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 1, 2023
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: Sheetz, Performance Delaware, and WillowBrook
- Thank you to our Main Stage Sponsors: First Citizens National Bank, and Delaware Pediatric Dentistry
- Thank you to our Activities Sponsor: Fidelity Federal Savings & Loan
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: Hiram Lodge, Final Touch Painting, Pathways Financial Credit Union, Wendy’s, BJ’s Wholesale Club, and First Commonwealth Bank
5 – 9 p.m. Snappy’s Skating Rink on the JAYwalk
- 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.
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: Hiram Lodge
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 2, 2023
11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Dash for Dasher, beginning at Beanbag Books
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: COhatch, Delaware County District Library, BJ’s Wholesale Club, and Nationwide Children’s Hospital.
Annual Christmas Parade
December 3, 2023
2023 Christmas Parade Registration is now closed. Join us to watch the parade at 3 p.m. on Sunday, December 3!
3 p.m. The Annual Holiday Parade takes place on Sunday, December 3, stepping off from Mingo Park & traveling down Sandusky Street to Wilmer Street!
Thank you to our Parade Sponsor: Trimble Insurance
Season of Shopping
Beginning Nov. 17 — 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
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 1
- 6 – 9 p.m.
Friday, December 8
- 6 – 8 p.m.
Friday, December 15
- 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: Hiram Lodge
Walk-in Times:
- Friday, Dec. 1: 7 – 9 p.m.
- Saturday, Dec. 2: 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
- Friday, Dec. 8: 5 – 6 p.m.
- Saturday, Dec. 9: 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
- Friday, Dec. 15: 5 – 6 p.m.
Appointments Only:
- Saturday, Dec. 2: 12 – 3 p.m.
- Friday, Dec. 8: 6 – 8 p.m.
- Saturday, Dec. 9: 12 – 3 p.m.
- Friday, Dec. 15: 6 – 8 p.m.
- Saturday, Dec. 16: 10 a.m – 1 p.m.
Snappy's Skating Rink
Enjoy free ice skating provided by Snappy’s Automotive and The Mason Foundation!
December 1:
- 5 – 9 p.m. free skate
December 2:
- 1 – 3 p.m. 10 and under only—learn to skate with the WarCats Hockey Team, 3 to 9 p.m. free skate
December 3:
- 1 – 3 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.
Main Street Holiday Tours: Northwest Trolley Edition
December 9, 2023
Tours depart from Boardman Arts Park 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, Boardman Arts Park & WillowBrook.
Enjoy complimentary hot chocolate and caroling at the park before the tour begins!
Thank you to our Holiday Tour Sponsor: Modern Woodmen, Denney Agency
