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. 18 - Jan. 7, 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Wilmington)
Each holiday season, Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library celebrates Yuletide with festive light displays and decorations throughout the estate. Between gingerbread replicas, a children’s garden and a toy train display as well as special events including jazz performances, caroling, storytelling, wine tasting and Brunch with Santa, Winterthur is prepared to celebrate the season. Purchase tickets online or call (800) 448-3883.
Holidays at Hagley
Nov. 24 - Jan. 1, 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM (Wilmington)
This year, Hagley Museum and Library will feature holiday home and garden tours, a sixth-annual gingerbread house contest, Santa Day, a Holiday Nights Tour 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. 14-Dec. 30, 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. To purchase tickets, visit here!
A Farmer's Christmas
Nov. 25 - Dec. 16, 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM (Dover)
The Delaware Agricultural Museum and Village presents “A Farmer’s Christmas.” Step back in time, stroll through the museum’s festive decorations, listen to carols, enjoy freshly baked cookies and participate in crafts. This year, there will also be a Holiday Village Decorating Contest and a Holiday Tree Decorating Contest with cash prizes. 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 evening trip through Red Clay Valley. For a special surprise, join the Santa Claus Express to meet Santa himself. To learn more, click here!
Gift of Lights
Nov. 23 - Dec. 31, 5:00 PM – 9:00/10:00 PM (Dover)
This drive-through experience offers the perfect opportunity to experience the magic and wonder of holiday lights. View thousands of lights strung to create festive tunnels, designs and shapes. To learn more and purchase tickets, click here!
Lewes Lights
Early Dec. (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. VIEW A FESTIVE PERFORMANCE
The Nutcracker at the Grand Opera House
Dec. 16 - Dec. 23, 2:00/7:00 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!
The Playhouse on Rodney Square
Nov. 17 - Nov. 19/Dec. 15 - Dec. 17 (Wilmington)
The Playhouse on Rodney Square presents a Million Dollar Quartet Christmas rock n’ roll musical from Nov. 17 to Nov. 19, featuring references to Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewes, Carl Perkins and Johnny Cash. From Dec. 15 to Dec. 17, the Wilmington Ballet will perform The Nutcracker with the Wilmington Ballet Orchestra. To learn more about events at the Playhouse, click here!
Clear Space Theatre Company
Nov. 24 - Dec. 10 (Rehoboth Beach)
This year, the Clear Space Theatre Company presents Estella Scrooge, following the story of Ebenezer Scrooge’s great, great granddaughter. Enjoy this festive retelling of A Christmas Carol, and find more information here!
4. EXPLORE NIGHTLIFE IN DELAWARE
Blitzen The Bar
Nov. - Dec. 24 (Wed. - Sat.), 4:00 PM – 12:00 AM (Wilmington)
This annual holiday pop-up bar is back to spread holiday cheer. With a food and cocktail menu, including flavors of spiced apple cider, cinnamon, toasted marshmallow and more, you can cozy up by the fire or stay the night to play reindeer games. Learn more here!
Klondike Kate’s Sleigh Bar
Nov. – Jan., 10:00/11:00 AM – 1:00 AM (Newark)
Decorated with life-sized Nutcrackers, colored lights, festive glassware and, of course, Santa’s sleigh, The Sleigh Bar is prepared for the holidays. This seasonal bar offers festive appetizers as well as cocktails for those on the naughty or nice list. See the menu here!
5. SPEND THE HOLIDAYS WITH FAMILY
Santa at the Zoo
Dec. 2 - 3, 10:00 AM (Wilmington)
Santa will be visiting the Brandywine Zoo this year, and he is excited to meet you! With free hot chocolate and holiday activities, receive a memorable photo with Santa Claus before spending a day at the zoo. To register, click here!
Schellville Winter Celebration
Nov. 18 - Dec. 31, 5:00 - 9:00 PM (Rehoboth)
With festive lights, local vendors and endless activities, Schellville provides a free and fun winter experience. This family-friendly event gives locals and travelers the chance to listen to live music, sip on a warm beverage, take a train ride, shop for Christmas gifts, go roller skating and even meet Mr. and Mrs. Claus! Whether young or young at heart, there is plenty of enchantment to be found in Schellville. Learn more here!
Millville Boardwalk Festival of Trees
Nov. 18 – Jan 3 (Millville)
Millville’s 2nd Annual Festival of Trees will turn Millville Boardwalk into a winter wonderland. Walk through the boardwalk, appreciate decorated Christmas trees and participate in holiday activities. From mini golf to board games in the lodge, have a fun and cozy experience in Millville.
For information on festivals, parades and more holiday events in Delaware, read Winter Festivals and Events!
