Full of community-focused activities, Delaware is a special place to celebrate the holidays. Whether in Northern, Central or Southern Delaware, events created by local museums, theater companies and businesses are just a short drive away. Celebrate the holidays in Delaware by using this blog to create the perfect winter bucket list!
1. VISIT A MUSEUM OR MANSION
Yuletide at Winterthur
Nov. 23 - Jan. 5, 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM (Wilmington)
Each holiday season, Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library celebrates Yuletide with festive light displays and decorations throughout the estate. Between decorated trees, a large-scale gingerbread “house” and a magical 18-room dollhouse as well as special events including live performances and tastings, Winterthur is prepared to celebrate the season. Purchase tickets online or call (800) 448-3883.
Holidays at Hagley
Nov. 29 - Jan. 1, 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM (Wilmington)
This year, Hagley Museum and Library will feature holiday home and garden tours, a seventh-annual gingerbread house contest, Santa Day, Holiday Nights Tours and more. With beautiful garlands, poinsettias and lights, a trip to Hagley is filled with holiday cheer. To read more about events at Hagley, click here!
Noël at 
Nemours Estate
Nov. 19 - Dec. 29, 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Wilmington)
This 77-room mansion includes festive displays inside and out. You can tour the property and listen to live musical performances while enjoying the seasonal decorations. Visit here for updates on tickets.
A Farmer's Christmas
Nov. 30, 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Dover)
The Delaware Agricultural Museum and Village presents “A Farmer’s Christmas.” Step back in time, stroll through the museum’s festive decorations, explore local vendors and participate in crafts. There will also be a Holiday Tree or Village Decorating Contest. Learn more here!
2. RIDE THROUGH A SCENIC ROUTE
Holiday Lights Express
Dec. 6 – 30 (Wilmington)
You can experience the magic of riding aboard a festive, 100-year-old heated train decorated with thousands of holiday lights! Sit back, relax and enjoy viewing trackside decorations during a 1-hour trip through Red Clay Valley. For a special surprise, join the Ice Princess Express on Nov. 16 and 17 to meet the Ice Queen, Ice Princess and Ice Harvester. To learn more, click
here!
Gift of Lights
Nov. 28 - Jan. 5 (Dover)
Celebrate the magic of the season with Dover Motor Speedway! Enjoy stunning light displays, festive activities and holiday cheer in this drive-thru experience.
Lewes Lights
Dec. 1 - 31 (Lewes)
Each year, many fine homes in Lewes outdo themselves for the holidays. Lewes Lights provides a map in early December of the perfect driving route to view the best decorations. To learn more, visit the Lewes Lights website!
3. FORGET MILK & COOKIES
The Sleigh Bar
Nov. 13 - Jan. (Newark)
Each year, Klondike Kate's turns into a winter wonderland with The Sleigh Bar. With festive lights, tinsel, life-sized nutcrackers and more, The Sleigh Bar is not to be missed for some good ole holiday cheer.
Santa Bar Crawl
Dec. 7, 1:00 PM (Rehoboth Beach)
Participate in the third annual Santa Bar Crawl for a fun and festive day of exploring the ave. of Rehoboth Beach and its many bars and restaurants.
Holiday Creative Market
Dec. 7, 14 and 21, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. (Dewey Beach)
Visit this three-part vendor market in Rehoboth Beach. Featuring 20 local artist vendors, a craft bar with local cocktails, beer and wine, food trucks and live music, the Holiday Creative Market is perfect for adults or the entire family.
4. VIEW A FESTIVE PERFORMANCE
The Nutcracker at the Grand Opera House
Dec. 14 - Dec. 22, 2:00 or 7:00 PM (Wilmington)
First State Ballet Theatre presents The Nutcracker at the Grand Opera House in Copeland Hall. Enjoy a festive tale of magic and wonder told through classical ballet. You can purchase your tickets here!
A Magical Cirque Christmas
Dec. 8, 3:00 PM (Wilmington)
The Playhouse on Rodney Square presents a Magical Cirque Christmas, a variety show full of nostalgia, charm and awe-inspiring performances for all ages. Get ready to be dazzled, enchanted and filled with holiday cheer. To learn more about events at the Playhouse, click here!
White Christmas with Clear Space Theatre Company
Nov. 24 - Dec. 10 (Rehoboth Beach)
This year, the Clear Space Theatre Company presents White Christmas, a stage musical that will warm your heart. Fit for all ages, experience romance and music in this seasonal production. Find more information here!
5. SPEND THE HOLIDAYS WITH FAMILY
Santa at the Zoo
Dec. 7 - 8, 10:00 AM (Wilmington)
Santa will be visiting the Brandywine Zoo this year, and he is excited to meet you! With fun holiday activities, receive a memorable photo with Santa Claus before spending a day at the zoo. To register, click here!
Santa's House
Nov. - Dec. (Rehoboth Beach)
At the end of Rehoboth Ave., on Rehoboth Boardwalk, sits Santa's House. On select days this holiday season, you can visit Santa at his house to tell him what you would like for Christmas!
Schellville's Enchanted Winter Celebration
Various dates in Nov. and Dec. (Rehoboth Beach)
With fun for the whole family, Schellville's Enchanted Winter Celebration is a special event with festive decorations, food trucks, holiday-themed activities, train rides, roller skating and more.
