Spirit of Christmas Celebration

12/17/2024

We’re filled with gratitude for everyone who made Saturday’s Spirit of Christmas event in Historic New Castle so special! From the owners who opened their homes for tours, to our delightful volunteers, talented performers, enthusiastic vendors, generous sponsors and supporters, our city officials and other community partners, and the wonderful attendees who brought the holiday spirit to life — thank you! 🎄✨

We’d love to see the day through your eyes! Share your favorite moments, and don’t forget to tag or so we can celebrate together! 📸❤️

Here’s to the joy of the season and the community that makes it so magical. 🎁

12/14/2024

Planning your day? Old New Castle will be buzzing today with the Spirit of Christmas in Historic New Castle. Tours of decorated homes and museums, music and much more will be happening. Check out https://www.spiritofchristmasde.com/ for details. Make sure to add visiting us for Cookies with Santa from 2pm-4pm!
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12/14/2024

Come one, come all, we’re thrilled to say,
The Spirit of Christmas begins today!
With holiday cheer and joy in the air,
Magic and wonder are what we're waiting to share.

So bundle up and step right in—
The 23rd Spirit of Christmas is about to begin!

📍Schedule of Day:
https://www.spiritofchristmasde.com/schedule-2024
📍Open Houses:
https://www.spiritofchristmasde.com/open-houses-museums
📍Market Vendors:
https://www.spiritofchristmasde.com/market-vendors
📍Parking & Shuttle:
https://www.spiritofchristmasde.com/parking

📍Check-In & Welcome Desk:
Third & Delaware Streets: Pick up event programs, purchase House Tour tickets, or collect wristbands for pre-purchased tickets.

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12/14/2024

Things are heating up for sure! Another preview of what's in store (or stove) at the New Castle Historical Society's Amstel House Museum, open for free during Spirit of Christmas in Historic New Castle, Delaware! 🍳

Normally, we demonstrate 18th century cooking techniques in the Amstel House kitchen, but this Saturday, during the Spirit of Christmas Celebration, we'll be cooking 1870s-style, and making use of the many new innovations and products that developed in the century since the American Revolution. Stop in from 10 am - 4 pm to see what's cookin'!

12/13/2024

After enjoying the magic of Spirit of Christmas, don’t let the festive day end! Stay for LIT for the Holidays at Read House & Gardens,hosted by the Delaware Historical Society.

🎨 Explore:
The debut of the seasonal exhibit “Delaware's Changing Winter Landscapes” featuring stunning drawings and paintings from local collections.

🎶 Enjoy:
>Live music by Delaware’s own Bruce Anthony
>Caroling by the talented Vocal Points
>Delicious catering by Toscana
>Complimentary beer and wine

📍 Where:
Read House & Gardens, 42 The Strand, New Castle, DE 19720

📅 When:
Saturday, December 14, 6:00–8:30 p.m.

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12/13/2024

Here’s a sneak peek of what’s in store for visitors tomorrow during the most wonderful day of the year! 🎁🎄

Arasapha Garden Club New Castle Public Library

12/13/2024

Resharing details of our parking and shuttle bus information!

📍 Be sure to stop by our Welcome Desk at Third & Delaware Streets to pick up event programs, purchase House Tour tickets, or collect wristbands for pre-purchased tickets. There will be signs and volunteers to provide direction.

Tickets for the House Tours are $10 through 11:59pm tonight. They will be $15 onsite. All other parts of the day's program are free: Music, Concerts, Heritage Santas, & More.

We can't wait to see you soon!

We’re excited to welcome you to the 23rd Spirit of Christmas in a few days. We've got free parking and complimentary shuttle buses to help you get right to the heart of the celebration. Keep reading for all the details you’ll need:

🚌 Free Shuttle Bus Service
Our shuttle buses start at 9:30AM from New Castle Elementary School and will loop through:
1️⃣ New Castle Elementary School Lot
2️⃣ Bellanca Airfield Museum Lot
3️⃣ Downtown Historic New Castle (West Fourth & Delaware Streets)

🕕 The last shuttle departs downtown at 6:00PM, returning to parking lots. Buses will run every 20 minutes.

✨ Huge thanks to Lehane's Bus Services for their generous support!

🚙 Parking Information
Parking is limited, so we recommend using the shuttle lots.
🗺️ See the map on our website for details to help plan your visit.

♿ Handicap Parking: Available at West Third Street.

🚧 Street Closures: Portions of Delaware Street and Market Street will be pedestrian-only during the event.

📍 Volunteers will be on-site to assist with parking, and lots will be clearly marked with signs.

📍 Be sure to stop by our Welcome Desk at Third & Delaware Streets to pick up event programs, purchase House Tour tickets, or collect wristbands for pre-purchased tickets.

We can’t wait to see you in a few days! 🎅✨

12/13/2024

🎄✨ Just ONE day away! ✨🎄

The Spirit of Christmas is nearly here, and we can’t wait to welcome you to Historic New Castle tomorrow! One of the most magical highlights this year will be our Heritage Santas, appearing at Christmas Courts throughout town.

