By 1808Delaware
Main Street Delaware and its friends are gearing up to make this holiday season unforgettable! From tree lightings and carriage rides to gingerbread house competitions and skating rinks, downtown Delaware has something for everyone. Let’s make some joyful Christmas memories together! 🎅🎁❄️
Tree Lighting and First Friday Festivities 🎄
📅 December 6
⏰ 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Kick off the holiday season at Main Street Delaware’s First Friday Tree Lighting event! The celebration takes place on the main stage downtown, featuring local music performances, community vendors, and even a few special reindeer.
🕕 6:30 PM: The much-anticipated Tree Lighting Ceremony begins, with remarks from community leaders and a sparkling countdown to light up the magnificent Christmas Tree at the corner of William and Sandusky Streets. Join other families in feeling the warmth and community spirit!
- ⛸️ Ice Skating Rink on the JAYwalk: Enjoy free ice skating from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM on Ohio Wesleyan’s campus, courtesy of Snappy’s Automotive & The Mason Foundation.
- 🎅 Santa Visits: Stop by The Delaware Welcome Center from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM to meet Santa! For $15, you’ll receive one print and a digital copy of your photo. Walk-ins are welcome.
- 🐴 Carriage Rides: Snuggle up for a horse-drawn carriage ride at The Strand Theatre, 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Just $2 per person (ages 6 and up). Thanks to Artomotive for sponsoring this magical experience.
Dash for Dasher 🦌
📅 December 7
⏰ 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
📍 Delaware County District Library
Santa has lost Dasher, one of his reindeer, and he needs your help! Follow clues around downtown and help Santa find Dasher in our exciting Dash for Dasher event.
You can bring a box of cereal to donate towards People in Need or make a monetary donation to Main Street Delaware. Let’s spread some holiday cheer while supporting those in need!
The Great Gingerbread Build-Off 🏠🍬
📅 December 7
⏰ 2:30 PM – 6:15 PM
📍 COhatch, 18 E William Street
Get ready to build the most creative gingerbread house you can imagine at our first-ever Great Gingerbread Build-Off! 🎨 You’ll have three hours to complete your masterpiece, and judging begins at 6:15 PM. Bring your canned food donations to vote for your favorite house.
- 🎟️ Entry Fee: $25 per team, which includes a basic gingerbread kit. Creativity is encouraged—feel free to bring your own sprinkles, candies, and decorations!
The competition will feature community voting through food donations as well as gold, silver, and bronze prizes awarded by a panel of judges.
Annual Christmas Parade 🎉🎄
📅 December 8
⏰ 5:00 PM
Don’t miss the Annual Holiday Parade as it winds through downtown Delaware! Starting at Mingo Park and traveling down Sandusky Street, this parade is full of festive floats, local groups, and a visit from Santa himself. It’s a beloved tradition for families in our community!
Season of Shopping 🛍️✨
📅 Begins November 23
🏆 Shop All Season Long in Downtown Delaware!
Pick up a shopping card from any Main Street activity throughout December, and mark off your purchases at participating downtown stores. Return your completed card to The Greater Gouda by December 21 to be entered into the Grand Prize drawing—a combination of gift certificates and local goodies! 🎁
Skating and Carriage Rides Throughout December ❄️🐎
- ⛸️ Ice Skating: Enjoy free skating at Ohio Wesleyan’s JAYwalk, including special learn-to-skate sessions with the WarCats Hockey Team on December 7. Skating is free thanks to Snappy’s Automotive and The Mason Foundation.
- 🐴 Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides: Take a cozy ride through downtown on Friday evenings in December, leading up to Christmas. Just $2 per person over the age of 6.
Holiday Makers’ Market 🎁🎨
📅 December 12
⏰ 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
📍 19 N Sandusky Street
The Holiday Makers’ Market is the perfect place to find unique, handcrafted gifts from local artisans. From decor to goodies, you’ll discover one-of-a-kind items that will make your holiday celebrations even more special. Support local makers and find the perfect gifts for your loved ones! 🌟
Main Street Holiday Tours: Historic East Trolley Edition 🚋
📅 December 15
🕰️ Tour Times: 1:00 PM, 2:30 PM, 4:00 PM
📍 Nash House Museum
Climb aboard for the Main Street Holiday Tours! These trolley tours bring history and holiday magic together, featuring stops at historic locations with festive decorations. Start at the Nash House Museum, enjoy hot chocolate, and listen to live music before hopping onto the trolley.
