Seeking holiday fun? Here's your one-stop spot for Christmas, New Years events in Delaware
It may not be snowing, but Santa is already thinking about how he's going to squeeze all those Bluey Playhouses and Jurassic World inflatables into one sleigh.
Which means it's time to survey your holiday calendar and find pockets of time between the cooking and the wrapping for the fun.
We've made it a bit easier for you with our guide to all things merry, bright and especially festive in Delaware (or close) this holiday season.
You can be sure that just like St. Nick, we will find room to squeeze additional links into this package as they arrive fresh from our workshop:
You shared your favorite Christmas ornament with us. Here's why they're special
As we anticipate Christmas, we reached out to our readers and asked them to share with us photos of their favorite ornaments, as well as the story behind them that gives them special status on the tree each holiday season.
We got an overwhelming response to our question, which prompted memories of lost loved ones, joyful milestones, inside jokes, favorite activities, Delaware pride, and much more.
We share many of the stories here, and more in our accompanying gallery of photos at the top of our story.
More:You shared your favorite Christmas ornament with us. Here's why they're special
From angels to Yoda, Delaware's holiday lights have everything
You don't have to go far to see the holiday spirit burning bright.
From classic to kitschy (but in a good way!), there are seemingly as many ways to decorate for the season as there are Santa inflatables to choose from.
These sites in northern Delaware are far from the only ones worth an extra look, but they put a twinkle in our eyes.
More:From angels to Yoda, Delaware's holiday lights have everything
Share the blessings: Where to find free gifts or give donations during this holiday season
Want to give back? Need some added support this season?
Here's a list of some other local organizations that are seeking donations, as well as those offering gift donations for the holidays.
Trying to stay healthy this holiday season? Us too. Here's how to plan as viruses spread
As Delaware heads into its third holiday season of the pandemic, COVID-19 cases have been increasing.
Dr. Michael Coletta, chief physician for the Division of Public Health, spoke with Delaware Online/The News Journal on how families can best fend off the different viruses.
Here’s what to think about when celebrating the holidays this year:
More:Share the blessings: Where to find free gifts or give donations during this holiday season
Traveling this holiday season? You're not alone. Here's what you need to know
Planning to travel for the holidays? You'll join nearly 113 million others who are doing the same.
The 2022 holiday travel season ‒ which AAA considers as Dec. 23 to Jan. 2 ‒ is expected to be the third busiest since the motor club began tracking it in 2000.
An estimated 112.7 million people will travel 50 miles or more away from home, an increase of 3.6 million people over last year. Travel this season is nearing pre-pandemic numbers.
Here's what you should know:
More:Traveling this holiday season? You're not alone. Here's what you need to know
'Next year I'm bringing a machete': How my grandmother taught me to make pasteles, even though I've always hated them
Cue the collective gasp from other Caribbean Latinos in the know. Yes, I was being invited to learn how to make pasteles. It's a huge honor — and I was nervous.
But my nerves were not because I was afraid to learn how to make pasteles. My nerves were because I was afraid to taste them.
You see, I can't stand pasteles.
Why a music teacher was 'floored' by Jordan Mailata's singing on Eagles' Christmas album
Eagles left tackle Jordan Mailata, at 6-foot-8, 365 pounds, makes his living on the football field violently knocking over defensive linemen.
But off the field, Mailata makes sweet music belting out Christmas classics, much to the surprise of one Delaware music instructor.
More:Why a music teacher was 'floored' by Jordan Mailata's singing on Eagles' Christmas album
Here are some Christmas Tree safety tips
Don't let this special time of year become a tragedy. Here's our guide to keeping things merry and bright but also safe.
More:Christmas tree fire safety tips
31,000 LED lights and Christmas carols invite holiday cheer on resident's front lawn
Middletown resident Manny Duarte talks about the annual 31,000 LED lights display he mounts in his front yard to celebrate the Christmas season.
More:31,000 LED lights and Christmas carols invite holiday cheer on resident's front lawn
A holiday mystery: Who is decorating 2 trees at Valley and Limestone roads in Hockessin?
Whoever decorated two trees for Christmas near a busy intersection and why has been an ongoing mystery in Hockessin for years.
Since at least early December this year, two scraggy holly trees in a grassy open space at Valley and Limestone roads have been decorated with red and gold tinsel garlands, bows and strings of colored lights that blink at night. The Christmas ornaments on the trees, modest red, gold, silver and copper-colored balls and a couple of Santa heads, are sparse, but one, in particular, might hint at a deeper meaning.
