She Sells Sea Shells (and purses, socks, and candles)

It's time to start shopping.  Christmas is a mere three weeks away (which is totally unbelievable to me).  As much as I hate to admit it, outlet shopping is really one of the easiest ways to get it done.  I will probably find myself hitting the Tanger Outlets in Rehoboth Beach and Lewes this coming weekend to help cross a few items off of my Christmas gift list.  I'm also planning to stroll along Rehoboth Avenue with my awesome daughter to find some unique gifts for our loved ones.

Rehoboth Bandstand Decorated for the holidays

It will feel good to get back to the beach this weekend for some shopping fun and relaxation.  The beach weather is looking good (sunny and in the 50s), so conditions should be just about perfect for walking outside while carrying lot and lots of shopping bags!

There are sooooo many holiday events going on in all of the beach towns this weekend.  Here are just a few:  

On Saturday afternoon in Ocean City, the OC Christmas Parade will march down Coastal Highway between Old Landing Rd (by Gold Coast Mall) and 120th St..  It will feature high school bands and floats and is sure to help put everyone in the holiday spirit (and stall traffic on Coastal!).  

OCMD Christmas Parade

If you're still not feeling Christmas-y, there are two performances of The Nutcracker at the OC Performing Arts Center (at the Convention Center).  Show times are at 2 PM and 7 PM.  Tickets are $15 and are available at Ticketmaster or through the Convention Center.  

On the boardwalk in OC, you can catch a ride with Santa on a horse-drawn sleigh for $10.  Rides continue through 12/27 on Saturdays and Sundays from 10-4.

Lewes, DE is hosting a Christmas Parade at 5 PM on Saturday 12/5 followed by a tree lighting and caroling in Zwaanendael Park.

On Sunday, 12/6 at 5 PM head to Northside Park in OC for the Winterfest of Lights Jingle Bell 5K.  Registration is from 3:30 - 4:30 at the Abbey Burger Bistro on 126th St.  Registration fee is $28 and all participants are encouraged to dress "in the holiday spirit".

I,for one, prefer shopping next to the ocean to walking around a hot and crowded mall (ugh). Even if you only find something for yourself (like Kilwins fudge), the pretty lights and decorations in the beach towns will put you in the mood for the holidays.