Magical Christmas Markets in Delaware for 2025: Can’t-Miss Festive Events and Holiday Wonderland Spots!

When winter rolls into Delaware, you’ll notice the whole state buzzing with Christmas markets and all sorts of holiday events. These markets let you shop for gifts, pick up handcrafted ornaments, and snack on festive treats, all while soaking up the cozy vibe of decorated squares and twinkling lights.

From Wilmington to Lewes, you’ll stumble across local shops, museums, live music, and even ideas for decking out your own home. Most of these markets welcome families and showcase Delaware’s holiday traditions with music, cookies, and the occasional quirky surprise.

Delaware’s Christmas markets usually bring in live entertainment, craft beers, and food from local spots, so they’re a hit for groups and families alike. Outdoor spaces like Tanger Outlets or Market Square make parking simple, and plenty of venues keep admission free or pretty affordable.

Maybe you’re hunting for holiday events at state parks, planning to check out Schellville Christmas Village, or just want to wander a winter festival in a small town—Delaware’s got something for you in 2025.

Find the Best Places to Stay

Finding a hotel, guesthouse, or apartment with great reviews near local Christmas events isn’t hard. Lots of places keep prices fair and skip the booking fees, which makes planning a trip less stressful.

It helps to check reviews and stick with options people call superb or exceptional.

1) Wilmington Riverfront Christmas Market

You’ll find this holiday market tucked inside a renovated warehouse on Wilmington’s Riverfront. Vendors set up stalls under festive lights, selling gifts, crafts, and treats you probably won’t see elsewhere.

The open layout means you can wander from stand to stand, sampling food and hunting for that perfect, one-of-a-kind present. Live shows and activities pop up throughout the season and keep things lively.

When, Where, Hours, Entrance Fee

You can drop by the Wilmington Riverfront Christmas Market almost all December. The event runs from December 1 to December 24, 2025.

Find it at 3 South Orange Street, Wilmington, DE. They open every day from 10 AM to 8 PM.

Admission? Totally free—come and go as you like.

Details	Information
Dates	December 1 – December 24, 2025
Address	3 South Orange Street, Wilmington, DE
Times	Monday–Sunday: 10 AM – 8 PM
Cost	Free admission
Where to Stay	Wilmington Riverfront hotels on Booking.com
Website	Wilmington Riverfront Christmas Market

You can check out special events, pick up local finds, and crash at a nearby hotel if you want. The whole thing’s easy to navigate and open to everyone.

2) Lewes Historical Society Christmas Tour

What to Expect at the Event

You can join in a seasonal tradition by taking the Lewes Historical Society Christmas Tour. The tour lets you wander through historic homes decked out with classic holiday decorations.

As you make your way around, you’ll spot both old and new homes, each showing off their own spin on festive décor. Alongside the house tour, the Holiday Village and Market sets up at the main campus.

Local food sellers, craft booths, and small vendors fill the space. Entry to the Holiday Village is free, so you can sample food and shop for handmade stuff without spending a dime just to get in.

The event also runs a food drive—bring some nonperishables and help fill a boat with donations for families who could use a hand.

Dates	Address	Times	Prices	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
December 7, 2025	Lewes Historical Society, 110 Shipcarpenter Street, Lewes, DE 19958	9:00 am – 4:00 pm	House Tour: $25 Holiday Village: Free	Hotels near Lewes on Booking.com	Lewes Holiday House Tour & Holiday Village & Market

3) Experience the Rehoboth Beach Christmas Village

At the Rehoboth Beach Christmas Village, you’ll find a bunch of seasonal activities at Tanger Outlets in Rehoboth Beach Seaside. After you shop, lace up for the skating rink or let the kids loose on the playground and sledding hill.

There’s a themed mini-golf course, and the miniature Christmas model village makes a fun spot for photos. A ride-on train loops around, giving kids a quick tour of the whole village.

Adults usually hang out by the fire pits or relax in the beer garden. Santa and Mrs. Claus show up too, ready to meet the kids and hear their wish lists.

