On Saturday, December 2nd, the Town of Bethany Beach will kick off its annual Holiday Happenings. The day will start at the Nature Center (807 Garfield Parkway) at 10:30 AM with a special story time of Goodness Gracious Golly Gee I Forgot My Christmas Tree! Meet and greet the local mother-daughter writing team, Carol and Cori Burcham, and hear how their picture book got its name. There will be pony rides on the beach off Garfield Parkway from 11:30 AM to 1 PM. At 1 PM Santa will make his triumphant return to Town Hall to take photos with the children until 3 PM. There will also be face painters, hot cocoa, cookies, and a station to write letters to Santa. The fun continues downtown with tractor rides on the beach, rides on the trolley, and a spin on Santa’s Express (train) from 1 to 4 PM. A second trolley will be available to transport attendees to and from the event at the following pick-up locations: Bethany Beach Books, Grotto Pizza (next to the Nature Center), and South Coastal Library until 6 PM.
 

At 5 PM the annual lighting of the holiday tree will take place on the Bandstand Plaza. Gather with friends and family for a special concert featuring the Southern Delaware School of the Arts Show Choir.
See who won the Coastal Christmas Showdown and stay for the party after. There will be a collection of new or gently used hats, gloves, scarves, and coats along with canned goods for local charities. Items may be dropped off at the Christian Church from noon to 5 PM. Those who cannot attend the lighting can watch it on the West view beach cam via the Town website.