Lewes Lights registration opens Nov. 20
Lewes Lights is back for its fifth year, and registration for new participating homes opens Wednesday, Nov. 20, at leweslights.org.
Homes that participated in 2023 do not need to reregister. They are already on the map and will be contacted by email with details for this year.
What began as a grassroots event to spread light and cheer in Lewes by illuminating homes, businesses, and hearts is now an anticipated Christmas tradition in Lewes.
As always, Lewes Lights is free and fueled by good cheer. Participants are asked to have properties illuminated in time for the Lewes Christmas Parade Saturday, Dec. 7, and to keep their lights shining through New Year’s Eve.
“Anything new in Lewes takes at least three years to become part of our city fabric,” said Debra Evalds, chair of Lewes Lights. “Last year, our former Mayor Ted Becker told me that Lewes Lights was now a Lewes tradition, so that immediately put the pressure on to make this event happen every year. In light of Ted’s recent passing, I ask everyone who is able to put lights up this year in his honor, even if it is just a candle in every window. Ted supported our idea from the start and helped us switch the lights on at our first opening ceremony in 2020. I would love to
really light up Lewes to celebrate Ted this year.”
Any home or business east of Route 1 and contiguous to downtown can register for Lewes Lights. Residences can also enter categories to compete for awards. Registered participants will be featured on the Lewes Lights tour map, which encompasses the area from Gills Neck Road to New Road, and from Route 1 to Lewes Beach. Please note, communities that can only be accessed by entrances on Route 1 are not eligible due to the difficulty caused by many vehicles entering and exiting.
“Our main focus is illuminating downtown and the gateways into Lewes,” said Evalds. “Our dream is to see illuminated homes and businesses lining our main thoroughfares and adjacent streets and neighborhoods, with neighbors encouraging or helping neighbors to light up and get on the tour map.”
Completely home grown with grass roots, Lewes Lights has no business sponsorships and requests no donations. It’s simply a Christmas gift that Lewes gives the public, and it is fueled by community pride and love. The heroes are the property owners who spend their own time and money to share light and spread holiday joy. More homes and businesses light up every year.
Highlighting some special illuminated Lewes homes west of Route 1, the WOW-Wonderful Homes West of One page on the Lewes Lights website returns this year.
“People always ask where the best Christmas houses and neighborhoods are. The WOW page was created to list these houses and neighborhoods all over Lewes, both to highlight the efforts and Christmas spirit of the homeowners and to let people know where they can find the Clark Griswolds of the 19958. The WOW page feature them with addresses and photos.”
For more information and to submit new addresses for the tour map, go to leweslights.org.
