December 2025 Newsletter
- RBMainStreet
- 1 day ago
- 19 min read
This project has been partially funded by the City of Rehoboth Beach. However, project contents or opinions do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of The City of Rehoboth Beach.
The Most Wonderful Time of the Year!
Jim Mease
Can you believe it's December 2025 already? By month’s end, one quarter of this century will have passed into the history books. But before it does, we have much to celebrate as this is truly "A Most Wonderful Time Of The Year". It is a month of diverse global holidays, each adding its own flavor to the season's festivities.
Hanukkah, celebrated from December 14 until the 22nd, is a Jewish festival celebrating the rededication of the Second Temple during the Maccabean Revolt. The holiday includes candle lighting, songs, the Hallel prayer, fried and dairy foods, and the game of dreidel
Christmas on December 25th (January 7 for Orthodox Christians), is a major holiday marking the birth of Jesus Christ, with around 2.2 billion participants worldwide. Across the U.S., people celebrate by decorating evergreen trees and exchanging gifts, inspired by the Three Wise Men.
A central figure of the holiday is Santa Claus, who brings gifts to children on Christmas Eve and lives at the North Pole with his elves, who help him make toys year-round.
Kwanzaa is an African-American holiday celebrated from December 26 to January 1, focusing on African culture and traditions. It includes lighting candles on a kinara, giving gifts, and sharing stories and food.
New Year's Eve is on December 31, a time to reflect on the past year and make resolutions for the new one.
Don't miss the Rehoboth Beach Volunteer Fire Companies Hometown Christmas Parade, which kicks off the holiday season on December 1 at 6:30pm. Enjoy the myriad of fire trucks, floats, bands, and other colorful parade participants as they travel down and up Rehoboth Avenue.
On December 7 from 4:30pm to 8pm, join in the fun at the annual Rehoboth Beach Main Street Community Unity Dinner at the Convention Center, 229 Rehoboth Avenue, an all-you-can-eat buffet where guests can mingle with neighbors and business owners in an evening of camaraderie. Tickets may be purchased online, at the Rehoboth Beach Main Street office, or at the door.
Join us downtown on Saturday, December 13, from 1-4 pm for the Jingle Bell Jaunt! Follow the tinsel trail and enjoy holiday shopping at participating Main Street retailers for special surprises!
The Winter Solstice occurs on the 21st, marking the start of astronomical winter with only 9 hours and 30 minutes of daylight—the least of the year. Temperatures will continue to drop due to the seasonal lag, in which Earth’s temperature takes time to respond to increased solar energy. The tilt of the Earth's axis causes the sun to follow its lowest path across the sky. However, after the 22nd, days will gradually begin to lengthen until midsummer brings back hot, humid weather.
December is known for its festive decorations with lights and ornaments. The full moon of this month is the cold moon, and its birth flower is the narcissus. On December 10, 1901, the first Nobel Prizes were awarded in Stockholm, honoring achievements in Physics, Chemistry, Medicine, Literature, and Peace. The Mona Lisa was recovered in Florence on December 11,1913, after being stolen from the Louvre. We also celebrate National Cocoa Day on December 13, making it a perfect time for a warm cup of cocoa.
Rehoboth Beach Main Street has chosen several member businesses to assist you while you shop downtown this holiday season. For accommodations, consider Hotel Rehoboth Beach at 247 Rehoboth Avenue, which offers complimentary Wi-Fi, a lobby fireplace, fitness access, room service, and a restaurant.
For hiking or running shoes, Charm City Run Rehoboth LLC at 200 Rehoboth Avenue provides expert fitting and a variety of brand-name options, including Brooks, ASICS, Mizuno, and Saucony. Craving pizza or subs? Louie's Pizza at 11 Rehoboth Avenue, right off the boardwalk, is well known for its delicious pizza. Using the same family recipe since 1974, they have perfected a fabulously good pizza, along with tasty grinder subs and hand-cut fries. For fresh fish, check out Fins at 243 Rehoboth Avenue, known for its exceptional dining and local craft beer. A proud member of the Fins Hospitality Group, they are dedicated to delivering exceptional dining experiences. They are passionate about fresh fish, delectable raw oysters, and the best local craft beer.
