7 things to do after Christmas

Christmas is all but over, but the holiday season can endure — if you let it.

If you’re looking for events to usher in 2018, look no further. Here’s our list of beaches-area happenings to ward off cabin fever.

Ocean 98's 5th Annual Best Wings on the Shore Contest

This Sunday afternoon fundraiser, which benefits the Ocean 98 Cash for College Fund, brings wings from area restaurants under one roof.

Eaters can vote on the most creative, hottest and best wings overall. Admission is $20 at the door, and kids ages 10 and under are free with a paying adult. For more information, check out the event’s Facebook page.

Details: Crooked Hammock Brewery, 16989 Kings Highway, Lewes, Jan. 28, noon to 3 p.m.

Seashore State Park events

Come for the bleak beauty of a cold winter sun dancing on the surf, stay for the squid dissection. The folks at Delaware’s state parks have a plethora of activities to keep their natural lands relevant in the winter.

Here are a few coming up at Seashore:

•Squid dissection: Held at 1 p.m. on Dec. 27, this class will allow participants the chance to dissect their own cephalopod and learn about how it has adapted to survive. The cost is $6 per person and the class is recommended for ages 6 and up.

•Lantern tour: Described as a “journey through the station’s past, lit by lantern light,” this tour explores the Indian River Life-Saving Station. It begins at 7 p.m. on Dec. 28, the cost is $10 and is recommended for ages 10 and up.

•Flag art: Known as “upcycling” — like recycling but using the waste materials to make something better — this activity is also a lesson in the world of nautical flag art. Participants will paint their own message in nautical flag art code on a piece of reclaimed wood from the park. This Dec. 28 event runs from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., costs $20 and is recommended for ages 10 and up.

•Guided hike: On Dec. 29, a park naturalist will lead hikers on a guided walk of the Burton Island Nature Preserve at 1 p.m. and of the Indian River Inlet bridge at 4 p.m. Both hikes are $5 per person.

•Museum tour: On Dec. 30, park goers can visit the Indian River Life-Saving Station at 10 a.m. for a $5 guided tour. At 1 p.m., the park will debut a new program about park stewardship entitled “New Age Beachcombing,” which is also $5 per person.

Details: Each of these programs requires pre-registration, which can be made by calling the Indian River Life-Saving Station at 302-227-6991. For more information about these and other programs, visit the park’s events website.

22nd Leo Brady Annual Exercise Like the Eskimos & 7th Annual Hair of the Dog

Hundreds are expected to run this quirky New Year's Day race in Bethany Beach, which features a 5K/10K walk/run (including a “Race with your Dog” division) and a polar plunge. Awards in the plunge will be given for:

•“A Whale of a Team:” For the largest team

•“Bathing Beauties:” For the team with the best attire and theme

•“Leo Brady Award:” For the team that collects the largest donation toward the William O’Murray Scholarship.

The race starts at 8:45 and the plunge at noon. There are after-parties for both events.

Details: To register, visit the event’s website. It costs $20 for the plunge, $35 for the 5K and $45 for the 10K. All plungers and runners can pick up their packet at Mango’s Bethany Beach on Dec. 31 from noon to 4 p.m.

Drawing with the Right Side of the Brain with Linda Minkowski

This pen-and-paper drawing class aims to show everyone that they can draw. The artist will explore techniques such as shading, volume and perspective in this two-hour class that runs on four consecutive Wednesdays starting Jan. 3

Details: The class is held at The Greater Millsboro Art League, located at 203 Main Street. The cost is $125 for non-members and $100 for members. Call 302-934-6440 for more information.

2018 Poetry Out Loud Semi-Finals: Kent/Sussex Counties

This annual event is a competition among high schoolers about poetry memorization and performance. The winners move onto the state competition on Feb. 28.

Details: Held at the Milton Theater, located at 110 Union St., on Feb. 6 at 6 p.m.

Fire & Ice Festival

This inaugural event, held in downtown Bethany Beach and organized by the Quiet Resorts, includes a weekend of family events, including an ice rink, ice sculpture tour and live sculpture demonstration.

Sounds like a lot of ice; if you go, let us know about the fire.

Features the work of local sculptor Erik Cantine.

Details: Runs from 9 a.m. on January 26 to 5 p.m. on January 28. For details, visit the event website.

First Day Hikes

As part of a nationwide event organized by all 50 state park systems, hundreds of free, guided hikes will be held in all 50 states on New Year’s Day. Here are some of the hikes happening in the beaches region:

•Holts Landing State Park: This hike of the 1.7-mile Sea Hawk Trail starts at the picnic pavilion at 10 a.m.

•Trap Pond State Park: This two-mile hike of Bob Trail starts at 10 a.m. at the Baldcypress Nature Center.

•Cape Henlopen State Park: This 1.5-mile hike of the Fort Miles Pinelands Trail starts at 10 a.m. at the Fort Miles Orientation Building. There is also a 2-mile hike of The Point that starts at 11 a.m. at The Point’s parking lot.

The American Hiking Society has these tips for cold-weather hikers:

•Dress in layers that you can peel off, with a base layer of a wicking fabric that pulls your sweat away from the skin. Overheating is a threat if moisture can’t escape.

•Wear a hat. 

•Wear sunscreen, especially if you’re hiking in a place with snow, as sunlight can reflect off white surfaces.

Details: For information about these and other First Day Hikes in the First State, visit Delaware’s event website.