Blitzen Bar’s return signals start of Wilmington’s holiday season

For many Wilmington residents, that combination — a morning on Market Street, an afternoon of shopping and an evening at Blitzen — has become its own tradition.

Downtown Christmas pop-up becomes a natural stop after the Wilmington Jaycees parade

WILMINGTON — In downtown Wilmington, many people know the holidays have officially arrived when Blitzen opens its doors on West 9th Street.

The Christmas-themed pop-up bar, styled as “The Den,” returns for the 2025 season on Thursday, Nov. 20, opening at 4 p.m. at 220 W. 9th St. The immersive bar is decked out in lights, trees and reindeer-inspired décor, and will operate Wednesday through Saturday with evening hours that make it a natural follow-up stop after the Wilmington Jaycees Christmas Parade.

This year’s parade steps off at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 29, running along Market Street from Second to 11th streets in the heart of downtown. City officials and parade organizers have framed the 61st annual event as both a family tradition and a way to support nearby small businesses on Small Business Saturday.

With Blitzen just a short walk from the parade route, organizers and downtown boosters are encouraging families and visitors to make a full day of it — parade in the morning, shopping and dining in the afternoon, and a festive stop at Blitzen in the evening.

From fast build to holiday fixture

Blitzen first opened in November 2019, transforming the former Pochi restaurant space on 9th Street into what its creator, Delaware-based fashion illustrator and creative director Dallas Shaw, described as a whimsical reindeer’s den. The pop-up was designed and decorated in just a few weeks, with an early menu crafted in partnership with Stitch House Brewery.

Shaw’s concept quickly stood out from a typical holiday bar. Local coverage at the time highlighted Blitzen’s wall-to-wall décor, custom artwork and storytelling touches that gave guests the sense they had stepped directly into a reindeer’s off-season lair.

Since that first season, Blitzen has returned each year with refreshed décor, new cocktail lists and an expanding following. It is now regularly included on regional lists of must-visit holiday pop-ups and is considered one of downtown Wilmington’s signature seasonal attractions. Delaware Live+1

The Christmas-themed pop-up bar, styled as “The Den,” returns for the 2025 season on Thursday, Nov. 20, opening at 4 p.m. at 220 W. 9th St.

A cozy “den” after the bands pass by

Inside, Blitzen offers an intimate, photo-ready setting, with holiday lighting, themed vignettes and a cocktail-forward menu served in the evenings. Guests can expect inventive seasonal drinks, sparkling wines and winter-style beers, alongside a small selection of bar snacks during early evening hours. The experience is designed more as a festive lounge than a full-service restaurant, catering to groups of friends, coworkers, and parade-goers looking to keep the holiday momentum going.

On parade day, once the last marching band and float clear 11th and Market, adults can head a few blocks west toward 9th Street, where Blitzen’s evening hours give downtown visitors a place to warm up, take photos, and continue celebrating under twinkling lights.

Boost for downtown holidays

City leaders have pointed to events like the Jaycees parade and seasonal pop-ups such as Blitzen as key pieces of Wilmington’s holiday economy, drawing visitors into the urban core to shop, dine, and explore. The parade is timed to coincide with Small Business Saturday, and nearby restaurants, bars, and retailers often report some of their busiest foot traffic of the year.

For many Wilmington residents, that combination — a morning on Market Street, an afternoon of shopping, and an evening at Blitzen — has become its own tradition.

Blitzen is scheduled to operate through the holiday season with limited days and evening hours, and past years have seen lines form on peak weekends. Visitors are encouraged to check the bar’s website and social media for updated hours, special events, and private-party availability before it “dashes away” again until next year.

Staff Writer

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