More:A holiday mystery: Who is decorating 2 trees at Valley and Limestone roads in Hockessin?
No shame in asking for help: Where to get a free holiday meal, groceries this month
The holiday season is the "most generous time of the year," according to St. Patrick's Center Executive Director Peter Slattery, who said many people want to give back, including by donating to and volunteering at the Wilmington-based community center.
But for others — especially with inflation still sky-high — dedicating their time and resources is simply not feasible. Making ends meet is hard enough on its own, and with many holiday traditions involving food, even putting together a meal may seem impossible.
More:No shame in asking for help: Where to get a free holiday meal, groceries this month
These Delaware restaurants are cooking up something good for you this Christmas
Christmas is still a few weeks away, but we can hear those sleigh bells jingling – and those stomachs grumbling for tasty holiday eats.
In order to prevent everyone from getting too hangry this Christmas, make sure you have your holiday feast plans set to ensure a seamless gathering.
If you’re tired of cooking holiday dinners, or still scarred from Thanksgiving taking over your kitchen a couple of weeks ago, why not treat yourself to a decadent dining experience?
These Delaware restaurants are spreading holiday cheer one plate at a time with their Christmas dining and takeout offerings.
More:These Delaware restaurants are cooking up something good for you this Christmas
Have a very Delaware holiday with a Fusco's water ice ornament, yule logs, latkes and more
The upcoming holidays bring seasonal foods to area shops and businesses that are sure to feed a need for tradition and nostalgia.
These treats come around just once a year, so it's worth taking a moment to pay notice.
Here are seven places, including some hosting upcoming events, where you can indulge in Delaware favorites:
More:Have a very Delaware holiday with a Fusco's water ice ornament, yule logs, latkes and more
21 festive events for you to ring in 2022 holiday season in Delaware
Looking for something holly, jolly to do with family or friends?
From "Nutcrackers'' to light shows, reporter Andre Lamar has the festivities covered. Take a look at all the fun you can have before you start stalking Santa on that Norad app.
For upcoming events, sign up for Andre's DO Delaware weekly newsletter.
More:21 festive events for you to ring in 2022 holiday season in Delaware
Your guide to holiday lights, parades, tree lightings and shopping at the Delaware beaches
It's no secret that there is no "off'' season at the beach anymore.
And no reason your holiday fun needs to be confined to home, either. With Emily Lytle's guide, you can bring all your best Elf impressions to Rehoboth, Dewey, Lewes and beyond.
There, you'll find light shows, festival and plenty of chances to meet up with the Big Guy himself.
More:Your guide to holiday lights, parades, tree lightings and shopping at the Delaware beaches
Delaware has six new Christmas pop-up bars. And two are only 100 feet apart
One new holiday pop-up bar would be a treat. But how about having six to choose from when you long for a cozy spot to sip a seasonal cocktail?
Whether you want to head out in your ugliest Christmas sweater or your absolute cutest holiday outfit, these Instagrammable spots are perfect for kickstarting your holiday vibes.
More:Delaware has six new Christmas pop-up bars. And two are only 100 feet apart.
8 restaurants where you can cozy up to a firepit in Delaware
Sitting outside and eating dinner is one of life’s simple pleasures.
Just because the weather is cooler doesn’t mean we have to give up our outdoor dining. So many restaurants, bars and breweries have added outdoor heaters and firepits to keep their patrons toasty and warm during their meals - or a toast or two.
More:8 restaurants where you can cozy up to a firepit in Delaware
9 Delaware New Year's Eve bashes to ring in 2023 include EDM concert with Firefly alum
Life is a game. And New Year's Day is the reset button.
Before it's time to get down to business and begin chasing your new goals in 2023, you need to chill and treat yourself to a good time.
There are fun New Year's Eve celebrations planned throughout the First State. Which one has your name written on it?
More:9 Delaware New Year's Eve bashes to ring in 2023 include EDM concert with Firefly alum
Two 24-hour diners, fondue spot & Bundt cake shop are among 8 new restaurants in Delaware
Speaking of restaurants, the holidays are a great time to scout out a new one to add to your menu of favorites.
Patricia Talorico has the scoop of lots of new places shaking up Delaware's dining scene, whether you're in the mood for some festive fondue or meatloaf.
More:Two 24-hour diners, fondue spot & Bundt cake shop are among 8 new restaurants in Delaware
Seeking winter ales? New crafts are coming to Delmarva
Not everyone is up for eggnog. While Oktoberfest season is a mere memory, there are a host of locally crafted winter ales and other holiday brews to enjoy.
