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| The first "Christmas in Odessa" was born 48 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 1, 2012 (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. |
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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 from 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. Click here for the mailing address. Advance tickets may be purchased in person at W.D. Hatton's, 19 West Main Street, Middletown, Delaware from 9:00 AM until 5:30 PM on November 15, 16, 23, 29 & 30 and from 9:00 AM until 1:00 PM on November 17 & 24. Advance tickets also may be purchased in person at the Visitor Center for the Historic Houses of Odessa located at the Odessa Bank (201 Main St, Odessa, DE) Tuesday through Saturday 10 AM - 4:30 PM and Sunday 1 PM - 4:30 PM. Tickets can be purchased here starting November 1. The Christmas Craft & Antique Show, many of the 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 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. The list of homes and public buildings on the walking tour is here. The list of homes and public buildings on the country tour is here. |
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Is there a place to eat? |
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 3:00 PM.
St. Paul's Church on Main Street will offer refreshments for sale from 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM. 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 Christmas in Odessa Craft Shop in the Appoquinimink Training Center with many talented local craftspeople displaying and selling their wares. We also sell freshly cut greens at the Old Wilson Barn. |
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What are the "special events"? |
A Christmas Craft Show, an Antique Show and Sale, the Newark Fife and Drum Corp, tea and christmas concerts at Old St. Pauls Church and a capella caroling 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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