Wilmington Western Railroad Lights

Take a Road Trip to Enjoy Holiday Lights in Delaware

As the days grow shorter and the season’s spirits get brighter, a cheery spectacle appears on the streets of Delaware. Evenings are bedazzled by brilliantly beautiful holiday lights, beaming festively from museums, gardens, roads and even zoos. A visit to the top holiday light displays in Delaware is sure to get everyone in swing for the season.

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Dover Lights
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Lewes Lights
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Winter Wonderfest
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Wilmington Western Railroad Lights
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wonderfest
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Riverfront Lights
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Schellville

NORTHERN DELAWARE
Riverbright Wilmington: Holiday Magic (ongoing)
Wilmington
Head for the Wilmington Riverfront for shopping and dining, then take a stroll along the scenic Christina Riverwalk, adorned for the season with lighted trees and archways.

Yuletide at Winterthur Museum (through Jan. 8)
Centreville
See how this splendid mansion is transformed into a one-of-a-kind holiday experience. This year's tour includes trees inspired by Christmas trees seen at the White House, in conjunction with the exhibition, Jacqueline Kennedy and H. F. du Pont: From Winterthur to the White House.

Holiday Lights Express (Dec. 9–30)
Wilmington
It’s a holiday ritual: Happy families climb aboard the Wilmington and Western Railroad’s light-draped vintage train and chug through the Red Clay Valley, enjoying the spectacle of decorated homes snuggling beside the tracks.

Winter Nights at Rockwood Park & Museum (Dec. 10, 11, 17, 18)
Wilmington
Take a walk through Rockwood Park’s dazzling holiday light displays, then enjoy a tour of the Rockwood Mansion, where the warm glow of lights adds cheer to the cozy rooms.

Twilight Tours at Hagley Museum (Dec. 13, 15, 20, 22, 27, 29)
Wilmington
The picturesque old gunpowder mills along the Brandywine River sparkle with cheer this time of year. Inside the first du Pont family mansion, rooms are dressed for the holidays and illuminated with softly glowing lights.

Smith Family Lights On The Hill (ongoing)
Wilmington
For years, folks have made the pilgrimage to see the over-the-top light displays in the Smith family yard. A true spectacle.

Read House & Gardens LIT for the Holidays (Dec. 10)
Historic New Castle
The illuminated holiday installations at this historic 1797 home are just part of the reason for attending an evening of cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, caroling, firepits in the garden, rides in a vintage Rolls-Royce, and a magical champagne toast by candlelight.

Lights for a Cure (ongoing)
Middletown
This oversized home display is not only worth a trip, it’s there for a good cause: Your donations tossed into the roadside box will help support cancer research.

Santa Claus Lane (ongoing)
Bear
This home display glows with more than 1 million lights, courtesy of the Faucher family and their oversized holiday spirit.

2022 Odessa Country Christmas (Nov. 27-Dec. 29)
Odessa
Stroll or drive through the historic area of this charming Colonial-era town for enchanted evenings of winter lights. Take a historic house tour, then enjoy a bite to eat at Cantwell’s Tavern.

Zoo Nights and Christmas Lights (Fridays and Saturdays in December)
Townsend
Snuggled safe in their decorated dens, the animals of the 3 Palms Zoo are in a festive mood this year. Roast marshmallows, sip hot chocolate, and enjoy the holiday vibes.

CENTRAL DELAWARE
Gift of Lights at Dover Motor Speedway (ongoing)
Dover
The holiday season will be merry and bright at Dover Motor Speedway, where you can drive through the Gift of Lights display featuring more than 60 scenes and 3 million lights.

Dashing Through Downtown Dover Parade (Dec. 9)
Dover
Downtown Dover is decked with lights as families line up for a parade featuring Santa, his elves, and his reindeer.

Christmas in Clayton (Dec. 4)
Clayton
Take a stroll through downtown, shop the outdoor vendors, pick up your Christmas Tree, and enjoy the parade and Tree Lighting Ceremony. Did we mention Santa and Mrs. Claus will be there?

Camden-Wyoming Christmas Parade (Dec. 10)
Camden-Wyoming
This is a uniquely charming place to enjoy a small town Christmas celebration that twinkles with holiday lights.

SOUTHERN DELAWARE
Schellville: Enchanted Christmas Celebration (ongoing)
Rehoboth Beach
Thousands and thousands of lights transform the night into a magical holiday moment at this “pop-up” Christmas village filled with fun for young and old.

Winter WonderFEST @ Hudson Fields (ongoing)
Milton
Don’t miss this cozy and dazzling one-mile drive through Milton's Fields of Christmas Dreams. Take a self-guided drive or climb aboard for a charming open-air wagon ride through the Light Spectacular!

Lewes Lights Celebration (ongoing)
Lewes
The entire town basks in a glow of light and joy, thanks to homeowners and businesses that decorate their properties for the holiday season. Maps for this drive-through tour are available online here.