Delaware is a special place for the holidays, full of community-focused celebrations and all the sparkle that makes them magical. Make it a festive weekend trip, brightened perhaps by a stop at one of Delaware’s top-notch restaurants and museums.
Along the way, you’ll discover some delightful diversions, including some of these special, only-in-Delaware holiday events and celebrations:
Blitzen Bar Holiday Pop-Up
Wilmington
November – December 24th
Wilmington’s pop-up Christmas-themed cocktail bar is reopening for the festive season! Cozy up by fireplace for pre-dinner cocktails or stay all night for the reindeer games. Open through Dec. 24.
Fire & Ice Festival
Bethany Beach
January 27th – 29th
Experience the Quiet Resorts, Delaware as you never have before at the Fire & Ice Festival – Lights, Camera, Action! Enjoy a weekend of winter festivities at the beach, including ice sculpture tours, live sculpture demonstrations, bonfires, fireworks, ice slides, tastings, music, and – of course – Movie Magic.
Gift of Lights
Dover
November 24th – December 31st
The holiday season will be merry and bright at Dover Motor Speedway as the "Gift of Lights at Dover Motor Speedway" drive-thru event comes to the Monster Mile. The inaugural Gift of Lights event runs every evening from Thanksgiving through New Year's Day, with more than 60 scenes and 3 million lights set up along a 1.5-mile pathway winding through the Woodlands of Dover Motor Speedway
Holidays at Hagley
Wilmington
November 25th – January 1st
This historic site holiday’s theme is “All Creatures Great and Small,” this year, celebrating stories of pets, wildlife, and other animals who made their habitat at Hagley over the last 200 years, both in the historic home and outdoors. Along with the theme Hagley is offering a family-focused lineup that includes a gingerbread house display, a mansion with seven rooms all decked out for the holidays, twilight tours in a heated bus, and occasional visits by Santa.
Holiday Parades
Statewide
Get the season going with some strutting at one of Delaware’s holiday parades. The 58th Annual Wilmington Jaycees Christmas Parade kicks off at 11 a.m. on Nov. 26. The Lewes Christmas Parade is Dec. 3 from 5 p.m.-6:30 p.m., and Rehoboth Beach celebrates at 6 p.m. on Dec.5th.
Holidays in Odessa
Odessa
November – December 29th
Stroll or drive through the historic Odessa for enchanted evenings of winter lights and events during the holiday season. Don’t miss the return of the Historic Odessa Foundation’s renowned annual Christmas tradition of transforming a historic house into an exhibition of classic children’s literature.
Lewes Lights
Lewes
December 1st – 31st
Take an auto tour to explore historic Lewes, Delaware with homes decorated for the season. All visitors need is a driving tour map, which shows all the lighted homes and businesses as map points, or you can download a list of registered addresses.
Nemours Estate Holiday Lights
Wilmington
November 17th – December 30th
This regal 77-room mansion is aglow with elaborate table settings, spectacular floral displays, and an array of Christmas trees, garlands, and wreaths. During the holiday season you can visit Tuesday–Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Extended hours will be offered until 8 p.m. on Saturdays.
Schellville Enchanted Winter Celebration
Rehoboth Beach
November – December 31st
A special corner of Coastal Delaware is transformed into a magical holiday village, complete with train rides, epic snowball battles, and zillions of holiday displays.
Wilmington Western Railroad Express Rides
Wilmington
December 9th – 30th
Enjoy a festive ride on the 100-year-old steam and diesel-powered train that will be decorated in twinkling holiday lights and heated for extra coziness. Keep an eye out for trackside residences bedecked with holiday lights.
Winter Wonderfest
Milton
November – December 31st
A mile of holiday lights all from the comfort of your car. You’ll even have a chance to journey to Santa’s workshop to leave a wish list for Santa and his elves.
Yuletide at Winterthur
Wilmington
November – December 31st
Celebrate the Yuletide season with a one-of-a-kind holiday experience. Tour rooms in Henry Francis du Pont's former home decorated in full holiday splendor. This year's tour includes several 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. Many displays are inspired by the traditions and festivities of the season as enjoyed by du Pont and his family.