Join Us for the 2nd Annual Twinklefest - November 21st
Step into the holiday magic of Twinklefest in Historic Odessa! Browse the Christmas marketplace, discover interactive exhibits, enjoy live entertainment, create festive crafts, and savor seasonal treats for all ages.
When: Saturday, November 21, 2026 | 1:00 – 5:30 PM
Where: Corbit-Sharp House Grounds, Main Street, Odessa, DE
What’s Included with Your Ticket
Holiday Marketplace
Explore over 45 local artisans in the marketplace, and shop for fresh holiday greens, art, antiques, specialty foods, and floral decorations. BONUS: Wreath-making or swag-decorating demonstrations by an expert Odessa homeowner.
Over 30 Themed Christmas Trees
Wander through a winter wonderland of beautifully decorated trees inspired by classic children's literature — all created by local families, students, and community groups.
Santa’s Workshop & Historic Sleigh Photo Op (Wilson Barn, c.1806)
Snap a holiday photo in Santa’s real 19th-century sleigh or pose with Santa & Mrs. Claus. Kids can shop for small gifts and keepsakes in Santa’s workshop.
Tour of the 2026 Christmas Exhibit
An American Colonial Revival Christmas: What were the customs and traditions of a Colonial American Christmas in 1774 on the eve of revolution 250 years ago? The Historic Odessa Foundation continues the decade’s long tradition of creating Christmas exhibits inspired by classic children’s literature to encourage reading and literacy and to complement our Storybook Trees exhibit in the National Historic Register Wilson-Warner House. Step into the world of a beloved novel... and don’t miss a special live performance by the Dover English Country Dancers.
Hands-On Children’s Activities
At our historic school program stations, kids can:
- Write a letter to Santa using real quill pens and ink in a Quaker classroom.
- Letters mailed in Santa’s onsite post office receive a reply from the North pole.
- Make their own Christmas ornaments in the artisan workshop.
- Design holiday dinnerware in the 1774 colonial kitchen.
- Face Painting where kids can tap into their creative imagination.
Living History
Enjoy live campfire cooking demonstrations.
Hayride
Hop on a hayride along the scenic Appoquinimink Creek!
Enter the Ugly Sweater Contest
Show off your best (or worst!) holiday attire for a chance to win festive prizes.
NEW FOR 2026:
- DJ Master of Ceremony, DJ Dana McDonald, proving holiday music all day
- Performance by the Odessa High School Marching Band
- Antique Sleigh for Selfie Photo op
- Pony Rides
- Petting Zoo
- Antique cars
- New Holiday Costumed Characters
- Odessa Fire Company Antique Fire Truck
- Kids fire prevention program
Don’t Miss the Grand Finale
At sunset, gather for the Twinklefest Lighting Countdown, when every building in the historic center of Odessa is illuminated in a magical display of white lights — a dazzling end to an unforgettable day!
Become a Vendor for the Event: Become a 2026 Vendor (738.51 KB)
Tickets
All proceeds benefit the Historic Odessa Foundation’s education and preservation programs, serving over 5,000 Delaware students each year.
Ticket Packages
- Member Family $50 (includes 2 adults and 2 children)
- Non-Member Family $60 (includes 2 adults and 2 children)
- Adult $20
- Children (under 12) $15
