It’s that time of year again! The hustle and bustle of the holiday season is right around the corner. Between all the events, travel plans, food preparation and gift shopping, it can be hard to take a moment to slow down and enjoy all the season has to offer. A great way to ensure you make time for fun is by creating a holiday bucket list!
There are plenty of ways to celebrate the season in the First State. Whether it’s by returning to old traditions or creating new ones, you’re sure to find something to enjoy about the holidays in Delaware. From holiday lights experiences to artisan markets to holiday festivals, here are just a few activities to add to your holiday bucket list around Delaware.
1. Check out A Longwood Christmas at Longwood Gardens
Longwood Gardens is a longstanding tradition for many local families—and for good reason. The holiday lights displays, impressive horticultural exhibitions, stunning fountains and imaginative outdoor landscapes make this a must-visit for the holidays. Plus, stop at Greenville’s Kaffe KARMA on your way through northern Delaware to soak in the holiday vibes and sip a warm drink before heading to Longwood. A Longwood Christmas officially opens on November 22 and runs through January 12.
November 22 – January 12 | 1001 Longwood Road, Kennett Square
2. Sip & Shop at Scout Cafe’s Annual Holiday Market
Join Scout Cafe as the charming back garden transforms into a winter wonderland. Soak in the holiday vibes as you sip warm coffee and shop local vendors and artisans for one-of-a-kind holiday gifts.
December 8 | 2316 Baynard Boulevard, Wilmington
3. Enjoy Schellville With the Whole Family
If Schellville isn’t already on your holiday bucket list, add it! Rehoboth’s own winter wonderland is fun for the whole family. This year, enjoy the festivities with no tickets or reservations needed! Activities include holiday train rides, a sledding hill, a tree maze and beer garden, the “Merry Christmas Lane” filled with child-sized miniature houses and businesses, live entertainment, plenty of food and drinks and much more. Want to elevate the experience? Rent out a private dining area for the ultimate holiday dining experience. Schellville is the place to be every weekend throughout November and December. Check online for hours and more information.
November 16 – December 31 | Behind Tanger Outlets Seaside, 36470 Seaside Outlet Drive, Rehoboth Beach
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4. Stroll or Drive Through Lewes to Enjoy the Annual Lewes Lights Celebration
Looking at holiday lights is one of the most popular seasonal traditions, and nowhere does it quite like Lewes. The Delaware town is packed with coastal architecture and charming historic streets, and it all lights up every December in a stunning display. Lewes residents participate in friendly competition for best light displays, so there are plenty of impressive setups to explore every night. Take a stroll or a drive to see them all, and follow the online map to find participating businesses and houses.
December 1-31 | Lewes
5. Hop Aboard the Holiday Lights Express or the Santa Claus Express
Experience the magic of the holiday season aboard a 100-year-old heated train car! Whether you’re seeking a romantic December date night or a child-focused ride with a visit from Santa, Wilmington & Western has a can’t-miss holiday experience! The Holiday Lights Express features a festive train ride surrounded by thousands of holiday lights. Neighbors along the tracks decorate their homes and properties for riders to see as they pass by. On the Santa Express, children will also receive sweet treats and a visit from Santa.
Dates & Times Throughout December | 2201 Newport Gap Pike, Wilmington
6. Celebrate Yule at the Annual Krampus Festival at Liquid Alchemy Beverages
Krampus is coming to town! Inspired by the Krampus parade and festival in Austria, Liquid Alchemy Beverages hosts an annual yuletide celebration complete with warm mead, traditional Krampus costumes, a vendor market, axe throwing, a toy drive benefiting The Neighborhood House, and much more. Whether it’s to connect with European heritage, invite a little spooky into your holiday season or just enjoy the holiday vibes, this is the perfect event for your holiday bucket list in Delaware.
December 14 | 28 Brookside Drive, Wilmington
7. Take the Kids to Meet Santa at the Zoo
The annual Santa at the Zoo event is a big hit every year at the Brandywine Zoo. Enjoy animal encounters, holiday activities and fun educational tables and vendors throughout the zoo on December 7-8. And, of course, take the kids to meet Santa! The cost is $8 for non-members, and children under three get in free.
December 7-8 | 1001 North Park Drive, Wilmington
8. Go to a Holiday Pop-up Bar
Don’t miss The Sleigh Bar located inside Klondike Kate’s in Newark, or Blitzen on Wilmington’s Market Street. The Sleigh Bar is already up and running, and Blitzen will open for the season on November 22. There are plenty of ways to enjoy the season at holiday pop-up bars. From sipping seasonal cocktails to taking advantage of the many photo opportunities, you’re sure to have a great night at Delaware’s holiday hangouts.
Locations across Delaware
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9. Take the Little Ones to Santa’s House on the Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk
It’s no secret plenty of notable people have a beach house in Rehoboth—one of them being Santa Claus himself! On weekends throughout the season, you can take the kids to meet Santa in his house on the Boardwalk. Santa’s house is at the end of Rehoboth Avenue on the Boardwalk. Stop in and share your Christmas wish list!
Weekends November 29 – December 22 | Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk
10. Participate in the Rehoboth Beach Santa Bar Crawl
Want to have a holly jolly time at Rehoboth bars while supporting a great cause? Don your Santa, Mrs. Claus, Reindeer or elf costume and head to Rehoboth Beach to spread holiday cheer while hopping from bar to bar. All participants are encouraged to bring one new, unwrapped toy as a donation to the Toys For Tots Foundation and make a small monetary donation to the Tunnel To Towers Foundation. While there’s no participation fee, the Bar Crawl asks that you donate $5 (or more) to participate. Then, just meet the group on the boardwalk at Wilmington Avenue at 1 p.m. and start the crawl.
December 7 | The Boardwalk at Wilmington Avenue, Rehoboth Beach
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11. Go to Biggs Museum’s African American Holiday Showcase
The holidays are a time of unity. What better way to celebrate togetherness than at this exhibition of culture and community at the Biggs Museum of American Art in Dover? Throughout the two-week showcase, immerse yourself in the rich traditions and vibrant heritage of African American celebrations.
December 12-December 22 | 406 Federal Street, Dover
12. Experience the Holidays at a du Pont Estate in Northern Delaware
Whether you choose the historic charm of Holidays at Hagley, the gilded grandeur of Noel at Nemours Estate, or contemporary creativity and woodland whimsy at Yuletide at Winterthur, the historic du Pont estates have plenty to offer during the holiday season. Participate in an educational garden workshop at Mt. Cuba Center, take in the towering trees at Winterthur, or see the competing gingerbread houses at Hagley’s 7th Annual Gingerbread Contest. There’s plenty to explore during the holidays!
Multiple Locations
13. Shop Around the Brandywine Holiday Festival of the Arts
Get your last-minute gifts and support local artisans at the same time. Brandywine Holiday Festival of the Arts is a must-visit winter festival at The Chase Center on the Riverfront. Shop over 150 local artisans, enjoy live music, and bring the kids along for activities like face painting, storybook reading and more.
December 21-22 | 815 Justison Street, Wilmington
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Upcoming Holiday Events
For more ways to spend your holiday season in Delaware, check out these holiday events on our events calendar:
Related: Find the Perfect Christmas Tree at These Tree Farms in Delaware