All these businesses create a welcoming atmosphere to enhance your visit. Be sure to mention you read about them here. Also, don’t miss the fall/winter plantings by Rehoboth In Bloom while exploring downtown during this holiday season.
As the days grow shorter, please be particularly mindful of pedestrians, runners, bikers, and dog walkers.
Rehoboth Beach Main Street would like to extend the merriest of greetings to all. We wish you a very Happy Holiday and Happy New Year!
Current and past issues of the newsletter are available on RBMS Website at: news.rehobothbeachmainstreet.org
New Business and Membership Renewals
RBMS thanks the Grateful Head Salon and Dos Locos for renewing at the Bronze Partner level.
Join Us for A Longwood Christmas!
Join the Rehoboth Beach Museum and Rehoboth Beach Main Street on Wednesday, December 10, for an enchanting excursion to Longwood Gardens, where the brilliance of the Christmas season comes alive in a dazzling display of light and wonder!
After a brief bus ride, we will arrive at Longwood Gardens, ready for 2:00 PM entry. You'll have three delightful hours to immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of the gardens and the stunning conservatories, all adorned with festive decorations and twinkling lights. Be sure to take in the fragrant holiday blooms and the magical atmosphere before we gather for our departure at 5:00 PM. This is a holiday experience you won't want to miss!
Showcasing Rehoboth Businesses
Fins Fish House and Raw Bar
Peter Beck
On a wonderful, somewhat chilly November evening, Maria and I decided to visit Fins Fish House and Raw Bar, right in the heart of Rehoboth Beach at 243 Rehoboth Avenue, for crab cake night! It was a perfect evening for delicious crab cakes!
We were greeted by a friendly hostess who quickly showed us to our table. We immediately noticed the warm, inviting atmosphere of the room, as well as the raw bar near the entrance, surrounded by a lively group of happy people who knew where to go for a fun Thursday night!
The room had a cozy, rustic feel, with historical photos and seafaring memorabilia lining the walls. We immediately felt right at home!
Overall, the menu was large, with numerous enticing options and specials to choose from!! However, on this particular night, we came for the yummy crabcakes!
The atmosphere at Fins was uplifting and cheerful. Our waitress was quite friendly, helpful, and efficient. She took our orders, and the drinks and food were served quickly. For appetizers, we both enjoyed the jalapeño crab bisque, the Brussels sprouts, and a very large margarita. This was followed by the crabcrake sandwich for Maria and the crabcake platter for me, which I ordered with two healthy sides: steamed broccoli and rice. Everything was cooked to perfection, and the portions were huge. However, since I had eaten lunch that day, I devoured everything.
Dessert wasn't an option, as we were both stuffed. Maybe next time!
The manager graciously came over to ask how we enjoyed our meal, and we happily shared that we had a wonderful experience that night!
Happy Hour currently runs Monday–Friday from 3:00pm – 6:00pm and on Saturday and Sunday from 11:30am – 6:00pm, which explains why the bar was packed! As I looked around the room at all the interesting decorations, I noticed they offered a daily fish board with several dish choices, along with two sides and various preparation options. This definitely seems worth exploring on another visit.
During the off-season, Fins offers enticing specials six days a week. In addition to the Thursday night crab cake special, the other weekly offerings include:
- Sunday: Fish Board Night
- Monday: Pasta Night
- Tuesday: Lobster Night
- Wednesday: Oyster Night
- Friday: Prime Rib Night
Fins also provides catering for your next party. If you prefer not to host at home, they can accommodate birthday parties, showers, and office gatherings. You can find more information about private events on their website.
We are looking forward to returning to Fins in the near future!
Charm City Run
Maria Misak
I am not a runner, but I am a walker. So when I recently found myself in need of new shoes, I visited Charm City Run at 200A Rehoboth Avenue .
