2025 Historic Lewes Holiday House Tour & Holiday Village: A Festive Walk Through Time

Step Inside the Spirit of the Season: Holiday House Tour of Lewes 2025

There’s something extra special about the holidays in Lewes. Twinkling lights, historic streets, and centuries of stories tucked behind front doors. Once a year, those doors open.

On Saturday, December 6, 2025, from 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM, the Historic Lewes Annual Holiday House Tour invites you to slow down, stroll through town, and experience Lewes at its most magical.

Hosted by the Lewes Historical Society, this beloved tradition showcases a curated selection of private homes and public buildings throughout historic Lewes, Delaware—each thoughtfully decorated for the holiday season. It’s part history lesson, part design inspiration, and part community celebration.

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Event at a Glance

• Event: Historic Lewes Annual Holiday House Tour & Holiday Village & Market

• Date: Saturday, December 6, 2025

• Time: 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM

  • Last visitor admitted at 3:30 PM

• Location: Historic Lewes, Delaware

  • Main campus & Holiday Village at 110 Shipcarpenter Street, Lewes, DE 19958

• Cost:

  • $50 per ticket

  • Children 12 and under: Free with a paying adult

All proceeds support the preservation and educational efforts of the Lewes Historical Society, helping to protect and share the stories of the “First Town in the First State.”

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What Your Holiday House Tour Ticket Includes

Your 2025 Holiday House Tour of Lewes ticket is much more than a simple pass—it’s your all-day passport to holiday history:

• One-time admission to all private homes on the tour

  • Includes a mix of centuries-old homes, historic properties, and newer construction, all decorated for the season.

• Entry to key historic sites:

  • The historic DAR House

  • The first-floor lobby of The Lodge in Lewes

• Admission to the Holiday Village & Market at 110 Shipcarpenter Street

  • A festive hub with holiday vendors and seasonal cheer.

• A detailed printed guidebook

  • Descriptions of each featured property

  • Helpful context about architecture, design, and Lewes’ rich history.

This is a self-guided tour, so you can take your time, follow your own route, and linger at the homes and buildings that speak to you most.

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Tickets, Timing, and How It Works

Ticket Price and Who Can Attend

• Tickets: $50

• Children: Ages 12 and under are free with a paying adult

• Ideal for:

  • Locals who love Lewes traditions

  • Visitors discovering Lewes for the first time

  • Holiday enthusiasts, architecture fans, and history buffs

How to Get Your Ticket Book

When you purchase your ticket, you’ll receive a receipt. Be sure to keep a copy—you’ll need it to pick up your official ticket book.

Ticket Book Pick-Up:

• Before the event:

  • From November 18, you can pick up tickets at the Lewes Historical Society’s main campus

  • Hours: Monday–Friday, 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM

• Day of the event:

  • Same campus: 110 Shipcarpenter Street, Lewes, DE 19958

  • Ticket pick-up begins at 8:00 AM

  • House doors open for the tour at 9:30 AM

The ticket book includes your entry credentials and the guidebook with maps and property details, so it’s essential for navigating your day.

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House Tour Etiquette: Enjoy, But Leave No Trace

The Holiday House Tour is made possible by generous homeowners who open their private spaces to the community. To respect their homes and ensure this tradition continues, visitors are asked to follow a few simple rules:

• No smoking

• No food or drink inside the homes

• No spiked or high heels (to protect floors)

• No photography inside the homes

These guidelines help preserve both historic features and modern finishes while keeping the experience comfortable and safe for everyone.

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More Than a Tour: Supporting Historic Lewes

This event is more than a festive outing—it’s a major fundraiser for the Lewes Historical Society.

Proceeds directly support:

• Preservation of historic buildings and artifacts

• Museum exhibits that share the stories of Lewes and the region

• Educational programs for residents, students, and visitors

• Ongoing research and publications that document local history

By buying a ticket—or becoming a sponsor—you’re helping keep Lewes’ history alive for future generations.

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Sponsorship Opportunities for 2025

Each year, the Holiday House Tour welcomes over 1,500 visitors. For local businesses, organizations, and individuals, sponsoring the event is a powerful way to:

• Support preservation in Lewes

• Reach a community-minded audience

• Align your brand with one of the town’s signature traditions

$5,000 Platinum Sponsorship

• Admission for 6 people to the Holiday House Tour

• Full-page ad in the Holiday House Tour ticket booklet

  • Distributed to over 1,500 attendees

• Name or logo placement on:

  • All print ads

  • The event poster

  • Historic Lewes’ website as a top-tier sponsor

  • Historic Lewes’ Facebook event page

• On-site recognition:

  • Signage with your name or logo at a specific house on the tour

  • Signage at the Holiday Village & Market

• Media & marketing mentions:

  • Acknowledgment in event press releases

  • Acknowledgment in all social media posts related to the event

• VIP Perk:

  • Invitation for 2 people to the VIP Cocktail Celebration on December 3

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$2,500 Gold Sponsorship

• Admission for 4 people to the Holiday House Tour

• Half-page ad in the Holiday House Tour ticket booklet

• Name or logo on all print ads

• Listing as a GOLD sponsor on Historic Lewes’ website

• Logo inclusion on Historic Lewes’ Facebook event page

• Signage with your name or logo at a specific house on the tour

• Media & social recognition:

  • Acknowledgment in event press releases

  • Acknowledgment in all social media

• VIP Perk:

  • Invitation for 2 people to the VIP Cocktail Celebration on December 3

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$500 Sterling House Sponsorship

• On-site recognition:

  • Your name or logo on a 2’ x 3’ sign at a specific house on the tour

• Printed acknowledgment in the Holiday House Tour of Lewes guidebook

• VIP Perk:

  • Invitation for 2 people to the VIP Cocktail Celebration on December 3

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How to Become a Sponsor

Sponsorships must be secured and paid by November 15, 2025 to be included in printed materials and event promotions.

Businesses, organizations, and individuals interested in sponsorship or advertising opportunities are encouraged to contact the Lewes Historical Society directly for details on:

• Securing a Platinum, Gold, or Sterling House Sponsorship

• Additional advertising opportunities tied to the tour and guidebook

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Make It a Tradition: Plan Your Holiday in Lewes

Whether you’re a long-time local or visiting for the first time, the 2025 Historic Lewes Holiday House Tour is one of the best ways to experience the heart of Lewes in December.

• Mark your calendar for Saturday, December 6, 2025

• Plan a full day exploring homes, strolling the Historic District, and visiting the Holiday Village & Market

• Bring friends, family, or guests in town for the season

Step through Lewes’ front doors, admire the decorations, soak in the history—and leave knowing you’ve helped protect the stories and buildings that make this seaside town so special.