In this episode of the Dover Download podcast, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with Christine Sieks and Doug Glennon about holiday festivities and downtown Dover activities. Glennon discusses Communitively's initiatives, including First Friday Shop Local events, the Holiday Stroll featuring hot cocoa and s'mores stations in Waldron Court, Plaid Friday promotions encouraging shopping at local businesses rather than big box retailers, and the Autumn Art Amble, organized by Susan Hanna. Sieks explains the Light Up Dover project, formed by 14 volunteers when the previous organization could no longer continue. The initiative focuses on three main goals: lighting the tops of downtown buildings, creating a mural on the old Earcraft building, and dramatically enhancing the community Christmas tree. The tree lighting is scheduled for Dec. 5, with 40 boxes of ornaments and hundreds of lights. Both guests emphasize the growing collaboration among various Dover organizations including Dover Main Street, the Arts Commission, Dover Doers, and the Holiday Parade organizers. They highlight how different groups are learning to work together rather than separately, pooling resources and coordinating efforts for greater community impact during the 2025 holiday season and planning ahead for 2026.

In This Week in Dover History, we learn about Thanksgiving week in 1925, when Dover residents enjoyed holiday dining at establishments like the Magnet Restaurant and Kimball Tavern, entertainment at the Strand and Orpheum theaters, and Ethel Mae Shorey's 10th annual Thanksgiving performance at the Dover Opera House.