Prior to retiring to the shore, I lived in Maryland for many years and was a regular at their locations throughout the Baltimore area, and I expected top-notch customer service and products. I was not disappointed when I visited the Rehoboth store! After explaining some physical issues and describing my walking habits, Lori patiently worked with me to find the perfect fit and style. Beyond their variety of shoe brands and styles, Charm City Run has always been much more than “just” a shoe store. To that end, earlier this year, they expanded the store and increased their clothing offerings, which include popular apparel brands such as Vuori, Patagonia, and others. The store also carries numerous comfort and safety accessories, including sunglasses, hydration packs and bottles, reflective gear, and more. Charm City Run also operates the Live. Give. Run Foundation, a nonprofit organization with the goal to “inspire and move the human spirit one sole at a time.” They are passionate about wellness and community and are an excellent source for learning about local marathons, charity events, and training programs.
And to top it all off, Charm City Run is open 7 days a week, year-round. So whether you’re a casual walker or a triathlete, stop into Charm City Run; you’re sure to find something that fits. You can find them online at: https://www.charmcityrun.com/shop/locations/rehoboth-beach/.
Louie's Pizza: A Slice of Rehoboth Beach History
Robert Howley
Located at 11 Rehoboth Avenue, Louie's Pizza has become a beloved fixture in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, since its inception over 50 years ago. Founded by Lazaros “Louie” Gouvas, who immigrated from Macedonia, Greece, Louie’s journey began as an apprentice at his uncle George's Lunch. Louie's initial struggle with language and culture transformed into a tradition of culinary excellence.
Today, Louie's Pizza stands as a testament to family heritage and commitment to quality. Utilizing the same family recipe for pizza sauce, dough, and cheese since 1974, every item on the menu is made from scratch daily, ensuring freshness and authenticity. Louie's dedication to quality extends beyond pizza; the restaurant is also renowned for its "Grinder," a unique sub cooked in the pizza oven, resulting in a delightful crispness.
Louie’s emphasis on local sourcing is evident in their use of fresh-baked bread from Liscios Italian Bakery, along with locally sourced meats and produce from Teddy Bear Produce, reflecting a strong connection to the surrounding community. The hand-cut fries, made from Idaho potatoes and fried in 100% peanut oil, are another highlight, seasoned simply with fine sea salt to enhance their natural flavor.
To celebrate the rich history of Louie's Pizza, a stunning mural in the dining area showcases family photos, vintage images, and postcards, connecting diners to the storied past of Rehoboth Beach. As Louie’s family continues to run the business, the restaurant remains committed to giving back to the local community, ensuring that Louie's legacy is not just about pizza – it’s about people and connections.
For those seeking a taste of tradition and community in every slice, Louie's Pizza is a must-visit destination in Rehoboth Beach. Try their off-season special: Cheeseburger with a boat of fries!
Hotel Rehoboth
Colleen Evans
Hotel Rehoboth is a charming retreat located in the center of Rehoboth Beach, near the beach, boardwalk, and wonderful restaurants and shops. While a popular Summer getaway, Hotel Rehoboth has become a year-round destination for relaxation, luxury, and the finest guest service.
After a warm welcome from the fabulous staff, guests can enjoy the nightly Wine & Cheese Reception, along with other amenities designed to pamper and spoil them. Enjoy nightly turndown service with a delectable dark chocolate truffle and a catered Breakfast each morning, prepared and served on-site at Lupo Italian Restaurant, complete with a made-to-order omelet bar, pastries, and more. Don’t forget to check out the two boutiques located in the hotel during your stay, Mod Cottage, offering upscale gifts and coastal décor, and Sty.lishh, offering
women's apparel.
Hotel Rehoboth’s luxurious and cozy guest rooms on Rehoboth Avenue offer the perfect place to watch the Sea Witch Parade, Christmas Parade, and all downtown events. Every room is designed with space and comfort to help you truly relax during your stay.
