DelawareScene: Historic Odessa Lights up the Night @ Historic Odessa Foundation

Historic Odessa Lights up the Night

Delaware’s Historic Odessa Foundation will kick off its holiday season tours and exhibit with an inaugural "Odessa Lights up the Night" event, a community celebration and fundraising event filled with festive activities for all ages. The event is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 23, from 4 to 7 p.m. on the grounds of the 255-year-old Wilson-Warner House.

The evening will include the traditional holiday lighting of Historic Odessa, showcasing the town’s history adorned with festive lights. Music will be provided by DJ Mix Star Audio playing holiday favorites throughout the evening. All proceeds from the event benefit Historic Odessa’s preservation and education mission.

Families can look forward to a meet-and-greet with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and warm up by fire pits while enjoying hot chocolate or cider, with food and refreshments offered by Odessa’s Cantwell’s Tavern.

A special highlight of the evening is a tour of the 2024 Holiday Exhibit inspired by J.M. Barrie’s classic novel, “Peter and Wendy,” also known as “Peter Pan and Wendy,” published in 1911, and adapted from Barrie’s 1904 play “Peter Pan; or, the Boy Who Wouldn't Grow Up.” The exhibit, located in the Corbit-Sharp House — a National Historic Landmark celebrating its 250th anniversary — will transport visitors to the magical world of Neverland through festive scenes and vignettes.

Event Highlights Include:

• Holiday lighting of Historic Odessa

• Special tour of the “Peter and Wendy”-inspired holiday exhibit

• DJ Mix Star Audio playing holiday music

• Meet-and-greet with Santa and Mrs. Claus

• Fire pits and community gathering spaces

• Food and refreshments

• Kids’ goodie bags

The event is free for Historic Odessa Foundation members. General admission is $15 for adults and $5 for children ages 7 and older. Admission is free for children 6 and under. Children’s tickets include one hot chocolate or cider, one Christmas cookie, and a goodie bag with a take-home craft.