Meet our Heritage Santas and learn their stories:

🎅 Dutch Sinterklaas: The beloved figure who inspired Santa Claus, Sinterklaas travels by horse and brings gifts for children on St. Nicholas Day.

🎅Father Christmas: Rooted in English tradition, Father Christmas represents the spirit of goodwill and feasting during the holiday season.

🎅 Swedish Jul Tomte: A mischievous yet kind-hearted figure from Scandinavian folklore, the Jul Tomte delivers gifts and spreads joy, often accompanied by his goat, Julbock.

🎅 Santa Claus: The iconic figure of modern Christmas, bringing cheer and presents to children worldwide!

Children can take home a piece of history with special coloring books featuring our Heritage Santas and other surprises!

📸 A perfect holiday photo opportunity!

📅 Don’t miss this unforgettable day on Saturday, December 14!

See you tomorrow in Historic New Castle for Christmas magic!

12/11/2024

We’re excited to welcome you to the 23rd Spirit of Christmas in a few days. We've got free parking and complimentary shuttle buses to help you get right to the heart of the celebration. Keep reading for all the details you’ll need:

🚌 Free Shuttle Bus Service
Our shuttle buses start at 9:30AM from New Castle Elementary School and will loop through:
1️⃣ New Castle Elementary School Lot
2️⃣ Bellanca Airfield Museum Lot
3️⃣ Downtown Historic New Castle (West Fourth & Delaware Streets)

🕕 The last shuttle departs downtown at 6:00PM, returning to parking lots. Buses will run every 20 minutes.

✨ Huge thanks to Lehane's Bus Services for their generous support!

🚙 Parking Information
Parking is limited, so we recommend using the shuttle lots.
🗺️ See the map on our website for details to help plan your visit.

♿ Handicap Parking: Available at West Third Street.

🚧 Street Closures: Portions of Delaware Street and Market Street will be pedestrian-only during the event.

📍 Volunteers will be on-site to assist with parking, and lots will be clearly marked with signs.

📍 Be sure to stop by our Welcome Desk at Third & Delaware Streets to pick up event programs, purchase House Tour tickets, or collect wristbands for pre-purchased tickets.

We can’t wait to see you in a few days! 🎅✨

12/09/2024

🎄The 23rd Annual Spirit of Christmas is Almost Here!🎄

✨Mark your calendars for Saturday, December 14, 2024, and join us for a magical day in Historic New Castle, Delaware! ✨

The lineup includes:
🎅 10AM - 12PM: Meet Dutch Sinterklaas at the Town Hall Arch.
🎵 12PM - 3PM: Scott Birney & The Sin City Band Concert at New Castle Historical Society
🎵1 PM: Live bell choir at Immanuel on the Green
🎵 3 PM: NewArk Chorale Cancer at New Castle Presbyterian Church
🏡 10AM - 4PM: Historic house tours all day.
🎁 10AM - 4PM: Holiday Market on The Green featuring unique crafts and gifts.
🎤 4:30PM: Join us for the Tree Lighting and the arrival of Santa!

📍 Where: Historic New Castle, Delaware
📆 When: Saturday, December 14, 2024
🌟 Why: To celebrate the season, spend time with dear ones, and support historic preservation.

🎉 Let the countdown begin! We can’t wait to see you there. Share the joy and tag a friend!

12/09/2024

🌟We’re pleased to recognize the New Castle Community Partnership as a North Star Sponsor for this year’s Spirit of Christmas celebration on Saturday, December 14! 🌟

Their support helps make this event possible, and we’re so grateful for their commitment to our community.

Join us for a festive day filled with house tours, live music, a holiday marketplace, and more—all in the heart of Historic New Castle.

Thank you, New Castle Community Partnership, for helping us celebrate the season! 🎄

12/07/2024

🎄 The Countdown is On: One Week to Spirit of Christmas in Historic New Castle, Delaware! 🎄

We’re just one week away from an unforgettable holiday celebration in Historic New Castle! Join us on Saturday, December 14 for a day filled with festive fun:

✨ Tour Private Homes & Museums
Explore beautifully decorated homes and historic sites that bring the season to life.

🎶 Enjoy Live Music
Delight in concerts throughout town at Immanuel on the Green, All things New Castle Presbyterian Church, New Castle United Methodist Church and the New Castle Court House Museum

🎅 Meet Heritage Santas
Visit Santas from our town's early beginnings, including Sinterklaas and Father Christmas.

🛍️ Shop Our Holiday Market
Find unique gifts at our market on The Green, local shops, as well as at the New Castle Public Library's Winter Festival & Market and Arasapha Garden Club's Wreath & Poinsettia Sale, and Shaw Alley Holiday Food Market.

🍲 Savor Seasonal Treats
Enjoy food trucks, a holiday beer garden, and more

🎁 Celebrate Tradition
Complete your day by joining us for the Tree Lighting in Market Square followed by LIT for the Holidays at Read House & Gardens

We can't wait to see you!