Secret Santa support, Nutcrackers, house tours, cocktails and more: Weekend Guide

We love this time of year. It may be overwhelming at points, and certainly difficult for those going through personal struggles or missing those they love, but one thing you can say — it's hard to be bored with so much going on.

Whether you are looking for ways to chill out, or hoping for a stacked calendar lit up with festive fun, we've got you ...

The U.S. Postal Service revealed dozens of stamp designs for 2024 on Oct. 23, with more to be unveiled in the coming months. This stamp celebrates the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah with a lit hanukiah design, the nine-branch candelabra used only during the holiday.
The U.S. Postal Service revealed dozens of stamp designs for 2024 on Oct. 23, with more to be unveiled in the coming months. This stamp celebrates the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah with a lit hanukiah design, the nine-branch candelabra used only during the holiday.

If you're celebrating Hanukkah, or want to try a traditional holiday meal, test out this recipe for latkes.

Are you on the hunt for holiday gifts? Molly McVety suggestions gifting a Delaware experience. If your Secret Santa match has, umm, challenging taste, consider these niche gift suggestions.

And for more holiday guidance, check out our 2023 Holiday Guide.

If you still need to hunt down that perfect Christmas tree, we've got your guide.

The weather today in the Wilmington area is expected to be partly cloudy with a high of 54 and some mist possible. Sunday calls for a high of 63 but a 90 percent chance of rain, some of it heavy. So bring your bumbershoot.

The Eagles take on the Cowboys Sunday at 8:25 p.m. Here are our predictions.

Some Delaware residents love to go all out with their holiday lights; if that's you, we'd love to get your home on our holiday lights map. You can learn how to do that and support the Food Bank of Delaware and also check out some of the state's most merrily-lit homes this weekend, and beyond, with our new holiday map here.

Here are some other ways to make the most of your weekend:

Ocean City heats up with fine wines at Fager's Island, Christmas party at Seacrets

Party band Making Waves will perform at the annual Winter Wine Fest at Fager's Island in Ocean City from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 9.
Party band Making Waves will perform at the annual Winter Wine Fest at Fager's Island in Ocean City from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 9.

Ocean City heats up with fine wines at Fager's Island, a big Christmas party at SeacretsRoger HillisSpecial to Salisbury Daily Times

As Delmarva’s beach towns continue to draw more and more transplants, they feel less and less like seasonal destinations. Local businesses have responded in kind, with a larger number of fall and winter entertainment options than back in the day.

Learn more here.

All aboard for holiday season of trains, events at Brandywine

The magic of the holiday season is full steam ahead at the Brandywine Museum of Art with the ever-popular return of our beloved Brandywine Railroad model train display, along with a variety of special exhibitions and events for the whole family to enjoy.

Check it out

From Blitzen to Sleigh Bar, bartenders are slingin' sweet drinks at 13 pop-ups

A holiday tableau anchors at one room in Blitzen, the 'pop up' bar at 220 W. Ninth Street in Wilmington, open Wednesdays-Saturdays through Dec. 23.
A holiday tableau anchors at one room in Blitzen, the 'pop up' bar at 220 W. Ninth Street in Wilmington, open Wednesdays-Saturdays through Dec. 23.

December is here and that means the clock is ticking when it comes to Christmas shopping, holiday dinner preparations and the First State's slate of pop-up Christmas bars, which have gained in popularity in recent years.

The limited-time-only bars have been opening in recent weeks, marked by sweet concoctions, over-the-top decorations and plenty of spots for the coveted holiday selfie.

Ryan Cormier has the scoop.

Speaking of drinks, don't sleep on these ...

With about 2,000 restaurants in Delaware, there are plenty of places to grab a bite and a drink to go with it.

But some of those dining rooms and bars especially stand out when it comes to their libations.

In fact, our little state has its fair share of must-try alcoholic beverages, ranging from the iconic to newer sippables that have caught our tongues in recent years.

Here are our suggestions.

Judy Collins presents 'Holidays & Hits'

Singer Judy Collins will perform at The Grand in Wilmington on Sunday, Dec. 10.
Singer Judy Collins will perform at The Grand in Wilmington on Sunday, Dec. 10.

She's rocked stages for over five decades, and singer-songwriter Judy Collins is still going strong today. Collins will dig into her deep songbook, while also charming with festive favorites when she presents "An Evening with Judy Collins — Holidays & Hits." 

The Grand (818 N. Market St., Wilmington) at 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 10. Tickets are $51 to $87. Visit thegrandwilmington.org or (800) 37-GRAND.

Delaware Dance Company's 'The Nutcracker'

Expect lots of dynamic footwork from Delaware Dance Company's 40th annual production of "The Nutcracker". Young fans are welcome to meet "The Nutcracker" cast, collect autographs and photos during the meet and greet event at noon on Saturday, Dec. 9.

Mitchell Hall at University of Delaware (The Green, Newark) at 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9; 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 10. Meet and greet is at noon on Saturday, Dec. 9. Tickets are $13 to $40. Meet and greet is $10. Visit delawaredancecompany.org or (302) 738-2023.

Milton Holly Fest is back

The annual Milton Holly Festival will take over the community on Saturday, Dec. 9.
The annual Milton Holly Festival will take over the community on Saturday, Dec. 9.

Over 85 juried artisans, entrepreneurs, vendors will be on tap around town for the Milton Holly Fest. 

Gift seekers can visit H.O. Brittingham Elementary School, Milton Fire Department and Milton Public Library. People also can check out the Milton Arts Guild's annual holiday display on Federal Street, the Milton Garden Club’s fresh greenery holiday sale on Union Street, and more.

There's free parking and shuttles at Dogfish Head Brewery (park back in left parking lot) and Brittingham School.

Kids can visit Santa Claus with free face painting at Brittingham Elementary.

H.O. Brittingham Elementary School (400 Mulberry St., Milton) from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9. Visit historicmilton.com, or facebook.com/MiltonDelawareChamber or (302) 684-1101.

Ballet Theatre of Dover's Nutcracker'

It's hard getting turned into an ugly doll. But it's harder to face that reality while a bunch of rats are trying to hurt you as you dance to a beautiful soundtrack. Yes, that's very rude. It's also part of the beautiful struggle in "The Nutcracker."  

Ballet Theatre of Dover's production will feature characters from the Land of the Sweets hosting A Nutcracker Tea from 10 to 11 a.m., Saturday, in the Dover High food court. Tickets for the tea event are $12 to $18 (or $38 for adults and $25 for children, which includes a ticket to the performance).

The role of the Snow Queen is shared by dancers Amanda Tedesco, a senior at Caesar Rodney High School; and Hailey Seale, a sophomore at North Caroline County High School. Trinity August, a senior at Dover High, performs the dual role of Clara and the Sugar Plum Fairy.

Other primary roles will be performed by Lauren Miles, Georgina Dixon, Delaney Hammond, Ashley Klotz, Ciara Coley, Macy Friend, Sarina Forston, Jane Marie Beugre and Riley Vinson.

Dover High (1 Dover High School Drive, Dover) 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9. Tickets are $15 to $25. Visit dancebtd.com or (302) 734-9717.

Andre Lamar and Ryan Cormier contributed to this story.

This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Judy-Collings-Nutcracker-Blitzen-Delaware-weekend-things-to-do