Canalside inn Logo

6. Annual Holiday Traditions at the Delaware Beaches

Annual Holiday Traditions You Have to See at the Delaware Beaches
Home » 6. Annual Holiday Traditions at the Delaware Beaches

Who said Delaware beaches are just for the warm weather? Not us! Believe it or not, there are so many exciting things going on all year round in DE beach towns. From parades to  light shows and Christmas villages, the winter season brings a variety of annual holiday traditions to the Delaware coast for the most wonderful time of year! Read on for Annual Holiday Traditions You HAVE to See at the Delaware Beaches!

Table of Contents

Located in Milton, DE is Winter WonderFEST! This annual light exhibit is open DAILY 5 PM – 10 PM November 19th through January 2nd. Along with their Light Spectacular, Winter WonderFEST typically includes a Christmas Carnival and Ice Rink as well, but don’t worry, these two fancy features intend to be brought back in 2022.

Grab your friends & family and jump in your vehicles because with 54 fun and festive scenes, this is a one-holiday tradition you don’t want to miss!

Annual Holiday Traditions You Have to See at the Delaware Beaches

Is a car not big enough to fit the whole crew? Rent our Party Bus! It fits 22 passengers and includes a chauffeur. This upgrade is sure to make your night even more magical.

Get ready for the 89th annual Lewes Christmas Parade! This year the parade will be kicking off December 3rd with the “Lewes Lights Opening Ceremony,” followed by the Christmas Parade, Tree-lighting, and caroling on December 4th.

If you’re looking to get involved in the fun, you can enter yourself or your group into the parade! Prizes will be awarded to Best Decorated Vehicle, Community Float, Marching Group, Band, and Clown among other categories. 

Annual holiday traditions at the delaware beaches - lewes christmas parade

All events will begin at 5 PM with the tree lighting ceremony set to commence after the last parade entry passes by.

Looking to visit Rehoboth Beach this winter? Stick around for the Rehoboth Beach Hometown Christmas Parade (and while you’re here… book your stay at Canalside Inn)! To make this day even sweeter, all parade participants and attendees are invited to the Rehoboth Beach Volunteer Fire Station Museum after the Parade for Santa’s Christmas Party! There will be refreshments and a chance to meet Santa Claus! This year it will be on Monday, December 6th at 6:00 PM.

annual holiday traditions at the delaware beaches - rehoboth beach christmas parade


There will be refreshments and a chance to meet Santa Claus! This year it will be taking place on Monday, December 6th at 6:00 PM.

Bethany Beach is one place you will definitely want to be this holiday season! Weekend Wonderland in Bethany is happening December 4th, 11th, and 18th. Enjoy tax-free holiday shopping, pictures with Santa, Cocoa Crawl, Elf on the Shelf Scavenger Hunt, and more all occurring 10 AM – 6 PM!

 

While each weekend is filled with thrills, December 4th has a few additional festivities you may not want to miss. Start your morning with a special holiday story time and book signing at 10:30 AM followed by a party with Santa and Sunshine the Clown at 1:00 PM. Enjoy trolley & tractor rides, photos with Santa, Air Brush Body Art, and other treats. Finally, at 5:00 be there for the 7th Annual Tree Lighting followed by a performance from the Southern Delaware School of the Arts choir. Donations will also be collected for local charities at this even

Canalside Inn Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk

Driving past houses decorated with lights, yard inflatables, and other décor during the holidays is a fond childhood memory for many. You may even remember the feeling of staring at the twinkling lights and giant inflatable snowmen in awe and fascination. Lewes Lights features hundreds of decorated homes and businesses in Lewes, DE that the public can view throughout the month of December.

Visitors even have the option to vote for their favorite homes! Partake in this classic holiday favorite starting December 3rd at Manilla Ave. This year, join Canalside Inn for a tour of the beautiful lights on our party bus with delicious hot cocoa. 

annual holiday events at the delaware beaches. Lewes lights

This year, join Canalside Inn for a tour of the beautiful lights on our party bus with delicious hot cocoa. 

We will also be collecting letters to Santa! Ride with us December 10th, 11th, 17th, and 18th at 5:30 PM or 7:30 PM.

Schell Brothers brings a magical Christmas Village to Rehoboth Beach each year! Schellville features enchanted elf houses, Christmas trees, Schellville Express trains, the Snow Zone, a roller-skating rink, live entertainment, food and beverage (for both kids and adults!), and of course, Mr. and Mrs. Claus.

 

There’s also fun for adults too! Adults can enjoy a Beer Garden, Frosty’s Food Trucks as well as the Ho Ho Ho Hospitality tent, and shopping from local crafters and merchants in the Candy Cane Artisan Lane. Schellville is open 5 PM – 9 PM on Thursdays – Sundays from November 20th through December 31st. Planning to stay the night in Rehoboth Beach? Book your stay with us and explore some of best breakfast and brunch spots in the area!

There is fun for folks of all ages and interests to enjoy at the Delaware Beaches each year. Be part of a rich and lively community as we celebrate a season of merriment and cheer. Join us for the sand, sea, a cool winter breeze, and a LOT of holiday festivities this winter. Let us know on our social media, @thecanalsideinn, what your favorite holiday traditions are at the Delaware Beaches!

Share
Table of Contents
See Our Other Blog Posts