, floats, and more. After the parade, stop by Santa’s House next to City Hall for free photos with Santa by the Somerset County Library. More information here.

12/6 – Georgetown, Del.–  From 7-9 p.m.  The theme for this year’s parade is a “A Solid Gold Christmas: 50 Years of Georgetown Christmas Parades,” and will again culminate in the arrival of Santa Claus.Scores of floats, marching bands, classic cars, fire engines and much more will participate. Click here for more information.

12/6 – Denton, Md. – 6 p.m., Market Street. The parade will feature marching bands, Santa, and the best of the season.  Following the parade, watch the illumination of the Courthouse Green and enjoy a holiday musical performance.  Call 410-479-2050 or click here for more information.

12/6– Berlin, Md. – The 48th annual parade, running from 7-9 p.m. welcomes marching bands, dance teams, fire companies and floats before the arrival of Santa. The celebration takes place  in historic Downtown Berlin. Click here for details.

12/7 – Laurel, Del. – Hosted by the Laurel Fire Department in Delaware, the annual parade begins at 7 p.m. This year’s theme is “A Christmas Village.” More information here.

12/7 – Selbyville, Del. – The 58th annual Selbyville Christmas Parade will be held from 7-9 p.m. More information here.

12/8 – Hurlock, Md. – The parade gets underway at 5 p.m. The parade route starts from Main and Thompson Streets and ends at Charles Street.

12/8 – Bridgeville, Del. – The parade gets underway at 6 p.m. Rain date: Dec. 9 at 4 p.m.  For more information click here.

12/8 – Greensboro, Md.  – The parade takes place at 6 p.m. down Sunset Avenue and ends at Riverside Park followed by the lighting of the city, cookies, hot cocoa and pictures with Santa Claus. Call 410-482-6222 or click here for more information.

12/8 – St. Michaels, Md. – Starts at 10:30 a.m. The route starts at Talbot Street from Perry Cabin south to Seymour Avenue. More information here.

12/11 – Dagsboro, Del. – This event gets underway at 7 p.m. The parade lineup is on Main Street near the back entrance of Indian River High School. The parade route continues down Main Street towards town. It turns left onto Clayton Street and ends at the new Dagsboro Fire Hall. Click here for more information.

12/11 – Federalsburg, Md. – From 7-9 p.m., starting on North Main Street and running to the railroad tracks ending with a visit with Santa at the historical society. Click here for more information.