Here’s a quick info table:

Dates	Address	Times	Prices	Where to Stay	Website
Nov 17 – Dec 31, 2025	Tanger Outlets, Rehoboth Beach Seaside	Thu-Sun, 5pm-9pm	Varies	Local hotels	More info

You can get more details on tickets and attractions by checking the Schellville Christmas Village website.

4) Hagley Museum & Library Holiday Market 2025

You can swing by the Hagley Museum & Library Holiday Market for a mix of local tradition and holiday spirit. The event takes place on the historic Hagley Museum grounds.

Holiday home and garden tours show you how decorations and customs have changed over the years. The market features its Gingerbread House Contest (it’s been running for seven years now), where you can check out some seriously creative gingerbread houses from local bakers.

On select days, Santa drops by the Hagley Barn, so you can say hi or snap a photo. Holiday Nights Tours let you stroll the estate after dark, with lights making the whole place glow.

Everything runs from late November through the new year. You’ll find ticket prices and daily hours on the museum’s website.

If you need a place to stay, check hotels near Hagley Museum on Booking.com.

Dates	Address	Hours	Cost	Where to Stay	Website
Nov 29, 2025 – Jan 1, 2026	200 Hagley Creek Road, Wilmington, DE 19807	Varies (see site)	See website	Booking.com	Holidays at Hagley

5) Historic New Castle Christmas Walk

Step into Historic New Castle for the annual Christmas Walk. The town transforms its downtown into a festive scene with decorated homes and museums.

You’ll get to peek inside private homes filled with traditional holiday décor, antiques, and historical displays. Local musicians and street performers keep things lively, adding music and energy to the day.

The town’s old buildings and cobblestone streets make a perfect backdrop for holiday photos. As you explore, you’ll come across holiday markets selling crafts, ornaments, and food from local vendors.

These markets are good for picking up gifts or just grabbing a snack. Definitely try some sweets or seasonal dishes at the local restaurants while you’re there.

The Christmas Walk doesn’t cost anything and happens the second weekend of December. Every year, it draws thousands of people who want to catch the charm of Historic New Castle during the holidays.

Date	Address	Time	Price	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
December 13, 2025	Historic New Castle, Delaware	All day event	Free	Nearby Hotels	Spirit of Christmas in Historic New Castle

You can find more about the event and what’s planned on the Spirit of Christmas in Historic New Castle website.

6) Bethany Beach Festive Events 2025

Bethany Beach rolls out a bunch of festive activities every holiday season. Locals hop on trolley rides that wind through town, showing off creative yard displays from the Coastal Christmas Showdown.

Big signs point out the most impressive decorations, so you can wander around and check them out at your own pace. It’s honestly a fun way to see how the community gets into the spirit.

You’ll also come across all sorts of classes, from winter workout sessions to casual museum tours. The Dinker-Irvin Museum opens up on Saturdays, perfect for anyone curious about local history.

With both indoor and outdoor options, there’s always a new way to soak in the holiday atmosphere. It never feels stale.

Date	Address	Time	Price	Places to Stay Nearby	Event Website
Nov 27, 2025	Various Locations, Bethany Beach, DE	All Day	Free	Holiday Inn Express Bethany Beach	Bethany Beach Holiday Events
Dec 4, 2025	Bandstand Beach, Bethany Beach, DE	Varies by event	Free	Hotel Bethany Beach	Bethany Beach Holiday Events

If you’re planning a trip, you’ll want to catch everything from the decked-out homes to the quirky museum collections. For the full scoop, just peek at the Bethany Beach holiday happenings schedule.

7) Holiday Mocktail Competition at Delaware Technical Community College 2025

Delaware Technical Community College hosts the Holiday Mocktail Mix-off, a gathering for folks who love festive, alcohol-free drinks. You get to sample creative recipes—stuff you might want to try at your own holiday party.

Drinks like Butterfly Pea Flower Spritzer and Pear & Vanilla Spritzers usually make an appearance. You’ll probably discover a new favorite.

