NORTHERN DELAWARE
Holiday Magic at Riverfront Wilmington (Nov. 29 - Jan. 1)
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 (Nov. 23 - Jan. 5)
Winterthur
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. 6 - Dec. 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.
Holiday Nights at Hagley Museum (Dec. 10, 12, 17, 19)
Wilmington
Enjoy a rare opportunity to see Eleutherian Mills, the first du Pont family home built in America, dressed for the holidays and illuminated with softly glowing lights. Tour Eleutherian Mills and encounter the holiday decorations and traditions of multiple generations of the du Pont family. Eleutherian Mills will inspire visitors to pay close attention to their own traditions this holiday season.
During your visit, you may also view the wonderful entries in Hagley's Gingerbread House Contest in the Hagley Barn.
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. 14)
Historic New Castle
Celebrate the winter season with live music, caroling, drinks, hors d’oeuvres, and a seasonal exhibit highlighting Delaware’s changing winter scenes. The LIT for the Holidays opening party is inspired by the winter parties hosted by the House’s former owners, Lydia and Philip Laird, which were a festive New Castle tradition for decades.
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.
Christmas in Odessa (Nov. 23-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 (Thanksgiving Day – New Years Eve)
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. 14)
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 & Holiday Market (Dec. 7)
Camden-Wyoming
Get ready to experience a truly enchanting small-town Christmas celebration, aglow with holiday lights and festive cheer! New for 2024, don’t miss the 1st Annual Holiday Village at Wyoming Station Farmers Market. After the parade stroll through the magical holiday village, where the spirit of the season shines bright and every corner brims with charm.
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.
Lewes Lights Celebration (December)
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.