Holiday Festivals, Tree Lightings & Other Events

  • Annual Downtown Salisbury Tree Lighting, Salisbury, Md., Friday, Nov. 16. Featuring lights, live music, dance troupes and a visit from Santa himself.
  • Santa’ Arrival & the Lighting of Chestertown, Friday, Nov. 23, 6:30-8 p.m.The Kent County Community Marching Band will herald the arrival of Santa & classic characters with holiday music, while Chestertown’s Historic District comes aglow with twinkling holiday decorations. Event location: Fountain Park, Chestertown.
  • Winterfest of Lights in Ocean City, Md., Nov. 15-Dec. 31.  The 26th Anniversary for Ocean City’s beloved holiday festival will be opening its doors to visitors on Thursday, November 15, with a magical tree lighting ceremony. The special ceremony will kick off at 5:30 p.m. at Northside Park’s Winterfest Village at 127th Street and the bay and is free and open to the public. Adding to the winter wonderland is a special performance by Ocean City Elementary School’s “OC Stars” performing holiday songs and dance.  In addition, Mayor Rick Meehan will “flip the switch” to light the 50 foot Christmas tree and officially open the entire Winterfest of Lights event.  Even Santa will make a surprise appearance for the opening ceremony, which will feature free rides on the Winterfest Express train for the remainder of the evening. Beginning Nov. 15, the hours of operation will be Sunday-Thursday from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.  Winterfest tickets are available and can be purchased in advance at the Ocean City Community Center and the Convention Center.  Admission is $5 for those 12 years & older and free for those 11 years and younger. Click here for more information.
  • Winter WonderFEST in Lewes, Del., Nov. 17-Dec. 31.  Fun activities include: Light Spectacular at the Cape Henlopen State Park featuring dozens of new displays, an open air ice rink and Christmas Village.  For dates, tickets and info, click here.
  • Turkey Trek 5k in Pemberton Park, Salisbury, Md., Nov. 22. The annual race happens at 9 a.m. every year on Thanksgiving Day at Pemberton Historical Park in Salisbury. Preregistered runners check-in from 8-8:30 a.m. Early registration through Nov. 18 costs $25. On-site registration lasts from 7:30-8 a.m. and costs $30. The route goes through Pemberton Park’s forests, meadows and wetlands. Refreshments and holiday pie will be available after the race, and all proceeds will go directly toward Pemberton Historical Park’s nature camp and other environmental education programs. For more information about registration and event details visit the Pemberton Historical Park event page.
  • Berlin Tree Lighting and Holiday Open House, Berlin, Md., Nov. 23, 5:30-9 p.m., downtown Main Street. Click here for more information.
  • Holiday Shopper’s Fair, Roland E. Powell Convention Center in Ocean City, Md., Nov. 23-25. Featuring more than 150 vendors offering unique merchandise as well as handmade products, nautical, candles, photography, florals, jewelry, ceramics.  Great gifts & household items. Children’s activities & face painting. Free parking, food court, non-shoppers lounge, door prizes. For more information, contact Melanie at 410-723-8605 or email mcollins@oceancitymd.gov. Admission: $3; Under 13, free.
  • Rehoboth Tree Lighting & Holiday Sing-Along at the Bandstand, Rehoboth Beach, Del., Friday, Nov. 23 at 6:30 p.m. The sing-along will be hosted by Clear Space Theatre and officially illuminate the city’s most famous tree at 7 p.m. Everyone is invited to this cherished annual tradition where thousands of spectators gather to ring in the holiday spirit in downtown Rehoboth Beach. Come early and stay late. After the tree is lit, enjoy dinner with your friends and family and do your holiday shopping downtown. For event information, visit rehobothbandstand.com or contact the Communications Department at 302-227-6181, ext. 522 or communications@cityofrehoboth.com.
  • Dewey Beach Holiday Tree Lighting, Dewey Beach, Del., Saturday, Nov. 24, 5-7 pm. at Fifer’s Orchards Market. Parking is free on any street in Dewey.  Attendees are encouraged to bring their family, refreshments, and their Christmas spirit!
  • Milford Santa House, Milford, Del., Saturday, Nov. 24 and multiple dates through Dec. 21. Santa Claus arrives in Milford on Saturday, Nov. 24 at 11 a.m. and will be accompanied by his hard-working elves. Santa will arrive on a blazing red fire truck from the Carlisle Fire Station with sirens blasting escorted by local Milford police. Santa will receive each child and listen to their holiday dreams and wishes every Friday evening 5-8 p.m. and on Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m.- 3 p.m. until Sunday, Dec. 23. Every child will receive a candy cane, picture with Santa and a locally-made stocking filled with candy. A weekly drawing for a Downtown Milford Gift Certificate will be given away to five lucky Milford shoppers. Click here for more information.
  • Chincoteague Annual Holiday Tree Lighting, Saturday, Nov. 24, 5 p.m. at Robert Reed Downtown Park.  There will be holiday songs and caroling. Town officials, dignitaries and local celebrities will be among those attending. All are invited to join in the celebration. Many shops will be open after the tree lighting to offer early holiday shopping. Be sure to purchase your Christmas by the Sea T-Shirts.
  • Christmas in Crisfield, Crisfield, Md., Saturday, Nov. 24, 3-7 p.m. Don’t miss the lighting of the Crab Pot Christmas Tree! There will be entertainment, food, vendors and Santa will be there too! Plenty of fun events for the kids so – bring the family to this free holiday event. Click here for more information.