Skilled mixologists show you how to make mocktails. As you watch and taste, you’ll pick up tips for crafting refreshing drinks at home.

You can also jump in for some hands-on demos if you’re feeling adventurous. It’s a great way to build your skills.

There’s a contest for anyone who wants to show off their own original drink. Got a holiday mocktail idea? You can compete for the Best Holiday Mocktail Creator award.

Both beginners and experienced drink makers are welcome to join in. The event brings people together, and you’ll meet plenty of others who love festive drinks.

It’s open to all ages, and you don’t need any experience to have a good time.

Event details:

Date	Address	Time	Price	Where to stay nearby	Website
December 12, 2025	Delaware Technical Community College, 400 Stanton-Christiana Rd, Newark, DE 19713	4:00 PM – 7:00 PM	Free	Hotels near Stanton Campus	Delaware Tech Event Calendar

For more info and updates, just check the Delaware Tech Event Calendar.

8) Milton Holly Festival

Key Info

The Milton Holly Festival pops up in the heart of Milton, Delaware every December. It’s got a real small-town vibe, and around 3,000 people show up each year.

You’ll wander through booths of handmade goods and art from local makers. Admission won’t cost you a thing, so you can stroll in without worrying about tickets.

Events spread out across spots like the Fire Hall and Goshen Hall. These venues sit right in historic downtown Milton, making it easy to get around.

Food vendors serve up snacks and warm treats, which is always a win for families or anyone who gets hungry while browsing.

Here’s what you need to know to plan your visit:

Festival Date	Address	Times	Admission	Where to Stay Nearby	Official Site
December 13, 2025	116 Front Street, Milton, DE 19968	9:00 am – 3:00 pm	Free	Hotels in Milton	Milton Holly Festival

If you show up, you’ll feel the town’s holiday spirit and maybe learn a thing or two about Milton’s history as a big holly-growing center.

9) Ocean City’s Winterfest of Lights

Northside Park in Ocean City really lights up for Winterfest of Lights during the holidays. From November 21 to December 31, 2025, you’ll find over a million lights and tons of animated displays all over the park.

The event feels festive and welcomes both families and groups. You can stroll down the lit pathways, snap photos with Santa, and browse for gifts in the holiday shop.

Hot chocolate is always ready if you need to warm up. The lights glow from Wednesday to Sunday, 5:30 to 9:30 p.m., and every night between Christmas and New Year’s Eve.

If you’re thinking about going, here’s a quick look at the details:

Dates	Address	Times	Admission	Lodging Nearby	Official Website
Nov 21 – Dec 31, 2025	200 125th Street, Ocean City	Wed–Sun 5:30–9:30 PM; daily Dec 25–31	Visit event site for prices	Find hotels on Booking.com	Winterfest of Lights

Locals and visitors both love this tradition. It’s one of those events that keeps people coming back every year.

10) Dover’s Holiday Parade and Seasonal Market

If you’re after a classic holiday vibe, Dover’s Christmas Parade and Market bring that small-town feel. The parade heads through downtown on December 7, filling the streets with music, costumes, and themed floats.

Families turn out to watch local groups and performers pass by. It’s a fun evening and everyone seems to find something to enjoy.

Earlier in the day, you can check out the Christmas Market on 92 N West Street. Vendors line up with handmade crafts, gifts, and holiday treats.

It’s a great spot for unique presents or just to snack on something local. Rail Haus, the beer garden nearby, invites you to warm up with a seasonal drink and relax for a bit.

Here’s a quick guide to the day’s events:

Event	Date	Time	Address	Price	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
Holiday Parade	Dec 7, 2025	7:00 PM	Downtown Dover	Free	Hampton Inn Dover	Delaware Villages Events
Holiday Market	Dec 7, 2025	12:00 PM – 4:00 PM	92 N West St	Free Entry	Comfort Suites Dover	Christmas Markets Delaware

For more on Dover’s 2025 holiday schedule, check the event calendar. Both the parade and market are family-friendly and free, so you can just show up and join the fun.