Main Street Delaware brings you a holiday to remember!
Main Street Delaware’s Christmas events in our downtown brings together families in our community. We love providing Christmas memories to families in our area. Please help us continue this tradition.
First Friday Tree Lighting
December 4, 2026
6 – 9 p.m. First Friday Tree Lighting
Main stage with performances by local music groups, community vendors, festive activities, and more!
- Thank you to our First Friday Sponsors:
7:30 p.m. Tree Lighting Ceremony Begins (remarks and countdown)
- Join other families and feel the sense of love and community as we light our magnificent Christmas Tree at the corner of William and Sandusky Streets.
- Thank you to our Tree Lighting Sponsors:
5 – 9 p.m. Skating Rink at The Delaware Welcome Center
- Located on behind the Delaware Welcome Center (20 E William Street), enjoy free ice skating provided by Snappy’s Automotive & The Mason Foundation.
Time TBD Visit with Santa at The Delaware Welcome Center, walk-ins welcome!
FREE and includes one print and digital copy
- Thank you to our Santa Visits Sponsors:
6 – 9 p.m. Carriage Rides, $2 per person ages 6 and older
- Thank you to our Carriage Rides Sponsor:
Dash for Dasher
December 5, 2026
11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Dash for Dasher
Santa has lost his reindeer Dasher, and we need your help to find him! Explore downtown following Santa’s clues and have fun along the way!
Voluntary donations accepted!
Thank you to our Dash for Dasher Sponsors:
Great Gingerbread Build-Off
December 5, 2026
3:30 p.m. at COhatch, 18 E William Street
Join us for the second year of this exciting event, where you’ll have three hours to build your most impressive gingerbread creation! Judging will begin at 7:15 p.m. The community will participate by voting for their favorite house—each vote is cast by donating canned food and placing it in front of their chosen entry. We’ll also have a panel of judges who will award gold, silver, and bronze prizes.
Your $25 ticket will include a basic gingerbread house kit, but feel free to bring your own special decorations—whether it’s sprinkles, candy, glitter, or anything else! We encourage creativity, so come ready to showcase your skills! Please bring your own base, no larger that 20″x20″.
Thank you to our Great Gingerbread Build-Off Sponsors:
Light the Night Christmas Parade
December 6, 2026
Time TBD The Annual Light the Night Christmas Parade takes place on Sunday, December 7, stepping off from Mingo Park & traveling down Sandusky Street to Wilmer Street!
Thank you to our Parade Sponsor: Modern Woodmen, Denney Agency
Season of Shopping
Beginning Nov. 21 — Shop all season long in Downtown Delaware!
Pick up a shopping card from any of the many Main Street activities throughout December, and mark off your purchases along the way! Turn your card back in at The Greater Gouda by December 23 to be entered to win the Grand Prize.
Grand Prize winner will receive a combination of gift certificates and items from downtown businesses!
Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides
Two Friday evenings in December leading up to Christmas! Enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride around downtown Delaware! Cozy up with your family and enjoy the festive sights of downtown. Only $2 per person over the age of 6!
Friday, December 4
- 6 – 9 p.m.
Friday, December 11
- 6 – 8 p.m.
Thank you to our Carriage Rides Sponsor:
Visit Santa!
Visiting Santa is a fun, community favorite tradition! Photos by For His Glory Photography! Photos are free and include 1 print and a digital copy of photograph.
Photos will take place at the Delaware Welcome Center (20 E William Street).
Thank you to our Santa Visits Sponsors:
Walk-in Times:
- Friday, Dec. 5: 7 – 9 p.m.
- Saturday, Dec. 6: 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
- Friday, Dec. 12: 5 – 6 p.m.
- Saturday, Dec. 13: 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
- Friday, Dec. 19: 5 – 6 p.m.
- Saturday, Dec. 20: 11 a.m. – 12 p.m
Appointments Only:
- Saturday, Dec. 6: 12 – 3 p.m.
- Friday, Dec. 12: 6 – 8 p.m.
- Saturday, Dec. 13: 12 – 3 p.m.
- Friday, Dec. 19: 6 – 8 p.m.
- Saturday, Dec. 20: 12 – 3 p.m.
Skating Rink
Enjoy free ice skating provided by Snappy’s Automotive and The Mason Foundation!
December 4:
- 5 – 9 p.m. free skate
December 5:
- 1 – 3 p.m. 10 and under only, learn to skate with the WarCats Hockey Team!
- 3 – 5 p.m. free skate
December 6:
- 1 – 5 p.m. free skate
Located behind the Delaware Welcome Center (20 E William Street) enjoy free ice skating provided by Snappy’s Automotive & The Mason Foundation.
Holiday "Trolley" Tours
December 12, 2026
Tour Times at 1, 2, and 3 p.m.
Hosted by the Delaware County Historical Society this year. Ride in comfort as you hear stories from vintage-clad guides about downtown Delaware’s historical buildings, such as St. Mary Catholic Church, Byxbe House, Old City Hall/William’s Opera House, and St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, just to name a few!
$25 Per Person | Registration Deadline – TBD | Boarding Location – TBD
Enjoy hot beverages, cookies, and musical entertainment before your tour take off!