Looking for the best things to do around Coastal Delaware this weekend? 

From holiday performances and festive tastings to family-friendly breakfasts with Santa and seasonal community events, there’s plenty happening between December 12th and 14th!

Here’s your full guide to what’s going on so you can plan your perfect weekend:

Lewes Lights

Lewes Lights turns the town into a glowing holiday pathway filled with creativity, personality, and unmistakable local charm.

Dozens of homes participate, each showcasing its own take on the season, from playful inflatables and hand-crafted scenes to refined, coastal-inspired lighting that makes entire blocks look like festive postcards.

Visitors can walk or drive through the neighborhoods at their own pace, enjoying the welcoming, community-focused spirit that defines this favorite annual tradition.

• Dates: December 5th-30th
• Hours: From 5-9pm
• Location: Lewes

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Jingle & Mingle Pour Tour at Salted Vines

Salted Vines transforms into a holiday-themed wine trail, offering a multi-stop tasting experience surrounded by seasonal décor, sweet and savory pairings, cozy touches, and a bit of playful Grinch-inspired fun. 

Each station features a different pour crafted to match the festive atmosphere.

Guests can enjoy live music from Jack Sky from 5–8pm, along with food from Little Italy Food Truck, serving until 8pm.

It’s an evening designed for gathering with friends, dressing in your favorite holiday gear, and sipping your way into the season.

• Date: December 12th
• Hours: From 6-9pm
• Address: 32512 Blackwater Road, Frankford
• Cost: $42

Weekend Shows at The Listening Booth

The Listening Booth fills the weekend with three unique performances, each offering its own intimate acoustic experience.

On Friday, Ed Shockley, Keith Mack, and Cliff Hillis present a Songwriters in the Round session, featuring original music shared in a close, conversational format.

Saturday showcases Lucy Wainwright Roche with Callum, an event tailored for fans of contemporary singer-songwriters and storytelling-driven music.

Sunday brings the Delaware Friends of Folk Pick In, an open acoustic jam where guests are encouraged to play, sing, or simply listen. 

It’s a full weekend of heartfelt performances in a cozy, welcoming setting.

• Dates: December 12th-14th
• Hours: Fri. & Sat. from 7-9:30pm; Sun. from 1-4pm
• Address: 18388 Coastal Highway, Lewes
• Costs: Fri. $40-$20; Sat. $60-$35; Sun. 2 drinks minimum or $10 donation

A Christmas Carol at Clear Space Theatre

Clear Space Theatre presents A Christmas Carol with a refined and emotionally grounded production that brings Ebenezer Scrooge’s journey to redemption into sharp focus.

The performance blends thoughtful humor, dramatic depth, and heartfelt moments, illustrating both the shadows of Scrooge’s past and the brightness of his transformation.

Thoughtful direction and the closeness of the venue make this timeless story feel fresh, immediate, and even more impactful.

• Dates: December 12th & 14th
• Hours: Friday at 7pm & Sunday at 2pm
• Address: 20 Baltimore Avenue, Rehoboth Beach
• Cost: $41.50-$25.50

Live Music at Salted Rim

Salted Rim delivers a high-energy weekend lineup featuring a mix of local talent and lively musical styles.

Friday kicks off with Mike White & Dave Matheiss at 5pm, followed by an evening performance from Soul Chase at 8pm.

On Saturday, the Danny Dolan Duo sets the tone at 5pm, leading into Steve Kuhn's NOLA Band at 8pm for a spirited, New Orleans–inspired show.

Paired with some of the best Mexican-American fare in Millville, the venue combines festive food, upbeat music, and a vibrant atmosphere for a fun night out.

• Dates: December 12th & 13th
• Hours: From 5-10pm
• Address: 35553 Atlantic Avenue, Millville

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Milton’s Holly Festival

Milton’s Annual Holly Festival returns with holiday cheer across town, bringing local artisans, makers, and community groups together for a full day of festive shopping and activities. 

Downtown venues, the Milton Public Library, and the area’s two elementary schools will host a wide range of vendors and seasonal goods.

The Milton Garden Club will offer fresh greens, wreaths, and porch pots outside the Milton Historical Society from 9am to 2pm, while the Milton Arts Guild presents a special showcase of artwork and jewelry at its Federal Street gallery.

Visitors can enjoy the Santa House, the Friends of the Library’s book sale, carolers throughout town, and a shuttle connecting downtown, the schools, and Dogfish Head. At 2:30pm, festivities continue with the Women’s Club of Milton Holiday House Tour.

A long-standing community tradition, the Holly Festival remains one of Milton’s most cherished ways to welcome the holiday season.

• Date: Saturday, December 13th
• Time: Starts at 9am 
• Various locations

Redemption City “Ugly Sweater” 5k Run & Walk

Join the Seashore Striders and Redemption City at Cape Henlopen State Park for a festive winter 5K run and walk supporting programs that help individuals experiencing homelessness rebuild stability and independence.

Participants are encouraged to wear their most outrageous holiday apparel for the Ugly Sweater Contest, and the event welcomes runners, walkers, and volunteers alike. The course is a fast, flat out-and-back route inside the park.

Awards will be given for top finishers and the best ugly sweaters, with proceeds directly benefiting Redemption City’s holistic, structured pathway from crisis to long-term stability.

They offer emergency shelter, transitional housing, case management, life-skills development, and community support.

The event is supported by the Arsht-Cannon Fund at the Delaware Community Foundation.

• Date: Saturday, December 13th
• Time: Starts at 9am
• Address: 1 Fishing Pier Road, Lewes
• Cost: $30-$35

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Rehoboth Art League Open House

The Rehoboth Art League’s annual Open House transforms the campus into a festive marketplace filled with fine art, fine crafts, and unique holiday gifts created by local Art League members. 

