Baking cookies, decking the halls, picking out your favorite ornaments — these are traditions that stretch the United States.
Here on Delmarva, small town traditions go even further. If you live in Cambridge, Md., Frankford, Del., or Cape Charles, Va., holiday cheer will be spread for all to hear. Check out this list of light displays, tree lightings and more in your area.
Light Displays
Maryland
Cambridge – Christmas Garden of Trains
December 1 – 30. Weekdays 6 – 9 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 1 – 4 p.m. Historic Municipal Firehouse on Gay Street in Downtown Cambridge. The Train Garden features miniature lighted houses, stores and towns that glow and is one of the areaÂs largest train gardens. Free to the public. A fire company raffle supports the Train Garden, along with the sale of light refreshments. Website: http://cambridgemainstreet.com/event/holiday-train-garden-cambridge-firehouse/
Chestertown – Santa’s Arrival & Lighting of the Town
Friday, Nov. 25 from 6:30 – 8 p.m. Marching band, Santas arrival, music, lighting of the Historic District and more. Free. Website: downtownchestertown.org
Easton – Festival of Trees
Sunday, Nov. 27 – Thursday, Dec. 1. Sunday 11a.m. – 8p.m., Monday-Thursday 10 a.m. – 6p.m. The 31st annual Festival of Trees will celebrate this year with a holiday event in the historic Tidewater Hotel in Easton. Enjoy holiday shopping, dancing, raffles and all sorts of merriment and holiday fun. All proceeds go to the Talbot Hospice Foundation. Website: http://www.festival-of-trees.org/holiday-trees.html
Ocean City – Winterfest of Lights
Thursday Nov. 17 – Sunday, Jan. 1. Holiday lights display, hot chocolate, gift shops, photos with Santa and more. $5. Sun.-Thurs., 5:30 – 9:30pm; Fri. and Sat., 5:30 – 10:30pm; Thanksgiving Day 5:30 – 10:30pm. Northside Park, Ocean City. Website: ococean.com/events/winterfest-of-lights
Ocean City’s Winterfest of Lights are a tradition to many (Photo: Town of Ocean City)
Ocean City – Avenue of Trees Along Baltimore Avenue
Thursday Nov. 17 – Jan.1. From 15th Street to 33rd Street in Downtown Ocean City there is a display of lighted Christmas Trees. In 2014, the Town of Ocean City initiated an effort to add new Christmas trees, replacing aging displays, on Baltimore Avenue. For more information call 410-250-0125. Website: http://ococean.com/events/the-avenue-of-trees
Salisbury – Winter Wonderland of Lights
On Saturday, Nov. 26 at 5 p.m. enjoy local entertainment and meet with Santa to count down the lighting of Salisbury City Park at 6 p.m. Lights will remain up in the park through the first of January, lit from dusk until midnight. Website: https://www.facebook.com/Salisburys-Winter-Wonderland- 177710195573782/
Salisbury- Christmas Production/ Christmas Eve Candle Light Service at Emmanuel Wesleyan Church
On Thursday, Dec. 8 – Sunday, Dec. 11, Emmanuel Wesleyan Church ‘Shepherds and Kings.’ This is a Dramatic Musical featuring The Living Christmas Tree. This is a FREE event and no ticket is needed to attend. On Christmas Eve, the church will hold a candle light service beginning at 8 p.m. Website: https://www.ewchurch.com/events
Wicomico Yacht Club – Christmas Boat Parade
Saturday, Nov. 26. Over 20 boats depart from the Wicomico Yacht Club at 5pm, reaching the Upper Ferry by 6 p.m. and arriving at the Port of Salisbury by 7 p.m. Website: http://www.wicomicotourism.org/see-and-do/festivals-and-events
Delaware
Frankford – Christmas at the Park
The park will be open each Wednesday between Thanksgiving and Christmas from 6 – 8 p.m. to give children and families the opportunity to visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus and to enjoy the light displays. Hot Cocoa and cookies will be available each night free of charge. Frankford Col. Fire Co Auxiliary. 7 Main St, Frankford De. Call 302-732-6662 for more details.
