Historical society to hold Christmas Tour of Lewes Dec. 6
One of Lewes’s most beloved holiday traditions, the 41st Annual Christmas Tour of Lewes benefiting The Lewes Historical Society and presented by Community Bank Delaware, is set for 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 6. Advance tickets are $20 each; tickets purchased the day of the tour are $25. 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. Tickets may also be purchased at the society’s Ryves Holt House Museum Gift Shop at the corner of Second and Mulberry streets in historic Lewes. All tickets from online sales and phone requests will be held at the Museum Gift Shop. They will be available for pickup beginning mid-November.
Beginning mid-November, tickets can also be purchased at the Lewes Chamber of Commerce and the Zwaanendael Museum on Kings Highway, Community Bank Delaware on Coastal Highway, Habersham Peddler on Second Street, or The Inn at Canal Square on Front Street. In Rehoboth Beach, tickets may 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. LHS Executive Director Mike DiPaolo said, “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 the tour will include 12 Shipcarpenter Square, home of Diana Beebe; 318 West Fourth St., home of Maggie McIntosh and Diane Stollenwerk; 519 Kings Highway, home of Debbie and Ernie Nepa; 16371 New Road, home of Helen Waite and John Feliciani; 110 Rodney Ave., home of Jeff West; 410 Pilottown Road, home of Pam and Christopher Waltjen; 408 Pilottown Road, home of Anne Muckerman; 800 Bay Ave., home of Kathyrne Byrne and Cliff Diver; and 107 New Jersey Ave., home of Bonnie Heeber.
Beyond the nine private homes on tour this year, the society’s museums will be open and decorated for the season. The Lewes Historic Complex at 110 Shipcarpenter St. will be bustling with fun activities.
During the tour, The Lewes Historical Society will host a Christmas Antiques Bazaar and Bake Sale at the Rabbit's Ferry House at Third and Shipcarpenter streets in the Lewes Historic Complex. The Antiques Bazaar will feature a selection of small furniture, collectibles, dishware, jewelry and more. Visitors can enjoy hot coffee, chili and delicious baked goods.
Also this year at Freddie’s Barn 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.
New this year, in the Burton-Ingram House, visitors will be served a free small sample of American Heritage Historic Chocolate hot chocolate, an authentically re-created 18th century recipe. Learn from living history characters why chocolate was so beloved that it was often referred to as “nectar” in the 18th century. On display will be an early American chocolate set owned by a local Lewes family.
In addition, the Midway School 178 will have demonstrations by Dover English Country Dancers.
Christmas Tour of Lewes tickets and a great selection of gifts will be on hand at the Ryves Holt House Museum Gift Shop on the corner of Second and Mulberry streets in historic Lewes. Society members are invited to enjoy a 10 percent discount on all Museum Gift Shop items.
During the Christmas Tour of Lewes, organizations such as the Col. David Hall DAR Chapter and the Zwaanendael Club will open their doors to the public. Several area churches will have events and luncheons; the Children’s Beach House will have a Holiday Art Show & Sale, and American Legion Post 17 will have an indoor Craft Fair and Luncheon. The Lewes Christmas Parade will take place from 5 to 7 p.m. After the parade, Zwaanendael Park will feature a tree-lighting and caroling.
The Christmas Tour of Lewes benefits The Lewes Historical Society and is presented by Community Bank Delaware. Sponsors include Schell Brothers and Map Sponsor Wilgus Insurance. House sponsors include Bartlett Tree Service, Beachwood Builders, Cadbury at Lewes, Griswold Home Care, The Inn at Canal Square, Jeanine O'Donnell State Farm Insurance, Peninsula Gallery, Sombar & Company CPAs PA, and Zando Designs.
For more information about the Christmas Tour of Lewes or about The Lewes Historical Society, go to www.HistoricLewes.org or call 302-645-7670.