The Hotel has a variety of promotions and specials through the Fall and Winter:
From Black Friday through Travel Tuesday, the Hotel is offering a promotion on its Gift Cards: an extra $100 for every $500 spent. A perfect opportunity for a charming Christmas gift or to treat yourself to a relaxing getaway at a price that can’t be beat!
Experience Downtown Rehoboth in the Fall and enjoy all of the cozy Hotel amenities, from curling up by the lobby fireplace with a book from the lending library to pairing the complimentary evening cookies with delicious seasonal tea through the Autumn and Winter seasons. Their Fall Weekday Getaway adds a 15% discount to all weeknight stays of 2 nights or more.
Finally, Guests can ring in the New Year in Rehoboth! Hotel Rehoboth’s New Year Celebration begins with the nightly reception expanded and extended for New Year’s Eve. Adding the NYE Package to your reservation starts the New Year off right with an extended Breakfast featuring Mimosas or Bloody Marys, with a 1:00pm late checkout.
For more information about the Hotel Rehoboth, visit Hotelrehoboth.com or call 302-227.4300
News from Rehoboth in Bloom
Cindy Lovett
On November 3 and 4, the Rehoboth in Bloom teams were out en masse planting 900 pansies and dusty miller, which were delivered from Peppers Greenhouse. These winter pansies will need to be cared for by the teams to keep the flowers cleaned up and watered. As long as we don’t get a crazy cold winter like last year, they should survive until spring.
News from RBMS
Welcome to Kraig Turner–Program Manager
We would like to welcome Kraig Turner to Rehoboth Beach Main Street. Kraig joined the team this fall as our part-time Program Manager.
Kraig grew up in southern Missouri and spent over 20 years living in the St. Louis area before moving to Rehoboth Beach two years ago. Professionally, he has worked in IT leadership roles at Boeing, Citigroup, and the City of St. Louis, overseeing projects ranging from disaster recovery and hardware logistics during major weather events to upgrading 911 responder technology and optimizing IT budgets exceeding $30M.
He is excited to support the growing business community in Rehoboth Beach through his work at Main Street and looks forward to getting to know all of our members better.
Community Unity Dinner and the Rehoboth Beach Main Street Citizen of the Year
Rehoboth Beach Main Street is proud to introduce the 2025 Citizen of the Year, Mariah Calagione.
All are invited to come and celebrate Mariah at this year’s 31st Annual Community Unity Dinner, set for Sunday, December 7th, from 4:30–7:30pm at the Rehoboth Beach Convention Center, 229 Rehoboth Avenue, Rehoboth Beach.
Calagione is the co-founder of Dogfish Head Brewery. She launched the Dogfish Beer and Benevolence Program and is currently director of two family foundations, the Red Wagon Foundation and Draper Holdings Charitable Foundation.
Jerry Filbin will also receive the Champion of the Year Award for 2025, recognizing his volunteerism, effort, dedication, and commitment to supporting the downtown business community through Rehoboth Beach Main Street.
Tickets are available at the Rehoboth Beach Main Street office, online, or at the door for an all-you-can-eat pasta dinner followed by dessert. Guests can mingle with local residents, business owners, and city officials for an evening of fun and camaraderie. Attendees can pay an additional fee for beer and wine.
Entertainment includes a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus, along with musical performances by the Cape Jazz Band, the CAMP Rehoboth Choir, Epworth Children’s Choir, and our own, Kara Bourdreau, to name a few.
Pictured Left to Right… Nevada Scott, Chloe Angelone, Alex Bell, Olivia Dickinson, Josh Fehr, Parker Winn, Jenn Carroll, Mariah Calagione, Ryan Schwamberger, Kara Bourdreau, Carolyn Diefenderfer, Jason King, and Andrew Greely.
The Jingle Bell Jaunt-An Exciting New RBMS Holiday Event!
Follow the tinsel trail and enjoy some holiday shopping in Rehoboth Beach on Saturday, December 13, for our first Jingle Bell Jaunt from 1-4pm. As you enter participating Main Street member retailers, you will receive a holiday surprise such as candy, a hot cup of cocoa, maybe a glass of wine, or a fun holiday trinket. You never know what you might find as you browse for holiday gifts in the various shops!
