Winter Festivals And Events

It's always a treat to walk through seasonally decorated events. In winter, you can appreciate lampposts wrapped in garland, streets lined in poinsettias and buildings lined with lights. Delaware’s festivals and events bring locals and tourists together to celebrate the beauty of the holidays. Between bustling parades, traditional celebrations and visits from Santa Claus, there is so much to enjoy this holiday season.


FESTIVALS AND PARADES

SchellvilleAnnual Wilmington Jaycees Christmas Parade (November: Wilmington) 
This annual parade will feature local celebrities, marching bands, community organizations, floats and a visit from Santa Clause! Even Elves will be accepting Christmas wish lists and letters from children for Santa to reply to.

Lewes Christmas Parade (December: Lewes) 
The annual Lewes Christmas Parade is a yearly tradition that does not disappoint. Between decorative floats and lights, the community of Lewes comes together to create fun for all.

Santa is Coming to Town (December: Rehoboth) 
Santa Clause will be visiting Rehoboth Beach by firetruck! Shop and dine downtown as Santa makes his rounds for all to see him. The next day, the Hometown Christmas Parade will march, roll and stroll down Rehoboth Avenue to welcome the holiday season! Finally, Santa can also be found on select dates at his house at the end of Rehoboth Avenue for photos.

Fire and Ice Festival (January: Bethany - Fenwick Area) 
A weekend of ice skating, bonfires, ice sculpture tours, tastings and music awaits at the Fire and Ice Festival. This year’s theme, Into the Wild, will also include a chili cookoff for friendly competition.

HOLIDAY EVENTS AND MORE

Striper Bites (Lewes in Winter).jpgHolidays in Odessa (November - December: Wilmington and Brandywine Valley)
Throughout the holiday season in Historic Odessa, events will include seasonal interpretations of literature, candlelit tours and recreations of 18th-century holiday recipes. Christmas in Odessa will include a self-guided tour of historic homes, afternoon tea, acapella choirs and more. 

Schellville Winter Celebration (November - December: 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. 

Tree Lighting and Holiday Sing-Along (November: Rehoboth)
Visit Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk’s bandstand for a night of carols as the community holiday tree is lit. The towering tree will glisten for all to see as people come together to listen to carols and enjoy the feeling of the holidays drawing near.