“The holiday season is such a special time and we want everyone to know that Downtown Wilmington is a place to get in the spirit of the season, make special memories and do some shopping without the hassle of mall crowds,” said Carrie W. Gray, WRC Managing Director. “The merchants in Downtown Wilmington offer unique gifts for everyone in the family and a visit with Santa can be as easy as a visit to the Delaware History Museum.”

Santa Saturdays will feature Santa Claus and his elves at the Delaware History Museum (504 N. Market St.) from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays, Dec. 3, 10 and 17. While out on Market Street, customers can pick up their “IN” discount card at participating merchants and receive deals and discounts on shopping in Downtown Wilmington. Once again this year, students from the Delaware College of Art and Design (DCAD) painted holiday and seasonal scenes on storefronts throughout the downtown.

“Many components of the Downtown Holiday Happenings are returning for the second year,” said Gray. “But we have introduced a new element to the fun as well – a gingerbread house contest.”

This year, 15 gingerbread houses from eight local schools will be on display in nine venues along Market Street beginning Dec. 1. The houses all have ballot boxes and voting sheets for the public to cast their votes for the top three designs. On Dec. 17 at 2 p.m., celebrity judges Jennifer Behm of MasterChef 2 and Dana Herbert of The Next Great Baker will announce their top choice and the public’s top three choices in the Copeland Room of the Delaware History Museum.

For a full list of participating merchants, locations of gingerbread houses and the participating schools, visit www.downtownwilmington.com.