Wreaths Across America!
Remember the Fallen. Honor those who Serve. Teach our children the value of Freedom.
Join us at Epworth Church Cemetery on December 13, 2025, at 12:00 pm for Wreaths Across America. We will honor our veterans by placing remembrance wreaths on their graves and saying their names aloud.
Please help us lay wreaths by clicking here: Wreaths Across America
The Holiday Stroll 2025
Rehoboth Main Street celebrated Small Business Saturday on the afternoon of November 29. Enthusiastic shoppers encountered snowmen, Christmas trees, wrapped presents, and gingerbread men as they walked through the streets of our town. It was a wonderful way to welcome the holiday season and support our local businesses!
News from RBMS Members
Holiday Sale!
Beaches~The Green Truck Shop at 33-C Baltimore Avenue is offering 50% off most of their Christmas decor! In addition, take advantage of their BOGO merchandise and other sales until December 31st! Stop in and find a unique gift for that special someone! Happy Holidays!
Attention Art Lovers
This is a reminder that Gallery 50 will be relocating to 47 Baltimore Avenue on January 1. Make sure to visit their current location at 50-A Wilmington Avenue starting November 1 to enjoy a 30% discount on select artwork throughout the store. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity!
Additions Coming to the Coast, Rehoboth Beach!
Construction at Coast Rehoboth Beach, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, will begin on November 3, 2025, to add ten new guest rooms. Managed by North Star Construction Management, the project aims to enhance the guest experience. Completion is expected by Memorial Day 2026.
The team will coordinate with the City to minimize disruptions, though there will be some construction fencing along Rehoboth Avenue and the use of parking spaces in the hotel lot. Staging will occur in the Rehoboth Beach Volunteer Fire Company alley. Guests are encouraged to check the hotel’s website or call for updates on operations and reservations.
News from the Rehoboth Beach Bears
Santa’s Special Delivery Toy Drive
The Rehoboth Beach Bears invite you to Santa's Special Delivery event at Yesterday's Fun Toys & Games located at 70 Rehoboth Avenue. Join us to meet Santa and donate a vintage toy or game at this special event on Sunday, December 7th from 11 am to 1 pm.
Dinner with Santa Presented by the Rehoboth Beach Bears
Join the Rehoboth Beach Bears at Above the Dunes for Dinner with Santa on Saturday, December 13, from 5 to 8 PM! Enjoy a meet-and-greet with Santa, take festive holiday photos, and sip on our special holiday drinks. Families are warmly welcomed!
If you’d like to give back, please help the Rehoboth Beach Bears spread holiday cheer by bringing a new, unused toy to donate. All donations will be distributed to local beneficiaries and will make a meaningful impact in our community.
Reservations are encouraged at www.abovethedunes.com. Don’t miss this chance to spread holiday cheer and meet the man in red!
News from CAMP Rehoboth
CAMP Rehoboth’s Warm Winter Social!
Join us at the Community Center’s Elkins-Archibald Atrium on Thursday, December 11, from 4:00pm-6:00pm, for a special event to reconnect with friends, meet new faces, and support a great cause! Enjoy a casual hangout with tasty desserts and good company. Everyone is welcome!
We’re also hosting a Toy & Clothing Drive—please bring new or gently used items to donate. In partnership with the Rehoboth Beach Bears and Kiwanis Club of Coastal Delaware, this drive, started by Paul Christensen in 2008, helps local families in need. The CAMP Rehoboth Outreach Program (CROP) will organize the donations.
Sleigh Bells Ring with the Philadelphia Gay Men' s Chorus
We warmly invite you to join the Philadelphia Gay Men’s Chorus (PGMC) for our joyful holiday concert, "Brotherly Love," taking place at CAMP Rehoboth’s Elkins-Archibald Atrium on Saturday, December 20, with performances at 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Get ready for an enchanting blend of classic carols, uplifting pop anthems, and delightful campy comedy that will truly celebrate the season!
