The holidays may feel a bit different this year but, there are plenty of socially distanced events and things to do. From auto tour light displays to curbside tax-free shopping, here are some options to
explore safely this holiday season.
A Farmer’s Christmas
November 27 – December 19
Reserve timed tickets in advance to experience holiday tours of the 1890’s Christmas village, craft kits for kids and more.
What’s nearby: Boutique shopping in downtown Dover, exploring First State Heritage Park, coffee and sweets at House of Coffi
Elf The Musical at Clear Space Theatre
November 27 – December 30
Enjoy this holiday hit on stage in Rehoboth Beach with socially distanced seating. Reserve tickets online for this exciting live performance.
What’s nearby: Christmas Spirit store plus more tax-free shopping in downtown Rehoboth, Dogfish Head Brewpub, stroll on the boardwalk to holiday lights at the beach, Victoria’s at the Boardwalk Plaza Hotel
Holidays at Hagley
November 27 – January 3rd (every Friday through Sunday)
Explore this historic site, sample individually wrapped cookies outside the Gibbons House and see into a 19th century kitchen where cookies were backed in a wood stove. Beginning December 1, stop by the Millwright Shop to see the third-annual Gingerbread House contest.
What’s nearby: Winter in Wilmington, Yuletide at Winterthur, dine at Buckley’s Tavern
Holiday Lights Express or Santa Claus Express on the Wilmington and Western Railroad
November 27 – December 30 th
Enjoy a festive ride on the historic steam and diesel-powered train. Reservations are required for social distancing. The holiday lights and Santa Claus express have two unique experiences for the season.
What’s nearby: Holidays at Hagley, Yuletide at Winterthur, Riverfront Wilmington dining, Bellefonte Brewing Company
Holidays in Odessa
December 1 – December 29 th
Stroll or drive through the historic area for enchanted evenings of winter lights. The 18 th century hamlet will be decorated in a glow of white lights for the season. Outdoor candlelight walking tours will be
offered on Tuesday and Thursdays evenings by reservation.
What’s nearby: Cantwell’s Tavern, Westown Movies, Crooked Hammock Brewery
Lewes Lights
December 4 – December 31st
Dusk – 9:00 p.m. nightly
Take an auto tour to explore historic Lewes, Delaware with homes decorated for the season. Download the map and begin your festive trip.
What’s nearby: Big Oyster Brewery, Winter Wonderfest, tax-free shopping in downtown boutiques and Tanger Outlet Center
Santa is Coming to Town
December 4
4:30pm - 7:30pm
Get in the Holiday Spirit and see Santa as he rides around town of Rehoboth Beach on a firetruck with holiday music and candy canes!
What's nearby: Thrasher's French Fries, Grotto Pizza and The Cultured Pearl Restaurant and Sushi Bar
The Nutcracker at Theatre N
December 19 and 20
Experience the First State Ballet Theatre’s production of The Nutcracker on the big screen at Theatre N in Wilmington. Spacing is limited for social distancing so reservations are required.
What’s nearby: Le Cavalier, Stitch House Brewery, Winter in Wilmington
Winter in Wilmington Light Show
November 27 – January 3
Along the Riverfront in Wilmington, enjoy an auto tour of thousands of lights, interactive music and more. Online reservations are required.
What’s nearby: Docklands Riverfront, Holiday at Hagley, Yuletide at Winterthur, Iron Hill Brewery, Market Street dining and shopping in Wilmington
Winter Wonderfest
November 21 – December 31
Enjoy one mile of holiday lights 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. Reservations are required.
What’s nearby: Lefty’s Alley and Eats, holiday shopping at downtown boutiques or Tanger Outlet Center, Grotto Grand Slam, The Station on King’s
Yuletide at Winterthur
November 21 – January 3, 2021
This year’s Yuletide celebration will dazzle you indoors and outdoors. Enjoy a fire pit with s’mores, a 3D light show (from Dec. 1 – 12 th ), new festive décor at the Greenhouses and much more! Reservations are required.
What’s nearby: Holidays at Hagley, Wilmington and Western Railroad themed rides, Pizza by Elizabeths
Bonus ideas:
As you’re safely enjoying the holiday celebrations, pick-up takeout at a local restaurant, shop for festive décor at nearby farms or walk off those extra holiday calories at one of the Delaware’s scenic state parks.
Please remember to plan ahead and maintain social distancing. Please wear a face covering, bring hand sanitizer, and only travel with those within your immediate family unit. Make sure to review guidelines before arriving at your destination. Some locations may be operating under different capacity or require reservations. Please remember to stay home if you are sick.