Christmas in Downtown

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 6, 2024

6 – 9 p.m. First Friday Tree Lighting

  • Main stage with performances by local music groups, community vendors, reindeer, festive activities, and more!

  • Thank you to our First Friday Sponsors:
  • Thank you to our Main Stage Sponsors:
  • Thank you to our Activities Sponsor:


6:30 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.
Snappy’s Skating Rink on the JAYwalk


7 – 9 p.m.
 Visit with Santa at The Delaware Welcome Center, walk-ins welcome!

  • $15 cost includes one print and digital copy

  • Thank you to our Santa Visits Sponsor:


6 – 9 p.m.
Carriage Rides at The Strand Theatre, $2 per person ages 6 and older

  • Thank you to our Carriage Rides Sponsor: Artomotive

Dash for Dasher

December 7, 2024

11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Dash for Dasher, beginning at the Delaware County District Library

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, box of cereal towards People in Need or monetary towards Main Street Delaware.

  • Thank you to our Dash for Dasher Sponsors:

Annual Christmas Parade

December 8, 2024

2024 Christmas Parade Registration is now closed, but will be open in October.

5 p.m. The Annual Holiday Parade takes place on Sunday, December 8, 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. 23 — 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 21 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

Taking off from the Strand Theatre 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 6

  • 6 – 9 p.m.

Friday, December 13

  • 6 – 8 p.m.

Friday, December 20

  • 6 – 8 p.m.

Thank you to our Carriage Rides Sponsor: Artomotive

Visit Santa!

Visiting Santa is a fun, community favorite tradition! Photos by For His Glory Photography! $15.00 includes 1 print and digital copy of photograph

Photos will take place at the Delaware Welcome Center (20 E William Street).

Thank you to our Santa Visits Sponsor:

Walk-in Times:

  • Friday, Dec. 6: 7 – 9 p.m.
  • Saturday, Dec. 7: 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
  • Friday, Dec. 13: 5 – 6 p.m.
  • Saturday, Dec. 14: 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
  • Friday, Dec. 20: 5 – 6 p.m.

Appointments Only:

  • Saturday, Dec. 7: 12 – 3 p.m.
  • Friday, Dec. 13: 6 – 8 p.m.
  • Saturday, Dec. 14: 12 – 3 p.m.
  • Friday, Dec. 20: 6 – 8 p.m.
  • Saturday, Dec. 21: 10 a.m – 1 p.m.

Skating Rink

Enjoy free ice skating provided by Snappy’s Automotive and The Mason Foundation

December 6:

  • 5 – 9 p.m. free skate

December 7:

  • 1 – 3 p.m.  10 and under only—learn to skate with the WarCats Hockey Team!
  • 3 – 5 p.m. free skate

December 8:

  • 1 – 5 p.m. free skate

Located on Ohio Wesleyan’s Campus (on the Jay Walk between Beeghly Library and Hamilton-Williams Campus Center) enjoy free ice skating provided by Snappy’s Automotive & The Mason Foundation.

Holiday Makers' Market

December 12, 2024

6 to 9 p.m.
19 N Sandusky Street
 
Local artisans will showcase their incredible talents, offering one-of-a-kind gifts, decor, and goodies that will surely add that special touch to your holiday celebrations this year. Don’t miss out on the chance to support our talented community of makers and find the perfect gifts for your loved ones!
Thank you to our Makers’ Market Sponsors: Opa Grill & Tavern, COhatch, Fidelity Federal Savings & Loan, and GOAT Local
 

Main Street Holiday Tours: Historic East Trolley Edition

December 15, 2024

Tours depart from the Nash House Museum at 1 p.m., 2:30 p.m., and 4 p.m.

Join us for this unforgettable event, combining history & holidays! In partnership with the Delaware County Historical Society & WillowBrook.

Enjoy complimentary hot chocolate and musical groups at the Nash House before the tour begins!

Thank you to our Holiday Tour Sponsor:

Take part in making the magic happen!