  • Dagsboro Christmas Tree Lighting, Saturday, Nov. 24, 7 p.m., at Katie Helm Park. This celebration has special music provided by area students, hot chocolate and cookies, and concludes with a visit from Santa. More information here.
  • Christmas Tree Lighting in Byrd Park, Snow Hill, Md., Thursday, Nov. 29, 5:30 p.m. There will be singing, readings and a visit from Santa. Come see the town’s new light and its 26-foot-tall tree. The Auxiliary to the Snow Hill Volunteer Fire Department will be selling hot dogs, hot apple cider and chips. Hot Chocolate will be free for children under 12. Nick Haglich will kick off the festivities at 5:15 with holiday music. The holiday lights in the downtown area will be lit close to 5:30 to welcome the holiday season. Click here for more information.
  • Capital Holiday Festival, Dover, Del., Thursday, Nov. 29. An evening of fun in Downtown Dover with the annual tree lighting, caroling, and Santa. Click here for more information.
  • Annual Milton Memorial Park Lighting, Milton, Del., Friday, Nov. 30 at 6:30 p.m. at Milton Memorial Park on Chandler St. Click here for more information.
  • Princess Anne Annual Tree Lighting, Princess Anne, Md., Friday, Nov. 30, 6-7 p.m. The Greenwood Elementary School Choir will sing carols and enjoy complimentary hot chocolate will be handed out at UMES Hawk’s Corner. Click here for more information.
  • Annual Federalsburg Tree Lighting, Federalsburg, Md., Friday, Nov. 30, 6 p.m., at the town triangle on West Central Avenue. The event will have sounds of the season from various groups as well as hot chocolate, cookies and this year Santa will be on hand. Click here for more information.
  • Bethany Beach Holiday Happenings, Town Hall, 214 Garfield  Parkway, Bethany Beach, Del. From 1-3 p.m., enjoy photos with Santa, face painting, and of course, cookies and hot cocoa.  Horse-drawn wagon rides, beach tractor, and trolley rides through town will go until 4 p.m.  At 5 p.m., gather at the bandstand plaza for the fourth annual lighting of the holiday tree and caroling with The Remnants, the contemporary music group of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Click here for more information.
  • Christmas in the Forest, Furnace Town Heritage Village, Snow Hill, Md., Saturday, Dec. 1, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Come enjoy a day of family fun with crafts, live music, wreath making, gifts, raffles and an old-fashioned Christmas Service. Admission to the event is $5 for adults with children 16 and under free. Call 410-632-2032 or click here for more information.
  • Santa Arrives in Rock Hall, Rock Hall, Md., Saturday, Dec. 1, 6 p.m. Santa will arrive at Rock Hall’s harbor, following a brisk boat ride across the Chesapeake Bay. Then Santa will climb up onto a Rock Hall Fire truck and proceed to Main and Sharp streets, led by the Kent County Community Marching Band and Mrs. Claus.Santa will arrive at his destination at his house on the corner of Main Street and Rock Hall Avenue. Santa will be able to linger a while to visit and have photos taken with the children and assist with lighting the decorations and community Christmas Trees on Main Street. Click here for information.
  • Community Crab Basket Christmas Tree Lighting, Rock Hall, Md., Saturday, Dec. 1, 6:30 p.m.  The tree will be located in the center of Main Street and is constructed with over 175 crab baskets. What makes this tree special and unique is many of the baskets are hand painted and decorated in memory of loved ones. The spirit of “the Pearl of the Chesapeake” is expressed through this magnificent structure and will bring joy and comfort to all. Click here for more information.
  • Santa Clause 5k & Fun Run, the Starboard, 2009 Coastal Hwy., Dewey Beach, Del., Sunday, Dec. 2, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Click here for more information.
  • Poplar Hill Mansion Yuletide Open House, Sunday, Dec. 2, 1-4 p.m., Poplar Hill Mansion, 117 Elizabeth St., Salisbury, Md. See the beautiful floral decorations by the Four Seasons Garden Club throughout the first floor of the Mansion. Visit the second floor to see a Christmas tree with more than 1,500 ornaments, Christmas Village with trolley, and our Nutcracker Nursery featuring over 100 nutcrackers. Hear festive live Christmas music with local harpist Kara Dahl Russell and enjoy light refreshments. Consider bringing a non-perishable item for Joseph House. This is a free event, but donations are greatly appreciated and all proceeds go toward  the preservation of Salisbury’s Oldest House. Call 410-749-1776 or click here for more information.
  • Santa’s Wonderland, Oak Ridge Baptist Church, 361 Tilghman Road, Salisbury, Md., Thursday, Dec. 6 from 5-8 p.m., Friday, Dec. 7 from 5-8 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 8 at from 3-7 p.m. Bring your camera and get some photos as you visit with Santa Claus, make Christmas crafts, enjoy a Christmas movie, hear a story from Mrs. Claus, meet some Christmas characters, pose with props at the Elfie Station and snack on delicious sweets and hot chocolate. This event is free. Click here for more information.
  • Milton Holly Festival, Milton, Del, Saturday, Dec. 8, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Held at the Milton Fire Department, Goshen Hall and the Milton Public Library;  featuring crafts, artwork, jewelry and holiday gifts. Fresh plants, wreaths along with festive food items will be available. Santa will be in attendance from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Click here for more information. 
  • Greensboro’s Lighting of the City and Parade, Greensboro, Md., Saturday, Dec. 8, 6-9 p.m. The annual parade will be followed by the lighting of the city, cookies, hot cocoa and pictures with Santa Claus. The parade takes place at 6 p.m. down Sunset Avenue  and ends at Riverside Park. For more information call 410-482-6222 or click here.