Our select ensemble, Brotherly Love, showcases diverse musical styles throughout the year at various events.
Just a friendly reminder: tickets are non-refundable, so feel free to share them with a friend if you can't make it.
This program is made possible by a generous grant from the Delaware Division of the Arts.
Holiday Toy Drive
CAMP Rehoboth is sponsoring a Toy & Winter Clothing Drive. They are accepting donations through Dec. 12, in partnership with Rehoboth Beach Bears and the Kiwanis Club of Delaware
Internet and Social Media Stats
Most website views: Webcams, Off-Season Specials, Homepage, Shop Directory, October 2022 Newsletter, October 2025 Newsletter, News, About Us, Membership Renewals, Eat Directory, the Website Events Page, and the November 2025 Newsletter.
The November newsletter was sent to 1,994 subscribers. Open rate was 57.7%. Click rate was 6.3%. Most views on the website: November newsletter, RBMS Homepage, Longwood Gardens trip, RBMS Events page, Gallery 50, RBMS News page, Bodhi, St. Nicholas Tea, Bandstand Vehicular Barrier Plan, The Beach Shop, Flora & Fauna, & the Rehoboth Art League Holiday Fair.
Facebook Views in October were 163,900. Reach was 56,573 viewers. Most views: Bark on the Boards, 302 Social Eatery & Barroom, CAMP Rehoboth Block Party, Ice Cream Store, Chesapeake & Maine Off-Season Specials, Debra & Patrick at The Purple Parrot, Theo’s, Somewhere Rehoboth, Christmas Spirit, & the Cape Henlopen Senior Center Cabaret Fundraiser.
Instagram Views in October were 32,300. Reach was 2,800 viewers. Most views: 302 Social Eatery & Barroom, Freddie’s, Somewhere Rehoboth, Ice Cream Store, Theo’s, Chesapeake & Maine Off-Season Specials, Rehoboth Breeze, & Christmas Spirit.
Google Ads resulted in 38,900 Impressions and 638 Clicks.
Photo Gallery
As the holiday season approaches, photographer Maria Misak captures the festive spirit throughout our city!
Recognizing Our Volunteers: Jerry Filbin
Jerry Filbin is this year’s recipient of the Champion of the Year Award for 2025, recognizing his volunteerism, effort, dedication, and commitment in supporting the downtown business community through Rehoboth Beach Main Street. Jerry joined the RBMS Board in 2020 as the Organization Committee Co-Chair and Board Secretary. Since then, he’s been busy with a variety of efforts, most prominently building a grant-writing process that has been very successful, either writing proposals or leading volunteer teams that have raised over $160,000 for RBMS since 2021. These efforts included four proposals that received funding to reimburse the City for its costs for sidewalk barriers for outdoor dining during the COVID pandemic. Jerry was also the first editor of the RBMS Newsletter and helped to lead the effort to create the RBMS Communications Committee. He’s also been an RBMS business ambassador, and he’s a frequent face at our ribbon cuttings for new member businesses, as well as providing office staffing assistance during our events ticket-sale season. He’s also the voice of RBMS on 99.1-Radio Rehoboth.
Jerry retired to the Rehoboth Beach area in 2015 after 23 years with the US Environmental Protection Agency in Washington, DC, where he worked on supporting community-based environmental protection, ecological risk assessment guidelines, regulatory innovations that help to make environmental compliance easier for small businesses, and climate change adaptation. Jerry received a PhD degree in Ecology from Wayne State University in 1980.
Jerry has been busy since retiring, not only volunteering for RBMS, but also working for 6 years as an HIV Testing Counselor for CAMP Rehoboth, working primarily in western Sussex County with unhoused communities. Jerry also serves as President of the Board of Trustees for the Delaware HIV Consortium. Jerry is a native of Boston but has lived in 10 states over the years (including Washington DC) (and, Say Nice Things About Detroit!) and is now very happy to call Rehoboth Beach home.
