Holiday Traditions Return to Historic Lewes

Attendees gather around the fire pit during the First Friday celebration in Historic Lewes. (Photo courtesy of the Lewes Historical Society.)

Historic Lewes will once again kick off the December First Friday festivities with its annual Holiday Village & Market, a two-day event held in conjunction with the Holiday House Tour of Lewes. The seasonal gathering will take place on the Lewes Historical Campus at 110 Shipcarpenter Street, offering visitors a mix of artisan goods, local farm products, greenery sales, open historic buildings and on-site interpreters.

This year’s market will feature a curated group of artists and makers selling handcrafted items such as candles, knitwear, jewelry, driftwood art, book art, glasswork and paintings. A variety of regional farms and specialty food producers are also scheduled to participate, including Backyard Jams & Jellies, Baybees Honey, Derby Mill Farm, Four Acres Living, Epiron Olive Oil, Gather Alfajores, Nancy James Oysters, Reinke Lavender Farm, Clare Shockley’s Nut Brittle and Be Salty bread.

Greenery and holiday décor will be available at Freddie’s Barn, and the Z-Club will hold its annual sale in the schoolhouse. Historic interpreters will be on hand throughout the campus, and organizers say visitors can expect to see baby alpacas on site as well. Food will be provided by Mr. B’s Kitchen.

The Society plans to open several historic buildings for the occasion, including the Sussex Tavern and the Coffee, Tea and Hot Chocolate House. A fire pit will also be lit during event hours.

Artisan vendors scheduled to participate include Salt Town Trading, The Folding Fanatic, Coastal Creations, J’Adorn Designs, Delaware Bay Clay, Dirndl Lederhosen Haus, Tony McKee Art, Living in Glass Houses, BPK Photography, Tassled Totes and holiday creations by Sally King Shanahan.

The Holiday Village & Market is free and open to the public. Hours are 4 to 7 p.m. on the Lewes Historic Campus. The Lewes Historical Society says the event supports its mission to preserve and share the history of the Lewes region through exhibits, programs and research.