By 1808Delaware
Every December, Delaware settles into a rhythm that feels equal parts familiar and hopeful. Lights go up, storefronts lean into the season, and the downtown streets take on that early-winter glow. This year, the Delaware County Historical Society is adding something special to the mix: a holiday trolley tour built around the city’s architecture and the stories behind it.
Stepping Into the City’s Layers
The “Home for the Holidays” Trolley Tour isn’t a passive ride. Guides in period clothing climb aboard and start pulling threads that tie the past to the present. The route moves past landmarks such as St. Mary Catholic Church, Byxbe House, Old City Hall and William’s Opera House, and St. Peter’s Episcopal Church. Each spot has a story, and most of them are richer than people tend to realize while running errands or driving through town.
If you’ve lived here a long time, the tour offers a fresh angle on places you’ve probably passed thousands of times. If you’re newer to Delaware, it’s an easy way to understand why these buildings matter and how they shaped the city’s identity.
A Warm Start at the Nash House
Boarding begins at the Nash House Museum at East William Street and Little Street, with parking available next door in the AutoZone lot. Before the trolley fills, guests can enjoy hot drinks, cookies, and live music. It’s a low-pressure way to settle into the afternoon and sets a tone that feels more welcoming than formal.
The trolley is enclosed and heated, so you won’t spend the tour pretending you’re not cold. Once underway, the pace stays slow enough that riders can actually look around rather than blast through each point of interest.
Tour Details and How to Join
The tours take place Saturday, December 13 with departure times at 1:00 PM, 2:00 PM, and 3:00 PM. Tickets are $25 per person, and registration runs through Eventbrite. The deadline is December 11, and these trips tend to book quickly once the season hits full speed.
Those interested can register here:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/holiday-trolley-tour-of-the-historic-city-of-delaware-tickets-1968110818438
The Historical Society sees this event as more than a holiday outing. It’s a chance to bring people downtown, spark curiosity about Delaware’s architecture, and highlight the value of preserving the buildings that give the city its character.