We are indebted to Jerry for his work with RBMS and other organizations to make Coastal Delaware a vibrant place in which to live and vacation.
News from the City of Rehoboth Beach
Boardwalk Historical Designation Task Force Seeking Members!
The City of Rehoboth Beach is excited to invite applications for the newly established Boardwalk Historic Designation Task Force! This initiative aims to secure historic designations for the cherished Boardwalk from both the Delaware Public Archives and the National Register of Historic Places. The city welcomes residents and non-residents with a passion for historic preservation to join this important effort.
Inspired by the recent addition of blue historic markers, including the significant Surf Safety Line marker added in 2022, the Boardwalk and Beach Committee sees a wonderful opportunity to further celebrate Rehoboth’s rich history. With new state markers for the Rehoboth Beach Patrol and Poodle Beach already approved, now is the perfect time to honor the iconic one-mile Boardwalk!
Rehoboth Beach Police Department Unveils New Community Policing Portal!
The Rehoboth Beach Police Department has introduced a Frontline Community Policing Connect portal to enhance communication with residents. This secure platform allows residents (and some visitors) to:
- Enroll pets’ information for identification if lost or found.
- Provide emergency details for those with medical conditions.
- Register keyholders and alarm systems for property access.
- Request a “vacation watch” for home monitoring while away.
- Report bicycle details in case of loss or theft.
- Submit non-urgent tips.
This addition is part of the department's existing Frontline software and is free to utilize. Access the portal here: https://www.frontlinepss.com/rehobothbeachcpcde
Rehoboth Beach achieves a perfect score on the 2025 Municipal Equality Index
The City of Rehoboth Beach achieved a perfect score on the 2025 Municipal Equality Index (MEI), the highest in the state. This index evaluates how inclusive municipal laws and services are for LGBTQ+ individuals. The city's score rose from 61 in 2024, reflecting its commitment to creating an inclusive environment and its partnership with CAMP Rehoboth, which provides LGBTQ+ services and advocacy.
Work to Begin on Rehoboth Beach Public Library!
The Rehoboth Beach Public Library is set for a phased renovation, starting in late 2025 and expected to finish by early 2027. This project will include essential repairs and modern upgrades while keeping the library open with occasional closures. Please note that the sidewalk in front of the library will be partially closed starting after Thanksgiving until near project completion. The City is collaborating with the library and Whiting-Turner Contracting Company to ensure pedestrian-friendly routes, especially during the busy summer season..
News from the Delaware Division of Small Business
Penalties and Fines Waived for Q3 and Q4
Delaware Paid Leave Submissions
The Delaware Department of Labor’s Division of Paid Leave is waiving penalties and interest for late Q3 and Q4 Hours & Wage submissions and contributions to support businesses in their first year of the program. All late submissions and payments must be in by March 31, 2026, after which penalties will apply. The first quarterly due date for 2026 is April 30, with a six-day grace period for future due dates.
Q3 and Q4 Quarterly Dates:
Q3: October 31, 2025
Q4: January 31, 2026
Click here for more information about paid leave!
EVENTS
12/1, 6:30pm
11/28-12/14
12/2, 5:30pm-6:30pm
12/5 7:00pm
12/6, 1:00-7:30pm
12/6, 10:00am-3:00pm
12/7 11:00am-1:00pm
12/7, 4:30-7:00pm
12/10 11:00am-7:30pm
12/10 11:30am – 9:00pm
12/11 4:00pm - 6:00pm
12/12 6:15pm
12/13, 10:00am – 4:00pm
12/13 5:00-8:00pm
12/13, 7:00pm, 12/14 3:00pm
12/13, 1:00pm-4:00pm
12/13, 12:00pm
12/17, 12:00pm
12/20, 6:00pm
12/20 4:00pm - 5:30pm, 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Mark Your Calendars for These Upcoming Events in January 2026!
1/23 – 2/15
1/20, 4:00pm-5:00pm
Date TBD
