Tree lighting, Santa, and Christmas in Downtown Delaware

Enjoy Christmas in Downtown Delaware with Home for the Holidays Weekend from December 5-7, 2025.

First Friday and the Tree Lighting Ceremony kick off the season of holiday events on Main Street Delaware, Ohio. 

Main Street Delaware Tree Lighting Ceremony

Friday, December 5, 2025 at 6pm – 9pm. The Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony is a magical experience for the whole family. Main stage with performances by local music groups, community vendors, festive activities, and more!

Join Santa on the corner of William and Sandusky Streets as he flips the switch and lights the tree at 6:30 pm.

• 5 – 9 p.m. Free Ice Skating at the Rink at the Welcome Center (20 E William Street)
• 7 – 9 p.m. Visit with Santa at The Delaware Welcome Center, walk-ins welcome! FREE and includes one print and digital copy
• 6 – 9 p.m. Carriage Rides at The Strand Theatre, $2 per person ages 6 and older

Skating Rink 

Strap on your skates and enjoy free ice skating on Ohio Wesleyan’s Campus (on the JAYwalk between Beeghly Library and Hamilton-Williams Campus Center). Provided by Snappy’s Automotive and The Mason Foundation.

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

Friday, December 5 from 5-9 p.m.
Saturday, December 6 from 1-3 p.m. (Ages 10 & under only), learn to skate with the WarCats Hockey Team. Free skate from 3 to 5 p.m.
Sunday, December 7 from 1-5 p.m.

Dash for Dasher Scavenger Hunt

Saturday, December 6, 2025 from 11 am-1 pm beginning at Fresh Start Cafe & Bakery

Santa has lost his reindeer Dasher! Explore downtown following Santa’s clues to find him and have fun along the way! The event is free. Voluntary donations will be accepted, a box of cereal towards People in Need or monetary towards Main Street Delaware.

Light the Night Christmas Parade

Sunday, December 7, 2025 at 6 pm. The annual Home for the Holidays Parade will be stepping off at 5 p.m. from Mingo Park.

The parade route heads west on E Lincoln Avenue, then turns left to walk south on N Sandusky Street through downtown. It ends at the corner of S Sandusky Street and Wilmer Street, near the Ohio Wesleyan University campus.

Photos with Santa

Fridays and Saturdays, December 5-20, 2025. Appointments are available for visits with Santa at the Delaware Welcome Center (20 E. William Street). Photos are free, and  include 1 print and digital copy of photograph. Additional prints $5.

Walk-in Photos with Santa Hours

Friday, December 5 from 7 to 9 p.m.
Fridays, December 12 and 19 from 5 to 6 p.m.
Saturdays, December 6, 13, and 20 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Other times are available by rsvp: Book appointments now!

Letters to Santa

Can’t visit with Santa this year? Make sure he gets your letter by dropping it off in the North Pole Post mailbox on the front porch of the Welcome Center, 20 E. William Street.

Carriage Rides in Downtown Delaware

Hop in a horse-drawn carriage for a ride with your loved ones! Take off from the historic Strand Theatre for a ride around downtown. $2 per person ages 6 and older

Carriage Ride Hours

Friday, December 5: 6 – 9 p.m.
Friday, December 12: 6 – 8 p.m.
Friday, December 19: 6 – 8 p.m.

Holiday “Trolley” Tours

Saturday, December 13, 2025.  In partnership with the Delaware County Historical Society & Willow Brook—narrated bus tours depart from the Nash House Museum at 1, 2:30, and 4 p.m. on Sunday, December 15. Reserve your spot today when available!

Shop Local in Delaware

Main Street Delaware has put together a list of shops and businesses to visit in Downtown Delaware. Some offer online shopping as well. See the full list here. 

Find more details about events in Downtown Delaware here. 

Community Tree Lightings and Holiday Celebrations in Columbus

Check out these other upcoming seasonal events!