Guests can explore the Corkran, Tubbs, and Ventures Galleries, all showcasing an impressive selection of jewelry, paintings, ceramics, glasswork, sculpture, metal pieces, and wearable fiber art, ideal for anyone searching for meaningful, handcrafted gifts. 

The campus will be fully decorated for the season, creating a warm atmosphere for families, friends, and neighbors to enjoy. 

Live music throughout the event adds to the charm, with performances by Roo Brown and Mixed Blessings in the morning and Chris Johnson on piano in the afternoon. 

It’s a relaxed, inspiring holiday outing that highlights the region’s artistic community.

• Date: Saturday, December 13th
• Hours: From 10am-4pm
• Address: 12 Dodds Lane, Rehoboth Beach

Holiday Luncheon at Northeast Seafood Kitchen

Northeast Seafood Kitchen hosts a special Holiday Luncheon featuring a three-course menu created by Chef Ronnie, paired with a festive lineup of wines and seasonal cocktails. 

Guests can choose between two first-course options, the Local Mackerel Gravlax Salad or Manhattan Clam Chowder, paired with Conti di San Bonifacio Prosecco.

Second-course selections include Smoked Duck Pastrami with seasonal accompaniments or Grilled Salmon with Boston baked beans and a maple mustard glaze, paired with J. Lohr “Seven Oaks” Cabernet Sauvignon.

The meal concludes with Warm Gingerbread Pudding served with vanilla crème anglaise, along with the option to enjoy an Eggnog Espresso Martini crafted with espresso vodka, Kahlua, and Lewes Dairy eggnog.

• Date: Saturday, December 13th
• Hours: From 12-2pm
• Address: 29F Atlantic Avenue, Ocean View
• Cost: $66

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Santa Breakfast Buffet at the Cottage Cafe

This festive breakfast event welcomes families to enjoy a full buffet while spending quality time with Santa in a warm and friendly environment.

The menu features classic morning favorites, fresh pastries, and made-to-order omelets, offering a satisfying and comforting way to start the day.

Kids can meet Santa and take photos throughout the morning, adding a special touch to the relaxed, family-focused setting.

With a broad selection designed for all ages, it’s a cozy and delicious way to celebrate the holiday season together.

• Date: Saturday, December 13th
• Hours: From 9am-1pm
• Address: 33034 Coastal Highway, Bethany Beach
• Cost: $26 (adult); $14 (kids)

Christmas Pop-Up Sip n’ Shop

Get into the holiday spirit at the Christmas Pop-Up Sip n’ Shop, a festive local event set between DiFebo’s Bethany and the Market. 

This outdoor gathering is the perfect way to enjoy a day of holiday shopping, seasonal sips, sweet treats, and community cheer. 

With over 20 local artisans and vendors, you can discover unique, handcrafted gifts that support small businesses right here in our community. 

Sip on seasonal specials from DiFebo’s Bethany while indulging in fresh-baked goodies from the Market, all while soaking in the festive atmosphere. 

The event also features a raffle benefiting the Food Bank of Delaware, along with other opportunities to participate in community fundraisers and drives. 

• Date: Saturday, December 13th
• Hours: From 10am-3pm
• Address: 789 & 788 Garfield Parkway, Bethany Beach

Pancakes with Santa at Coastal Wilds

This holiday event invites families to enjoy a build-your-own pancake bar loaded with fun toppings while exploring the park and its walk-through animal areas.

Children can meet Santa for a photo opportunity and join Mrs. Claus for a hands-on seasonal craft, creating a cheerful, family-centered experience.

Guests will also find snow zones, hidden candy canes, and a place to send letters to the North Pole.

Local vendors offer extra holiday treats, handmade goods, and festive items, adding to the magic of the day.

• Dates: December 13th & 14th
• Hours: From 10am-12pm
• Address: 34215 Peppers Corner Road, Frankford
• Cost: $35-$25

Humane Animal Partners Mega Adoption

The Mega Adoption Event is bringing an incredible selection of adoptable pets to Humane Animal Partners’ Rehoboth Beach location, making it a perfect opportunity for anyone hoping to add a new companion to their home. 

With more than 400 animals in care across the organization, visitors can expect a diverse mix of personalities, ages, and sizes, from calm seniors to energetic puppies and kittens. 

Every animal available through HAP has been fully evaluated by a licensed veterinarian and comes spayed or neutered, microchipped, and up to date on essential vaccinations and preventatives, ensuring a safe and healthy start. 

The event is powered by Petco Love in partnership with the Brandywine Valley SPCA, bringing additional support to help connect pets with loving families. 

Anyone interested in meeting the Rehoboth Beach cuties can browse the current listings or visit the local HAP location to find the perfect match.

• Dates: December 13th & 14th
• Hours: From 12pm-5pm
• Address: 18675 Coastal Highway, Rehoboth Beach
• Cost: $35 adoption fees

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Schellville Christmas Cookie Competition

Schellville's Christmas Cookie Competition offers a fun, festive way to support Jusst Sooup Ministry while showing off your baking skills. 

Participants can enter as many cookie varieties as they’d like, with each entry judged on taste and holiday festivity. 

Bakers turn in a dozen cookies per flavor, and the top entries earn a feature in At Home with Schell Brothers Magazine along with special gift baskets. 

The event brings together hobby bakers, families, and seasoned cookie creators for an afternoon of friendly competition and community giving. 

Spectators can enjoy the excitement as judges evaluate entries, and winners are announced on the main stage later that evening. 

• Date: Sunday, December 14th
• Hours: From 1-3pm
• Address: 36470 Seaside Outlet Drive, Rehoboth Beach
• Cost: $5 per cookie flavor

Enjoyed this weekend roundup? Follow the blog for more Coastal Delaware events, guides, and local highlights!