Tree trimming, parades, holiday pop-ups & football fun: Weekend Guide

Rise and shine, Small Wonder!

Welcome to the first weekend in December, a jolly time to gear up for the holiday season ahead.

Today should be milder than it's been, with a high of 61 and mostly cloudy. For Sunday, we're looking at a high of 57 with occasional rain and drizzle. You'll find your updates here.

Need a Christmas tree? Molly McVety has the scoop on where to go and what it might cost. Once you get your house decorated you can add it to our map, which is a way to help feed hungry neighbors this holiday season.

Seeking a wide range of holiday events options? Check out our 2024 Holiday Guide for parades, light shows, concerts and much more.

Planning for Hanukkah? Here's a head's up on the holiday, which is right around the corner, too. And here's a latke recipe, too.

Want to plan an affordable family adventure? Great Wolf Lodge is having a cyberweek sale.

And while you’re browsing around in there, don’t forget to vote in our brackets challenge to choose the worst holiday song of all time. (Spoiler alert: My money is on Paul McCartney’s “{Simply Having a} Wonderful Christmastime.’’)

Ready for some football? The Eagles take on the 49ers Sunday at 4:25 p.m. Here are our predictions.

Meanwhile, the Blue Hens tackle one of the most imposing postseason assignments in their football history Saturday night, reports Kevin Tresolini. Read about it here.

If you're a high school football fan, be sure to stick with us this weekend for football championship coverage, and then check back to DEGameDay on Instagram for highlights, galleries, reels and more. Have you signed up for Greg Giesen's DEGameDay newsletter? He's busy wrapping up the fall sports season and looking ahead to winter for both college and high school teams.

Have some downtime this weekend and want to exercise those brain cells? Take our news quiz.

Here are more ideas to keep you busy this weekend.

Hit a holiday pop-up

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.

From Wilmington to the beaches, you can get into the festive spirit with likeminded revelers looking to get a jump start on the season.

If Santa Claus can drink sherry to warm up, why can't we festively partake? So grab a Santa hat and a fistful of candy canes ― it's time to get jolly at these 13 Delaware pop-ups.

Lewes Christmas Parade turns 91

This coastal town will officially dive into the holiday spirit at the 91st Lewes Christmas Parade. This year's theme is “Celebrating an Old-Fashioned Christmas in Lewes." Prizes will be awarded in various categories. 

The parade lineup is next to Lewes Elementary School. The route goes to Savannah Road and turns left onto 2nd Street and ends around Market Street. 

Prize categories include Marching Group, Band, Clown, Equestrian, Decorated Classic Car (vintage 1967 or older), Decorated Vehicle (after 1967 or more recent), Fire Company, Commercial Float, Community Organization Float and Youth Organization Float, and more. 

After the parade, guests can hang out with Mayor Andrew Williams as he blesses the Christmas tree lighting in Zwaanendael Park, followed by caroling in the park led by Christy Taylor with her music students. 

Near Lewes Elementary School (820 Savannah Road, Lewes) from 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2. Visit leweschamber.com or (302) 645-8073.

DanceCompany-X's 'The Nutcracker'

The classic, epic dance battle between rats and soldiers is coming to SoDel when DanceCompany-X and First State Ballet Academy present "The Nutcracker." 

Milford Senior High School (1019 N. Walnut St., Milford) at 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2. Tickets are $10-$15. Visit DanceCo-X on facebook or danceco-x.com, or (302) 422-2633.

Claymont Christmas Parade decks the halls

It's a tradition for the annual Claymont Christmas Parade to launch on the first Saturday of December. The parade route travels along Philadelphia Pike from Maple Lane Elementary to Darley Road. 

Maple Lane Elementary School (100 Maple Road, Claymont) from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Dec. 2. Visit claymontchristmasparade.com. 

Diamond Dance Company's 'The Nutcracker'

The Land of the Sweets comes to life on stage as the audience is introduced to another offering of "The Nutcracker," this time from Diamond Dance Company. "Nutcracker" mania has arrived and it's taking over central Delaware this weekend. 

Lake Forest High School (5407 Killens Pond Road, Felton) at 2 and 7 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 2; 2 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 3. Tickets are $10-$20. Visit diamonddanceco.com.

'Holiday Symphony Concert' in Newark

The Newark Symphony Orchestra will tug the heartstrings in this "Holiday Symphony Concert" that boasts music from "The Nutcracker" and Joseph Haydn's "Toy Symphony." The event also features the First State Ringers, Wilmington Handbell Ensemble, several high school choirs, and soloist Madeline Ley, per NSO's website. 

The Independence School (1300 Paper Mill Road, Pike Creek) from 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 3. Tickets are $10-$25. Free for ages 18 or younger. Visit newarksymphony.org or (302) 369-3466.

Andre Lamar and Ryan Cormier contributed to this story

This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Holiday pop-ups, parades & football top Delaware weekend things to do