Holiday Happenings in Bethany Beach: Mark Your Calendar for December 6
Bethany Beach goes all-in on holiday fun, and Holiday Happenings is the centerpiece of the season.
On Saturday, December 6, 2025, families are invited to spend the day in town enjoying classic small-beach-town traditions: crafts, animals, Santa, rides, and a tree lighting to close out the night. It is designed to be an easy, walkable, family-friendly way to kick off December at the beach.
Event Overview
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Event: Holiday Happenings in Bethany
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Date: Saturday, December 6, 2025
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Location: Bethany Beach (Nature Center, downtown, Town Hall, and bandstand)
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Cost: All listed activities are free to attend (some may require pre-registration)
“Oh what fun we have at our holiday events” is not just a tagline here—Bethany turns the whole day into a relaxed, festive experience.
Holiday Happenings Schedule
Here is a simple guide to what is happening throughout the day on December 6:
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10:30 a.m. – Noon
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Gingerbread-themed fun (Ginger Man sitting/activities) at the Nature Center
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11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
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Pony rides (location being reassessed due to beach conditions; see note below)
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1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
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Party with Santa and face painters at Town Hall
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1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
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Trolley, train, and tractor rides downtown
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5:00 p.m.
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Tree lighting at the bandstand, with music from the SDSA Show Choir
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You can drop in for one activity or make a full day of it—start at the Nature Center in the morning, spend the afternoon downtown, then stay for the tree lighting.
Important Note: Pony Ride Location May Change
Because of current beach conditions, the Town is reassessing where the pony rides will take place.
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The original plan is for pony rides to be on the beach off Garfield Parkway.
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Town staff are reviewing conditions to make sure the area is safe and comfortable for families and animals.
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An updated location will be posted once confirmed.
If pony rides are important to your visit, plan to:
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Check for updates closer to December 6
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Allow a little extra time in your schedule in case of location changes
Thank you in advance for being flexible—these adjustments help keep the event safe and enjoyable for everyone.
Make a Day of It in Bethany
Holiday Happenings is part of a larger slate of Bethany Beach holiday events, including:
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Tree lighting at the bandstand
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Trolley tours on select dates to see decorated homes and businesses
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Ongoing “Weekend Wonderland” shopping and activities in town
That means you can:
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Spend the morning at the Nature Center
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Enjoy lunch and shopping in downtown Bethany
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Ride the trolley, train, or tractor in the afternoon
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Wrap up the evening under the lights at the bandstand
It is the kind of day where kids go home tired and happy, and adults leave feeling like they finally stepped into the holiday season.
Why These Events Matter
Holiday Happenings is more than just a schedule of activities. It:
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Brings residents, second-home owners, and visitors together in one place
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Supports local businesses and organizations involved in the day
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Creates low-stress, memory-making moments that families come back for year after year
If you have been looking for a simple, family-friendly way to celebrate the season at the beach, December 6 in Bethany Beach is it.
All photos and graphics associated with Bethany Beach Holiday Events are owned by the Town of Bethany Beach and/or the original creators and photographers. We do not claim any ownership of these images; they are used for informational and illustrative purposes only.