Lewes – WonderFEST
- Christmas Village Friday Nov. 18-Sunday, Jan. 1., 5 – 9 p.m. Ferris Wheel, Ice Skating, Carnival Rides, Santa’s Workshop, Food & Beverages. Cape May Lewes Terminal Grounds. Tickets ($10 for 10, $20 for 20, $40 for 60, $60 for 100)
- Light Spectacular Friday Nov. 18-Sunday, Jan. 1., 5 – 9 p.m. Cape Henlopen State Park Tickets – Car Passes (1-7 Passengers) $15 in advance/$20 at the gate – Van or “Party Bus” Passes (8-20 Passengers) $15 in advance/$20 at the gate – School Bus or Charter Bus (21-55 Passengers) $50 in advance/ $60 at the gate. Website: http://wonderfestde.org
Milford – Festival of Trees
Friday, Dec. 2 – Sunday, Dec. 4. 12 – 4p.m. on Friday, 10a.m.-4p.m. on Saturday & Sunday. Hosted by Delaware Hospice to support its programs, Festival of Trees features a display of decorated trees and wreaths. A variety of events and activities will take place including gifts, raffles, a bake shop, entertainment, drinks and dancing. For more information call 302-478-5088. Website: https://www.georgetowncoc.com/event/community-events/hospice-festival-trees
Rehoboth Beach – Santa’s House on the Boardwalk
Friday, Nov. 25 – Sunday, Dec. 18. Santa has announced his hours and house location. Santa’s House will be on the Rehoboth Boardwalk at the end of Rehoboth Avenue! Stop by and tell Santa your Christmas wish list! There is no charge to visit Santa; donations are appreciated. Remember to bring your camera! Website: https://www.beach-fun.com/holiday-fun.html
Virginia
Cape Charles – Grand Illumination of Central Park & Lighted Golf Cart Parade
Saturday, Dec. 3 starting at 5:30 p.m. Enjoy live music before the lighting of Central Park. Cookies and refreshments will be served. A Lighted golf cart parade will enter the park with Santa Claus immediate following the illumination of Cape Charles Central Park. Website: http://www.capecharlesbythebay.com/event/grand-illumination-of-central-park/
Tree Lightings
Maryland
Berlin – Holiday Art Stroll & Tree Lighting
Friday, Nov. 25 from 5:30 – 9p.m. Downtown Main Street. The annual tree lighting will be at the Atlantic Hotel and then attendees can stroll the streets to enjoy the musicians, artists and shop for holiday bargains. Website: http://www.berlinmainstreet.com/events/holiday-art-stroll-tree-lighting/
Centreville – 5th Annual Tree Lighting
Wednesday, Nov. 30 from 6:30 – 7:30p.m. Listen and sing along with the music of the season and warm up with light refreshments. Santa will be making an appearance. Children are welcome to bring ornaments (homemade preferred) to decorate the tree. Website: http://www.townofcentreville.org/event/5th-annual-tree-lighting-ceremony/
Crisfield – Crisfield’s Kick-off to Christmas
Saturday, Nov. 26 from 3 – 7 p.m. The City of Crisfield, Crisfield Heritage Foundation and Friends of Crisfield will present a Miracle on Tenth Street. There will be singing, celebrating, the lighting of the Crabpot Christmas Tree, Ice Sculpting, Crafts for the kids, Vendors and more. Website: http://www.crisfieldchamber.com/news
Denton – Holiday Parade and Lighting of the Green
Thursday, Dec. 1. Parade starts at 6 p.m. Stroll along Market Street with friends and family at this annual community event. Parade begins on Fifth Ave. and ends on Market St. in front of the Caroline Co. Courthouse. The Lighting of the Green follows the end of the parade. Parade trophy presentation immediately after the Lighting of the Green. Call the Town Office at 410-479- 2050 for details. Website: http://dentonmaryland.com/events/
Princess Anne – Christmas Tree Lighting
Friday, Dec. 2 at 5:30 p.m. Website: http://www.visitsomerset.com/index.php/content/listing_event/princess-anne-christmas-treelighting
Leonardtown – Christmas on the Square & Annual Christmas Tree Lighting
Friday, Nov. 25 from 5 – 9 p.m. Sleigh and fire truck rides, holiday music, live nativity, tree lighting and visit from Santa. Website: http://www.visitmaryland.org/event/christmas-square-annualchristmas-tree-lighting
