lewes christmas house tour

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49th Annual Christmas Tour of Lewes

The Lewes Historical Society’s 49 th  Annual Christmas Tour of Lewes will take place on Saturday, December 3 rd  from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The tour highlights both historic and newer homes in Lewes and provides guests an opportunity to tour private residences beautifully decorated for the holidays. Historic homes feature unique, preserved architectural characteristics.

Tickets are $25 per person

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The Quiet Resorts

Christmas tour of lewes.

POSTED November 15, 2016

The Lewes Historical Society invites you to a Christmas Tour of Lewes:

Advance tickets are now available online!

Lewes, Delaware – One of Lewes’s most beloved holiday traditions – the 43rd Annual Christmas Tour of Lewes, benefiting The Lewes Historical Society–  is set for Saturday, December 3, from 10:00am to 4:00pm.  Advance tickets are $25.00 each; tickets purchased the day of the tour are $30.00.  Children under 12 are FREE when accompanied by an adult.

Advance tickets are now for sale online at www.HistoricLewes.org or by calling 302-645-7670 .  All tickets from online sales and phone requests will be held at The Lewes Historical Society’s Zwaanendael Club Museum Store located at 302 Savannah Road.  They will be available for pick-up mid-November.

Beginning mid-November, tickets can also be purchased at The Lewes Historical Society’s Zwaanendael Club Museum Store, Lewes Chamber of Commerce, Zwaanendael Museum, and The Inn at Canal Square.  In Rehoboth Beach, tickets can be purchased at the Rehoboth Beach Museum or Browseabout Books on Rehoboth Avenue.

A wonderful selection of homes is on this year’s tour, from 18th century delights and 19th century beauties to 20th century masterpieces. The Society’s Director Mike DiPaolo notes, “The purpose of the tour is not only to experience the fabric of Lewes history and to learn about great architecture, but to recognize the important role historic preservation plays in our community.”

Houses on tour will include:

• 7 Jefferson Court, home of Pat and Bill Arvidson
• 9 Jefferson Court, home of Libby and Tom Owen
• 117 Jefferson Street, home of Jane Donohue and Darica Ward
• 128 Manila Avenue, home of Terry and Ken Kehrer
• 130 Manila Avenue, home of Deb Stokes and Jim Semivan
• 903 Savannah Road, home of Dianne and Charlie Jacobini
• 410 Mulberry Street (extended), home of Pam Costanzi and Kevin Murphy
• 24 Shipcarpenter Square, home of Annie Steinberg and Harvey Feldman
• 300 Gills Neck Road, home of Betty and Steve Rogers

Beyond the nine private homes on tour this year, the Society’s museums will be open and decorated for the season.  The newly renovated Lewes Historical Society Campus, located at 110 Shipcarpenter Street, will be bustling with fun activities:

During the tour, The Lewes Historical Society will host a Christmas Antiques and Collectibles Sale, held at the Rabbit’s Ferry House (c.1741) at Third and Shipcarpenter Streets on The Lewes Historical Society Campus from 9:00am until 5:00pm.  This year’s sale will honor two unique women.  First, in remembrance of Cornelia Hurdle, one of the charter members of The Lewes Historical Society when it began in 1962, serving as Treasurer for many years as well as the progenitor of the bake sale that has always accompanied the Christmas Tour of Lewes.  Also recognized and present at the sale will be Carol Orr, who has been involved with the Society’s activities since 1962, and will be supervising her last sale this year as she passes the torch to a new member in order for this tradition to continue for another fifty years!  This will be a wonderful chance to do a bit of shopping for the holidays, as the sale will feature a selection of small furniture, collectibles, dishware, jewelry and more.  Also enjoy delicious homemade baked goods such as holiday cookies for sale.

Also this year, beginning at 9:00am at Freddie’s Barn on the Campus, there will be a fabulous display of holiday greens for sale- featuring fresh magnolia, pine and holly- while supplies last.  In addition, homemade wreaths and swags will be for sale.

Explore the Burton Ingram House (c.1785) decorated in period fashion.  Encounter several historic interpreters who will tell you about the history of the home and holiday traditions of the past.  Sample American Heritage Historic Chocolate®, a 1765 historic recipe which is available for purchase- while supplies last.

At the Midway School #178 on the Campus, the Ladies of the GFWC Zwaanendael Club will hold an open house from 9:00am until 5:00pm, hosting a raffle and Chinese Auction as well as introducing people to the mission of the Club.  Built in 1898 adjacent to the Rehoboth Presbyterian Church at Midway, this school was active until the late 1930s.  It was acquired and restored by the Society in 2000.

