DELAWARE/MARYLAND - After Thanksgiving, it's time for shopping deals as all eyes turn towards the season of giving and giving back. If you're ready to work off your holiday feast and start working on shopping for those who are on your nice list, there are lots of events where you can do both.
SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY
After your shopping bags are stuffed from big Black Friday discounts, it's time to shift gears and support local businesses on Small Business Saturday. The U.S. Small Business Administration recently toured towns like Georgetown and Bethany Beach, showcasing the unique holiday gifts available at local stores.
DEWEY SIP AND SHOP
The Developing Artist Collaboration's 9th Annual Sip and Shop event runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday at the Hyatt in Dewey Beach. Shoppers can purchase one-of-a-kind handmade gifts directly from the talented artists who created them. There will also be Out of the Box DIY kits and a bar with drinks by Dogfish Head and Dewey Beer Company.
ARTISTS SUNDAY
The Milton Chamber of Commerce is rallying support for local businesses not only on Small Business Saturday but also on Artists Sunday. Explore and shop at the Milton Arts Guild and local galleries, or show your support by purchasing tickets to a show at the historic Milton Theatre.
WICOMICO YACHT CLUB'S CHRISTMAS BOAT PARADE
If you have presents to donate, consider joining or attending the Wicomico Yacht Club's 36th Annual Christmas Boat Parade. It's raising awareness and donations for the Toys for Tots campaign. Festive boats will float down the Wicomico River in Salisbury, starting around 5:30 p.m. on Nov. 25. Organizers say the Yacht Club has extra lights and anyone with a boat is eligible to enter. Contact the club to sign up.
TURKEY TOSS FOR A CAUSE: SUPPORTING SHELTER PETS
For those in the Thanksgiving spirit, Outloud Sports Rehoboth is hosting a cornhole tournament at the Crooked Hammock in Lewes on Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Adoptable pets from Humane Animal Partners will be present and all proceeds from the event will go to support the organization. You can compete socially or competitively or try to win a prize for "Best Team Shirt."
FESTIVAL OF TREES
The Millville Boardwalk's Festival of Trees is now open, featuring 84 trees decorated by local businesses. Funds raised from this event will benefit local families in need. Organizers are partnering with Lord Baltimore Elementary School to help identify those families and help them over the holiday season.
COASTAL CHRISTMAS SHOWDOWN
Voting opens on Saturday for Bethany Beach's Coastal Christmas Showdown. Book a spot on a trolley tour to witness the festive displays of competing homes and businesses. Information to register your display or to book a spot on the trolley tour can be found at townofbethanybeach.com/367/Holiday-Happenings.
RUN/WALK OFF YOUR THANKSGIVING FEAST
Stay active and give back by participating in the 14th Huffin' for Pumpkin Pie 5K in Rehoboth Beach. It raises money for Toys for Tots. The race kicks off in Grove Park on Saturday at 9 a.m. Register at runsignup.com.
The 20th annual Turkey Trot in Sea Colony in Bethany Beach takes place on Nov. 26 to benefit local athletes. The race starts at 9 a.m. Sunday. Sign up at seashorestriders.com.
SANTA'S ARRIVAL AND TREE LIGHTINGS IN SUSSEX COUNTY
Get ready for the holiday season as Santa visits downtown Milford and Rehoboth Beach, where annual tree lightings are planned this weekend. He'll be at his house in Milford at 11 a.m. Saturday. Local shops will be open to celebrate Small Business Saturday with customers from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Santa will be at his house on the Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk Friday, Saturday and Sunday. His scheduled visits can be found at beach-fun.com.
Rehoboth Beach's tree lighting celebration kicks off at 6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 24 at the bandstand. The countdown to turn the lights on starts at 7 p.m.
Miford's Tree Lighting and Caroling event at City Hall takes place from 5 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 25.
