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| The first "Christmas in Odessa" was born 44 years ago as a fund raiser for the Women's Club of Odessa. Our purpose was to fund college scholarships for local high school seniors. With the help and cooperation of Odessa homeowners, we have provided scholarships to more than 100 students. In addition, we have been able to contribute to many worthwhile community groups and projects. We are proud to make these contributions to our community, and we are fortunate to have the support of the many fine people who have encouraged us through the years. |
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Christmas in Odessa is a self-guided walking tour of private homes and public buildings, many dating from the 18th and 19th centuries, decorated for the holidays. In addition to the house tour we have many special events which are included in the ticket price. |
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When does it take place? |
Saturday, December 6, 2008 (one day only). Because of the unique nature of the celebration there is no rain date in the event of inclement weather. |
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Where is it held? |
Our tour takes place in historic Odessa, Delaware. Odessa is half-way between Wilmington and Dover at the intersection of Delaware Routes 13 & 299. Click here for a history of Odessa. |
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Tour Hours & Ticket Prices |
Tour Hours are 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
Tickets are $20.00 if purchased on the day of the Tour. Children ages 6 to 12 are $5.00, and under 6 years old are free. Ticket sales are at the Old Academy at 4th and Main Street in Odessa. The location is well marked. Advance tickets are $15.00 and may be purchased by mail or locally at : D.W. Hatton's, 19 West Main Street, Middletown, Delaware from 9:00 AM until 5:30 PM on November 20, 21, 28, and December 4 & 5 , and from 9:00 AM until 1:00 PM on November 22 & 29. Advance tickets may be ordered by mail starting November 1 through November 15th. If ordering by mail, send a SASE with either a personal check or money order. We cannot accept credit cards. Make checks payable to The Women's Club of Odessa. We will send tickets for all requests received by November 15th. Checks received after November 15th will be returned. Mail to: Christmas In Odessa Tickets The Christmas Craft & Antique Show, many special events, and the Fresh Greens Sale have Free Admission. |
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How about parking? |
Parking is permitted on the town's streets: Main Street, High Street, and on the side streets that connect Main & High Streets. There is special off-street parking for tour buses. There are no meters or parking fees! |
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How many houses are on the tour? |
Click here for a list of houses open on this year's tour. Click here for a list of public buildings open on this year's tour. |
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How will I know which houses are open? |
When you buy your Christmas in Odessa ticket you will receive a tour guide booklet with a map, a list of homes (with a descriptive paragraph for each house), and a complete list of special events. |
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Is there a place to eat? |
Food will be available all day at the Odessa Fire Hall. Choose from homemade
soup, sandwiches, chili, pies and cakes, beverages, and more!
If you need a little snack, Old Saint Paul's Church, on 506 High Street, serves free coffee, tea and cookies from 11:00 AM until 2:00 PM. St. Paul's Church on Main Street will offer a Chicken Dinner from 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm. This is not included in the tour ticket price. Names and locations of area restaurants will be available at the information booth. |
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Is that all? |
No! We have a wonderful juried Christmas in Odessa Craft Shop in the Odessa Fire Hall with many talented local craftspeople displaying and selling their wares, a Colonial Holiday Greens demonstration, and many special events. We also sell freshly cut greens at the Fire Hall. |
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What are these "special events"? |
Horse and carriage rides on Main Street, an Antique Show and Sale, the Newark Fife and Drum Corp, Christmas concerts at Old St. Pauls Church, and a delicious chicken dinner are some of this year's special events. |
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Who sponsors Christmas in Odessa? |
Christmas in Odessa is sponsored and produced by the Women's Club of Odessa, with the cooperation and support of the homeowners of Odessa. |
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Who do I contact for more information? |
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