Christmas Tour of Lewes tickets and a great selection of gifts will be on hand at the Zwaanendael Club Museum Store at 302 Savannah Road in historic Lewes.   This building was constructed in 1898 by the Sussex Trust Title and Safe Deposit Company at a cost of $5,000.  For many years a group of public-spirited women owned the GFWC Zwaanendael Club.   The Club was transferred to The Lewes Historical Society in June 2015 and is currently the Museum Store and Information Center.  Members receive a 10% discount on all purchases.  Please stop by and enter the raffle for the Original Artwork by Local Artist, Barbara Petterson to benefit The Lewes Historical Society.  After the Christmas Tour of Lewes, while shopping in the Museum Store from 6:00pm-8:00pm, enjoy hot cider during the Lewes Christmas Parade. Donations for the cider are appreciated.

During the Christmas Tour of Lewes, the Col. David Hall DAR Chapter will open the doors of the Maull House to the public.  In addition, several area churches will have events and luncheons, and Children’s Beach House will have a Holiday Art Show & Sale.  The Lewes Christmas Parade will take place from 5:00pm-7:00pm. After the parade, wander over to Zwaanendael Park for the tree-lighting and caroling.

The Christmas Tour of Lewes benefits The Lewes Historical Society.  Sponsors include Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Gallo Realty, County Bank, I.G. Burton & Co., Irish Eyes Pub & Restaurant, PNC Bank, Schell Brothers, Sombar & Company, CPAs P.A., and The Lee Ann Wilkinson Group.  Private House Sponsors include Brenda Jones-Architectural Drafting and Design, Cape Gazette, Griswold Home Care, Jeanine O’Donnell State Farm Insurance, Russ Palmer Builders, Stephanie Boright-Coastal Cottage Renovation, and The Inn at Canal Square.

For more information about the Christmas Tour of Lewes or about The Lewes Historical Society, please visit www.HistoricLewes.org or call 302-645-7670 .

Image Above: This original watercolor painting by local artist Barbara Petterson is a wintery scene of the East End Lighthouse in Lewes. It is the official cover of the 2016 Christmas Tour of Lewes, to be held for the 43rd year on December 3.  Raffle tickets for the painting are available at the Zwaanendael Club Museum Store at the 302 Savannah Road in downtown Lewes.  Raffle proceeds benefit The Lewes Historical Society.  The drawing will be on December 23.   Christmas Tour of Lewes tickets are on sale now at www.HistoricLewes.org .  For more information call 302-645-7670 or visit www.HistoricLewes.org .

Holiday Tour of Lewes returns for in-person attendance Dec. 3

A favorite Christmastime tradition, the 49th Annual Holiday Tour of Lewes will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 3. This year’s self-guided tour returns to its original live format and allows visitors to enjoy featured homes in Lewes, both inside and out.

Houses on the tour include 229 Second St., 121 Franklin Ave., 304 Pilottown Road, 330 Savannah Road, 125 Jefferson Ave., 329 Park Ave., 420 Kings Highway and 536 Pilottown Road.

Tickets are available at the Lewes Historical Society main campus, Cannonball House Museum, LHS Antique Shop, Lewes History Museum, Lewes Chamber of Commerce Visitors Center and Biblion Used Books and Rare Finds, and in Rehoboth Beach at Browseabout Books.

Tickets ordered online at  historiclewes.org may be picked up in advance at 110 Shipcarpenter St. from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday to Thursday, Nov. 28 to Dec. 1, and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday, Dec. 2.

Tickets are $25 each, and include admission to the LHS Holiday Village & Market, set for 4 to 8 p.m., Dec. 2, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Dec. 3, at the main campus at 110 Shipcarpenter St. Friday evening will offer an early-bird preview of selected holiday vendors and the music of Blarney Pilgrims, who will be providing entertainment for the First Friday crowd in the Sussex Tavern.

The entrance fee for the LHS Holiday Village & Market is $5 per person, with children ages 12 and under admitted free. 

Saturday patrons may enjoy shopping with the full complement of holiday vendors. Offerings include fresh greenery gathered and packaged by the LHS Garden Gang. Guests may lend an ear to enjoy favorite Christmas readings by historic characters, cozy up by the fire while listening to period carolers, and view historic chocolate and tea demonstrations, all at this family-friendly event. Brittingham Farms will be on hand with a sheep demonstration and Humane Animal Partners will bring a few special furry friends to join in the fun.

Attendees may enjoy a cozy horse-and-buggy ride through the Lewes Historic District accompanied by a private LHS interpreter; there is even a special pony cart for the little shoppers.

The GFWC Zwaanendael Women’s Club will be on campus with its holiday bazaar and raffle including a bake sale, ornaments, mystery gifts, gift card trees and a silent auction featuring a guitar and a Lynn Haney Santa. For details, go to gfwcZwaanendael.org .

Participants can top off their visit with a cup of hot cider or a cold ale inside the historic Sussex Tavern at Rabbits Ferry House and be transported to a warm refuge on a cold winter’s day in the early 1800s.

2022 sponsors include The Lee Ann Wilkinson Group, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices PenFed Realty; UBS Financial Services; Delmarva Power – an Exelon Company; and Delmarva Public Media.

To learn more from the Lewes Historical Society, call 302-645-7670. Proceeds from this event will benefit the society’s educational and preservation programs.

