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Two Classic Delaware Holiday Tours Open This Week
Holiday season kicks off at Winterthur and Nemours, new Redners market coming to Kirkwood Plaza, Iron Hill locations get new ownership.
Above the Canal
November 17, 2025
Rise and Shine, 302. This is your weekly reminder that returns do not do themselves.
Your 302 Rundown:
Winterthur and Nemours open their holiday tours
Redners reveals plans for its new Wilmington store
New owner plans to revive Iron Hill locations
Let’s get to it
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QUICK POLL
🎄 Matching PJs: cute or cringe
Matching family PJs: festive fun or fashion faux pas? We’re all for holiday cheer, but the annual pajama pic has people split. Some call it timeless and adorable. Others say it’s only cute if you're under ten. Where do you fall on the flannel fence?
Is it time to retire the matching family pajama trend? |
NEWS YOU CAN USE
Newark opens Old Paper Mill Road Park
Newark just cut the ribbon on a park that has been in the works for three decades. The new Old Paper Mill Road Park sits on 14 acres across from the reservoir and includes six pickleball courts, two sand volleyball courts, a multipurpose field, a pavilion, and plenty of space for kids to climb and explore. Nearly half the site remains meadow and woods, giving it a mix of open play areas and preserved landscape.
Parking has always been tight near the reservoir, so the park’s 100 new spaces should take some pressure off Old Paper Mill Road.
Holiday season lands at Nemours Estate
Nemours Estate is opening its doors for Noel at Nemours Estate, a quiet, polished holiday tour through the 77-room mansion, the Chauffeur’s Garage, and the winter gardens. The space leans into classic decor instead of over the top displays, and December Saturdays run later with live music, hot drinks, and firepits. It is an easy pick if you like something seasonal but not chaotic. Full hours and dates are listed inside the Eventbrite page for Noel at Nemours Estate.
Regular hours run Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. December Saturdays stay open until 8 p.m.
Winterthur opens its Yuletide season
Yuletide at Winterthur opens November 22 with its annual holiday tour built around scenes from A Christmas Carol, Alice in Wonderland, and A Visit from St. Nicholas. The house is filled with decorated rooms, collection pieces tied to each story, and trees in almost every corner. Evening hours land on select Fridays and Saturdays with candlelit tours, live music, firepits, and seasonal drinks.
If you want something simple and reliable, Winterthur’s Yuletide season also includes the gingerbread train station, the three-story dollhouse, and low key workshops. It is an easy holiday outing that works for kids, guests, or a quick afternoon plan.
IN BUSINESS
Iron Hill’s Delaware locations get new life
A $12 million sale will hand most former Iron Hill locations to hospitality executive Jeff Crivello, who plans to reopen a dozen restaurants, including the Wilmington Riverfront and Rehoboth Beach spots. The restaurants may reopen under new branding, and a Three Notchd concept is already being considered for Rehoboth.
The original Newark brewpub will stay closed, while seven other locations will be liquidated after years of financial strain.
🍔 Redner's Breaks Ground at Kirkwood Plaza
Redner's is stepping into the former Acme and Pathmark space at Kirkwood Plaza, and the company just shared its first look at the new Fresh Market 2.0 concept. The design leans into in store eateries, including smashburgers, hot donuts, fried chicken, lobster rolls, and a bakery turning out warm cookies and fresh bread. It is a welcome refresh for a familiar shopping center.
Honoring standout small businesses
More than 500 business and civic leaders gathered this week as the Delaware State Chamber’s Small Business Alliance handed out its annual Superstars in Business Awards. The program highlights small firms and nonprofits that show strong growth and community impact, and this year’s group covered everything from finance to home services to housing.
Grey Fox Wealth Advisors, JLAM, Boulden Brothers, and Habitat for Humanity of New Castle County took home top honors at the Superstars in Business Awards. Each was recognized for steady leadership and long term commitment to Delaware communities.
GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS
Delaware moves closer to its first medical school
Delaware’s push to expand rural health care now includes a major step toward opening the state’s first medical school. A recently uncovered agreement shows the state is already working with Thomas Jefferson University, even as officials said they would run an open search for partners. The nonbinding deal outlines plans for a branch campus of Jefferson’s Sidney Kimmel Medical College and a path toward a full four year program in Delaware.
The partnership appears to be part of the state’s pitch for up to $1 billion in federal rural health funds. You can read the details in Spotlight Delaware’s report on the Jefferson agreement. For residents, the takeaway is simple: a homegrown medical pipeline may finally be on the horizon.
OPENING ACTS & EXHIBITS
On Mondays, opening acts and exhibits are listed here when they debut. After that, you'll find individual dates in the regular Theatre/Arts listings.
A Christmas Story: The Musical at The Everett Theatre. Follow Ralphie Parker's holiday quest in this charming musical adaptation of the classic film, brought to life with humor, big musical numbers, and family friendly fun. Friday at 7:30 PM, Saturday at 2 PM and 7:30 PM, and Sunday at 2 PM.
Nothing in this section is sponsored. Just things worth knowing. I’ll always flag sponsors clearly.
DOG OF THE WEEK
Say hello to Bugs Bunny 🐾
If this sweet face looks like he’s about to climb straight into your lap, that’s because he absolutely will. Bugs Bunny is a six-year-old gentle hunk who thinks every person he meets is a new friend and every back rub is the best one he’s ever had. He’s the kind of dog who trots over with that soft, hopeful look and waits for you to notice how perfect he is.
Bugs is easy to leash, loves snacks, and has been making the social rounds with other dogs at the shelter. He’s a calm, steady presence with just the right amount of goofy charm. If he were a person, he’d be the neighbor who always waves first and never forgets your birthday.
Bugs is waiting at the BVSPCA’s New Castle campus, and he’d love to meet you. Swing by 290 Churchmans Road and let this big softie win you over.
THE HAPPENINGS
Tuesday
Mike Farris with Scott Tournet at Elkton Music Hall pairs Grammy winning vocalist Mike Farris with singer songwriter Scott Tournet for a night of soulful energy and acoustic storytelling. Catch this 21+ show on Tuesday at 8 PM for a powerful blend of soaring vocals and heartfelt tunes.
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.
Nothing in this section is sponsored. Just things worth knowing. I’ll always flag sponsors clearly.
FORECAST AT A GLANCE
Monday
49 🌡️ 33 | 🌤️ Mostly Sunny | 3% | 💨 WNW 19 mph
Tuesday
48 🌡️ 39 | ☁️ Cloudy | 78% | 💨 W 10 mph
Wednesday
51 🌡️ 42 | 🌦️ Scattered Showers | 33% | 💨 NNE 7 mph
💧🌡️ Water temperature = 55ºF
Temperature readings taken from the Atlantic Ocean in Rehoboth Beach.
THE NOT SO SHORTLISTS
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