Check out our guide to new ones popping up along the Eastern Shore, if only for your post-holiday planning purposes.
More:New craft breweries in Delmarva? Resurgence will bring 9 beer hot spots to Eastern Shore
Here's why your Christmas tree may cost more this year and how to avoid it
Depending on where you get your Christmas tree, prepare to pay a little more for your living room's centerpiece this holiday season.
According to many Christmas tree suppliers, there is a national shortage of tall pines and firs that can be linked to drought and disease as well as the 2008 Great Recession.
More:Here's why your Christmas tree may cost more this year and how to avoid it
Buying a real Christmas tree this year? Here are some fire prevention tips to help keep you safe
Like most holiday items, artificial Christmas trees are selling out fast amid a nationwide shortage due to supply chain issues, meaning those who were hoping to have a fake tree may have to get a real one this year. But while picking the perfect Christmas tree would involve picking the best looking or least expensive one, what people need to consider is if the tree will be a fire hazard.
More:Buying a real Christmas tree this year? Here are some fire prevention tips to help keep you safe
Gallery: Jill Biden draws inspiration from 'We the People' for White House holiday theme
Take a tour of the newly decorated White House and a close look at the decorations the First Lady has chosen for the season.
More:Jill Biden draws inspiration from 'We the People' for White House holiday theme
Delaware man chosen to help decorate the White House for the holidays
It looks like the first family won’t be the only touch of Delaware in the White House this year. A man from Odessa has been selected as a White House volunteer decorator for the 2022 holiday season.
More:Delaware man chosen to help decorate the White House for the holidays
'A Longwood Christmas' glows with half a million lights that take months to install
Longwood Gardens invites its army of plant lovers to warm up to the holiday season with a display of 500,500 LED lights.
Tickets are available now for the annual "A Longwood Christmas'' exhibit. Timed tickets are required and daily slots (Monday through Sunday) are from 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
More:'A Longwood Christmas' glows with half a million lights that take months to install
Gallery: Winterthur Mansion in miniature is a sweet and snowy wintry wonder
Take a tour through Winterthur Mansion's winter gingerbread wonderland with this gallery of photos by William Bretzger.
More:Winterthur Mansion in miniature is a sweet and snowy wintry wonder
Christmastime is here! What's your favorite holiday special or TV show?
In the spirit of the holidays, Delaware Online/The News Journal has put together the Tournament of Christmas Classics. We’ve selected a 32-show field filled with some of the greatest Christmas movies and television specials. You can check out the field on our Instagram account and vote for your favorites.
More:Christmastime is here! What's your favorite holiday special or TV show?
90+ popular Christmas movies to watch this holiday season on Netflix, Hulu and more
The holiday season is already upon us. From decorating your home with a tree and ornaments to drinking hot chocolate by the fire, there is plenty to do to get you into the festive spirit.
But as the days to Christmas tick away, there may not be enough time to find every Christmas movie to stream. Don't worry, we've got you covered.
More:90+ popular Christmas movies to watch this holiday season on Netflix, Hulu and more
Ultimate Christmas music guide: 50 of the best songs to get you into the holiday spirit
Some of us prefer our Christmas music on the pensive side, with wistful lyrics about dusky snowfalls and memories. It’s not joy being sought, but permission to wallow in nostalgia.
Others relish the frisky sounds of sleigh bells and triumphant cascades of horns that embellish so many holiday classics. The season doesn’t go into effect until they’ve literally rocked around the Christmas tree.
More:Ultimate Christmas music guide: 50 of the best songs to get you into the holiday spirit
Christmas shipping deadlines 2022: FedEx, UPS and USPS say these are the last days to ship gifts
Need to ship a package in time for it to land under someone's tree?
Here's what you need to know.
More:Christmas shipping deadlines 2022: FedEx, UPS and USPS say these are the last days to ship gifts
Headed to NYC? 11 restaurants that won't break the bank for a holiday visit
It's officially the holiday season and you want to celebrate with a meal in Manhattan, some festive light displays, and perhaps a show or shopping. But here's the rub — you don't want to spend a fortune.
More:Where to eat in NYC during the holidays: 11 restaurants that won't break the bank
Northern lights: Head to Jersey to tour these holiday displays
Up for a drive? Here are some not-to-be-missed holiday light shows across the border in New Jersey.
More:Drive-through holiday light displays in New Jersey you don't want to miss
This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Holiday guide: Christmas displays, holiday pop-ups, NYE events & more