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NAVIGATE LEWES LIGHTS

Please tag @leweslights and use  #leweslights  on social media posts email us your pics at [email protected] or message pics to us on facebook to  share..

2023 OFFICIAL LEWES LIGHTS TOUR MAP

Map of Registered Homes and Businesses

THIS IS THE MAP OF REGISTERED 

LEWES LIGHTS

HOMES &BUSINESSES

Click below to view the map of all Lewes Lights Registered Homes and Businesses. 

You can self-navigate  or use your Google maps app to get from point to point. 

PLEASE, take your time, be alert, follow all traffic laws, use courtesy and common sense, and support our Lewes Lights business participants as you visit Lewes.

Historical Audio Tours  

Learn about the history of a few Lewes streets as you tour Lewes Lights.

THIS IS AN AUDIO TOUR, NOT A LEWES LIGHTS TOUR MAP.

Local historian Mike DiPaolo created 4 narrated audio tours in 2021 for spectators to learn more about our history as they view the lights. Link to YouTube, choose your street, and follow along while Mike guides!

There are tours for Sussex Drive, Second Street, Savannah Road, and Pilottown Road.

Guided "Sampler" Tour of Lewes for Newcomers and Visitors

Lewes- East of Route 1

THIS IS NOT A FULL TOUR OF LEWES LIGHTS PROPERTIES.

This is   a turn-by-turn  driving tour of major lighted roads in East of Route 1 Lewes. Use this navigated tour to get the lay of the land and see some of the lights. Then explore the side streets using the Lewes Lights Tour Map to see all the Lewes Lights.

Feel the Glow of Lewes Lights

As you tour Lewes Lights, enjoy the homes on the map and the other lighted homes that aren't registered. Our goal is to have a home or two on the map on every street. So, if you are that Christmas light leader on your street, please register and get your Lewes Lights sign. Your neighbors will join.

A few years ago. there weren't as many lights in Lewes, but nothing spreads faster than holiday cheer.  A few well-lit homes always get more neighbors to decorate, and so on and so on.   ​ Some homes are simply decorated with a wreath and candles in the windows while others have lights on their highest peaks installed by professionals. Simple or grand, we all shine to gether to make Lewes glow. 

 Let's glow together! Let our lights shine bright! 

Join us by clicking below. 

HGTV names this Delaware town as one of the top places to visit this season. See why

In the hustle and bustle of the holidays some many be looking for some places to visit to channel their holiday spirit.

Well HGTV has you covered.

HGTV released their list of the  best small "Christmas towns" in every state , to help those looking for a trip.

"Yes, there are the winter wonderlands offering light shows, sleigh rides, holiday performances, caroling, parades and Christmas markets. But there are also small towns that include local traditions, too, like a parade with horses and hounds, lobster boat rides and an elf scavenger hunt," HGTV wrote on their website.

What Delaware city was considered the state's top 'Christmas town?'

According to HGTV Lewes "delights visitors and residents alike during the holiday season," HGTV wrote on their website.

The gallery cites the  Lewes Christmas Parade , Lewes Holiday House Tour and village market showcase "the town's festive spirit in a Hallmark-like setting."

"The charming downtown area, decorated with holiday lights, offers boutique shops and cozy restaurants for visitors to explore," HGTV wrote on its website.

Willing to travel?

So maybe you have seen what Lewes has to offer. In that case here are some of the other towns in the region featured:

• Maryland - Frederick
• New Jersey - Cape May
• Pennsylvania - Bethlehem

And here are all of the other HGTV's top Christmas towns:

• Alabama - Fairhope
• Alaska - North Pole
• Arizona - Flagstaff
• Arkansas - Hot Springs
• California - Solvang
• Colorado - Breckenridge
• Connecticut - Mystic
• Florida - St. Augustine
• Georgia - Dahlonega
• Hawaii - Lihue
• Idaho - McCall
• Illinois - Galena
• Indiana - Santa Claus
• Iowa - Pella
• Kansas - Lindsborg
• Kentucky - Bardstown
• Louisiana - Natchitoches
• Maine - Kennebunkport
• Massachusetts - Stockbridge
• Michigan - Frankenmuth
• Minnesota - Stillwater
• Mississippi - Natchez
• Missouri - St. Charles
• Montana - Whitefish
• Nebraska - Nebraska City
• Nevada - Virginia City
• New Hampshire - Portsmouth
• New Mexico - Taos
• New York - Skaneateles
• North Carolina - Blowing Rock
• North Dakota - Medora
• Ohio - Medina
• Oklahoma - Guthrie
• Oregon - Silverton
• Rhode Island - Newport
• South Carolina - Beaufort
• South Dakota - Deadwood
• Tennessee - Gatlinburg
• Texas - Fredericksburg
• Utah - Park City
• Vermont - Woodstock
• Virginia - Middleburg
• Washington - Leavenworth
• West Virginia - Shepherdstown
• Wisconsin - Kohler
• Wyoming - Jackson

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