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- The Holiday Market Season Kicks Into High Gear
The Holiday Market Season Kicks Into High Gear
A full weekend of local markets and handmade finds, Delaware offers free rides on major holidays, more automated speed checks coming.
Above the Canal
November 20, 2025
☀️ Rise and Shine, 302. The quiet moments are the best part of the season, so take one now.
Your 302 Rundown:
Local craft shows steal the spotlight this weekend
Free 20 dollar Uber and Lyft credits return for the holidays
County moves forward with new speed cameras
Let’s get to it
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NEWS YOU CAN USE
🎉 Free sober ride vouchers return for the holidays
Delaware is bringing back its holiday ride vouchers to make the season a little safer. The Office of Highway Safety just kicked off its annual campaign, and the highlight is a set of $20 Lyft and Uber credits tucked inside its Safe Holiday Travels and Sober Rides push.
The discounts run during the biggest party windows, starting on Thanksgiving Eve and again on New Year’s Eve, two nights when road crashes spike. There is also a street team hitting holiday events from Newark to Milford to remind everyone to slow down, stay alert, and maybe let someone else drive.
Sometimes the smartest holiday planning starts with letting someone else take the wheel.
🧬 ChristianaCare researchers find gene target that could reverse chemo resistance
Scientists at ChristianaCare’s Gene Editing Institute have identified a way to make certain chemotherapy treatments work again by disabling a single gene. Their new study shows that turning off the NRF2 gene with CRISPR restored drug sensitivity in lung cancer models, slowing tumor growth in lab and animal tests.
The approach could eventually apply to several other hard-to-treat cancers where NRF2 drives resistance. Researchers say the results are strong enough to justify planning for clinical trials. For patients whose treatment options have stopped working, that is a reason to keep watching Delaware’s own cancer research scene.
🏠 WSFS donates $150,000 for affordable housing in Wilmington
WSFS Bank’s charitable arm is backing another phase of Wilmington’s historic Flats redevelopment. The WSFS Cares Foundation is providing a $150,000 grant to the Todmorden Foundation to help build 30 new affordable units on the city’s west side. The Flats, originally built in the early 1900s for Bancroft Mills workers, are being rebuilt into modern homes while keeping rents accessible. This sixth phase will bring the total to more than 1,000 residents once complete. The three-year grant underscores WSFS’s ongoing commitment to affordable housing and Wilmington’s west-side renewal.
IN BUSINESS
☕ Rise 'N Grind opens new cafe in downtown Elkton
A crowd lined North Street this month to celebrate the grand opening of Rise 'N Grind Cafe’s new Elkton location inside the former PNC Bank building. The family run shop, already a hit in Rising Sun, drew what town leaders called the biggest turnout for a ribbon cutting in Elkton history. Guests packed in for breakfast sandwiches, pastries, and the cafe’s signature Steel Toe Joe coffee. With its second spot now open, the Vanderhoef family says they are grateful for the warm welcome, and Mayor Robert Alt is already hinting at hopes for a third.
GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS
🚦 More speed cameras could be coming to I 95 and Milltown Road
County Council approved speed cameras for Milltown and McKennans Church Road back in June, and the first one may finally be close to going up. Officials say they expect a contract soon for the Elovate system already in use on I 95, according to this update from WDEL. The plan is to start with a temporary camera that tickets drivers more than six miles over the 35 mph limit. DelDOT is also weighing a new work zone camera near the Christina River Bridge, which has seen a run of crashes during construction. Money from fines goes back into safety work. If you drive that stretch often, this will not shock you.
💰 Delaware Senate approves tax code 'decoupling' bill
The state Senate has passed a bill to separate Delaware’s tax code from new federal rules that could have reduced state revenue by hundreds of millions over the next few years. The legislation, backed by Gov. Matt Meyer, prevents automatic alignment with federal tax changes allowing companies to immediately deduct research and property investments. Supporters say the move keeps the budget stable, while opponents argue it limits incentives for businesses. The measure passed 14 to 6 and now heads to the governor’s desk.
🏙️ Newark seeks public input on its 10-year development plan
Newark officials are reworking the city’s comprehensive development plan and want residents to help shape the next decade of growth. The planning process will decide where new housing and business projects should go, how to preserve neighborhood character, and what future zoning changes make sense. Residents can weigh in online, leave comments by phone, or stop by City Hall on Nov. 19 for an open workshop. Officials say the goal is a clear, consistent vision for how Newark grows and one that reflects what the community actually wants, not just what developers propose.