Ridgley – Candlelit Caroling Celebration
Saturday, Dec. 10. From 5 – 8 p.m. Live music, treats, wine bar and more. $20. Adkins Arboretum, Ridgely. Website: http://adkins.donorshops.com/product/CCC2016/candlelitcarolingcelebrationdecember10.php
Salisbury – Holiday Tree Lighting
Friday, Dec. 2 from 5 – 8 p.m. Watch as Downtown Salisbury’s Holiday Tree is ceremonially lit for the season, plus special musical guests and a visit from Santa. The tree will be lit on North Division Street & local artists, crafters and vendors will set up along the Plaza
Sharptown – Christmas Tree Lighting
Sunday, Dec. 4 at 7 p.m. Town Park on Main Street. Website: http://townofsharptown.org
Snow Hill – Christmas Tree Lighting in Byrd Park
Wednesday, Nov. 30 at 5:30 p.m. The Town’s Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony will be held in Byrd Park. Bring the family to sing carols, decorate the tree, drink hot chocolate and see Santa. The holiday lights in the downtown area will be lit at the same time to welcome the holiday season. Website: http://mobile.snowhillmd.com/events/event.cfm?eventID=1415
St. Michaels – Tree Lighting
Saturday, Dec. 12. Lighting of landmark Holly Tree at 6 p.m. Celebrate the spirit of the season with the first annual tree lighting event at Inn at Perry Cabin by Belmond. Watch Santa arrive in style, refreshments will be served and Santa will hold court fireside in Stars. Website: https://christmasinstmichaels.org/product/holiday-music/
Delaware
Dewey Beach – Tree Lighting
Saturday, Nov. 26 at 6 p.m. at Fifer’s Orchards market. Parking is free on any street in Dewey. Attendees are encouraged to bring their family and refreshments
Frankford – Christmas at the Park/Tree Lighting
Saturday, Nov. 26 from 6 – 8 p.m. The holiday season will kick off with the Tree and Park Lighting Ceremony. Local youth will sing carols while Santa and Mrs. Claus will be available for visits and photos (bring your own camera). The opening ceremony will begin at 6:00 pm with the lighting ceremony at 6:30 p.m. Non-perishable food items will be collected to support our local food banks.
Harrington – Christmas Tree Lighting & Caroling
Friday, Dec. 2 at 6 p.m. Performances by Lake Forest choruses. Hot chocolate and cookies will be served. 10 Mechanic Street, Harrington, De. 19952. Call 302-398-3530 for details. Website: http://harrington.delaware.gov/events/398/christmas-tree-lighting-and-caroling/
Milford – Holiday Tree Lighting Event
Saturday, Nov. 26 from 5 – 5:30 p.m. The Milford Central Academy Chorus will lead a community holiday sing-a-long as residents and visitors gather in front of City Hall (201 S. Walnut Street).The tree lightings will start with the two Holly trees in front of City Hall at 5:30 p.m. Call City Hall at 302-424-3712 for more details. Website: http://www.cityofmilford.com/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=358
Rehoboth Beach – Holiday Sing-along & Tree Lighting
Friday, Nov. 25 from 6:30 – 7 p.m. Rehoboth Beach Bandstand in the front of the Boardwalk. Enjoy a holiday sing-along at 6:30 p.m. and annual Tree Lighting at 7 p.m. Doug Yetter and the Village Improvement Association Chorus will host the sing-along at 6:30 p.m. and officially illuminate the tree at 7 p.m. Website: http://www.downtownrb.com/events.html
Seaford – Carolling in the Park and Tree Lighting
Monday, Nov. 28. 7 p.m. Gateway Park. Appearance by Santa and Christmas caroling. Website: http://www.seafordde.com/index.cfm?ref=90200&ref2=451
Virginia
Chincoteague – Annual Holiday Tree Lighting
Saturday, Nov. 26 at 5 p.m. 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. Christmas By the Sea t-shirts will be up for purchase (All proceeds go to support local holiday events). Website: http://www.chincoteaguechristmas.com/events.html#ead1
