Viewing delightful lights and holiday displays this time of year is one of the season’s most timeless simple pleasures. For so many families living along the Delaware coast, the act of going out to see lights in the evening, and even partaking in all the included onsite happenings in tandem with said lights, marks a classic Christmas tradition that remains constant with every new generation. And there have definitely been plenty of newer experiences to come about in more recent years, all of which still keep the timeless tradition of holiday light viewing forever in style.
You’re bound to find plenty of wonderful winter light displays to check out all throughout the state. But here are my top four picks for the Delaware holiday light-related experiences you can’t miss for the 2023 season.
Schellville Enchanted Winter Celebration
While lights aren’t the sole attraction to delight in here, they still play a pretty festive and significant role in the overall scenic setup. In just a few short years since its inception, Schellville Enchanted Winter Celebration has grown enormously popular, attracting folks from all around the greater Rehoboth area and even drawing in crowds from Ocean City, Maryland to the south. Established by Schell Brothers in partnership with Tanger Outlets, each year since its humble first, this area attraction has only gotten bigger and better. Now you’ll find more onsite activities and attractions than ever before, from 18 miniature houses full of decorations, toys, and activities to two Schellville Express trains, an activity-based snow zone to a 100 x 120-foot skating rink and skate path. There’s even live entertainment, sweet treats, and a host of other happy holiday endeavors to take in.
The Schellville Enchanted Winter Celebration can be found behind Tanger Outlets Seaside, at 36470 Seaside Outlet Drive, Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. While general admission is free, reservations must be made in advance for attending. Also, some of the onsite activities do come with a nominal fee, like skate rentals. Click here to learn more.
Riverbright Wilmington
Also known as “Holiday Magic” or “Holiday Magic at Riverbright Wilmington,” Riverbright Wilmington has been a part of a cheerful seasonal tradition for many folks, for years. Made possible by the Riverfront Development Corporation of Delaware (RDC), now through January 7, visitors making the trek along the Christina Riverwalk each evening will be treated to an awe-inspiring illuminated transformation of the surrounding waterway. From dazzling trees and archways to other adorned landmarks, the lighted site encompasses nearly two whole miles, spanning the Tubman-Garrett Riverfront Park to the DuPont Environmental Education Center.
There is no cost to come out and enjoy the open, lighted displays nightly. For a more precise address to park at, set your GPS to Riverfront Wilmington at 815 Justison St Wilmington, Delaware 19801. Click here to learn more.
Gift of Lights
You may know the famed Woodlands of Dover Motor Speedway as the Monster Mile’s largest camping lot during its NASCAR weekends. It also plays host to the Firefly Music Festival every year. But did you know it’s also the site of one of the state’s most spectacular drive-through displays of Christmas lights? Open every season between Thanksgiving weekend through New Year’s Eve, Gift of Lights provides a dazzling family-friendly option for taking in a host of more than 60 wondrous scenic displays all in one place. Comprising around 3.5 million lights and spanning a nearly two-mile pathway, there’s plenty to captivate you.
The cost of attending Dover Motor Speedway’s Gift of Lights event is $35 a carload (any size). Buses and limos are $60. When you bring three nonperishable canned goods to benefit the Food Bank of Delaware any Monday through Thursday evening you get $3 off. Visit the website to learn more.
Lewes Lights
A group of residents and business owners throughout Lewes like to do something special every year by presenting a town-wide holiday celebration throughout the entire month of December. A free, open-to-the-public grass-roots option to enjoy lights, Lewes Lights allows visitors a chance to drive around the quaint and historic small town guided by a self-paced map, to check out various dazzling lights and décor. The setups are all charmingly unique, comprising local homes as well as beloved participating area businesses.
Lewes Lights will run between December 1 through 31. Again, this is a fun and free event intended to bring seasonal joy. However, as you make your rounds through town, you may want to consider supporting local businesses.
You can learn even more about Lewes Lights by visiting the organization’s official website.
Delaware may be a small state but it presents many immense opportunities for getting in on holiday magic by the way of delightful light displays.