⛪ Newark considers safety fixes after crashes into historic church
After two high-speed crashes left St. John AM Church badly damaged, Newark officials are weighing new safety measures for Cleveland Avenue near New London Road. The plan under review includes rumble strips, flashing curve beacons, and a radar sign to slow drivers. The church, which was hit twice by stolen cars fleeing police, is nearing the end of months of repairs and hopes to reopen by January. City leaders say they are working with DelDOT to fast-track improvements so parishioners can return safely.
THE HAPPENINGS
Thursday
Holiday Critter Sale at Brandywine River Museum of Art brings thousands of handcrafted ornaments and decorations made from natural materials, each created by the museum's longtime volunteer artisans. Browse one of the region's most charming seasonal traditions on Thursday at 9:30 AM to 5 PM, with every purchase supporting art education and public programming.
Jesse Garron's Tribute to Elvis at Elkton Music Hall channels the energy of Elvis's concert years with a full band, backup vocalists, and Garron's acclaimed stage presence. Experience this long running tribute on Thursday at 7 PM, delivering classic hits and the signature charisma that keeps fans coming back.
Friday
An Evening with Jake Shimabukuro at The Baby Grand showcases the ukulele virtuoso known for blending jazz, rock, blues, bluegrass, folk, and classical into a sound entirely his own. Catch his high energy performance on Friday at 8 PM, where his inventive style turns the ukulele into a powerful lead instrument.
The Nashville Nights Band at Elkton Music Hall brings a full on tribute to the biggest hits of 90s country, from upbeat dance tracks to slow burning ballads. Catch this high energy throwback on Friday at 8 PM, led by seasoned musicians with deep Nashville roots.
Saturday
Holiday Craft Fair at William Penn High School. Explore a lively mix of handmade goods, food trucks, raffles, and free photos with Santa while browsing more than 75 vendors. Saturday from 9 AM to 3 PM.
Chesapeake City UMC Annual Christmas Bazaar at Trinity United Methodist Church. Get into the holiday spirit with a long running bazaar featuring silent auction items, craft vendors, baked goods, lunch, attic treasures, and photos with Santa. Saturday from 9 AM to 3 PM.
Dickinson Fall Fest at The John Dickinson School. Celebrate student creativity alongside local artisans, family activities, a student run cafe, and raffles, all supporting the school's Career and Technical Education programs. Saturday from 10 AM to 4 PM.
Holiday Market at Winterthur – Winterthur Museum, Garden and Library, a festive outdoor market filled with artisan goods, seasonal treats, and live holiday music. Visit on Saturday from 10 AM to 6 PM to browse more than 50 local makers, enjoy cozy firepits, and sip a complimentary sparkling toast as you explore the Yuletide displays.
Elmo and Friends Say Hello at Copeland Hall brings Elmo, Abby Cadabby, Cookie Monster, and the whole Sesame Street crew for a lively mix of music, dancing, and a playful hide and seek adventure with Tango. This family friendly show runs on Saturday at 2 PM and features upbeat fun with lights, haze, and confetti.
Holiday Light Parade at State Street, Kennett Square brings a bright start to the season with glowing floats, bands, dancers, and community groups filling State Street with color and music. Celebrate this festive tradition on Saturday at 6 PM to 8 PM, capped by the lighting of the community tree.
30th Anniversary Gala and Gentlemen's Cook-Off at the Chase Center on the Riverfront. Enjoy an elegant evening celebrating the National Coalition of 100 Black Women Inc., Delaware Chapter with a carnival inspired gala, a showcase of culinary talent, and a night of community and culture. Saturday from 6 PM to 11 PM.
The High and Wides + Wicked Sycamore at Elkton Music Hall pairs driving bluegrass with harmony rich folk for a night of roots inspired energy. Catch this co headliner on Saturday at 8 PM, featuring two bands sharing one stage for a lively mix of strings, rhythm, and soul.
Sunday
Handmade Holiday Bazaar at Aetna Banquet Hall. Browse a curated mix of local artisans and handmade goods at this festive shopping event packed with one of a kind finds. Sunday from 10 AM to 4 PM.
Nothing in this section is sponsored. Just things worth knowing. I’ll always flag sponsors clearly.
FORECAST AT A GLANCE
Thursday
51 🌡️ 42 | ☁️ Mostly Cloudy | 6% | 💨 NE 4 mph
Friday
56 🌡️ 47 | ☁️ Overcast | 21% | 💨 SW 8 mph
Saturday
52 🌡️ 32 | 🌤️ Mostly Cloudy | 24% | 💨 N 10 mph
Sunday
54 🌡️ 39 | 🌤️ Mostly Sunny | 6% | 💨 W 9 mph
💧🌡️ Water temperature = 54ºF Temperature readings taken from the Atlantic Ocean in Rehoboth Beach.
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