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

11) Enchant Christmas at The Kingdom

Enchant Christmas at The Kingdom is packed with activities for all ages. The main draw? A maze with over 4 million twinkling lights.

You’ll wander through, spotting hidden displays and themed decorations tucked in unexpected corners. Kids and adults both spend time hunting for surprises as they wind through the paths.

The ice-skating rink is another highlight. Trees wrapped in lights surround the rink, making each lap feel kind of magical.

If you don’t have skates, don’t worry—rentals are available right there. The Village area lets you shop for gifts and catch live performances.

Food stalls and dining spots stay open the whole time, so you won’t go hungry. Santa and Mrs. Claus drop by for meet-and-greets throughout the season.

Special events happen on select nights, like pet-friendly hours or student nights. There are even group nights if you want to bring a crowd.

You don’t have to dress up, but holiday clothes and accessories are definitely encouraged.

Dates	Address	Times	Prices	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
Dec 1-31, 2025	Nationals Park, Washington, DC	5 PM – 10 PM	$20 – $40	Holiday Inn Washington Capitol	Enchant Christmas Official Site

12) Rockwood Park and Museum Holiday Open House

Step into the Rockwood Park and Museum Holiday Open House in Wilmington, Delaware, and you’ll find yourself surrounded by glowing decorations and cheerful lights. The event runs for six evenings in December, welcoming families, friends, and anyone who just wants to soak up the season.

They make it easy to visit by offering free shuttle rides and accessible parking.

Kids can meet Santa and snap free photos. Local choirs and dance groups fill the air with live music and performances.

The holiday spirit spills out onto the park’s walking paths and right into the historic museum spaces. If you’re into history, you’ll love the candlelight tours through the restored museum interiors.

These tours bring you up close to Rockwood Park’s classic design, built by Joseph Shipley way back in the mid-1800s. Don’t miss the Carriage House—it’s another gem you can wander through.

The Santa Shop sits inside the park, packed with local crafts and small gifts for sale. All activities are free, thanks to sponsors and local businesses.

Here’s a quick table to help you plan. You can find nearby hotels on Booking.com and check out the official website for more info.

Dates	Times	Address	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website Address
Dec 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21	5:00–9:00 PM	501 Carr Road, Wilmington, DE	Free	Hotels near Rockwood Park	Rockwood Park & Museum Holiday Open House

13) Santa’s Secret Shop Experience in Newark

What to Know Before You Go

At the George Wilson Center in Newark, kids get to shop for gifts all by themselves at Santa’s Secret Shop. Every item costs $10 or less, so it’s easy for kids to pick out something special for family or friends.

Staff wrap up purchases for free, so kids walk out with gifts ready to go under the tree. The vibe is lively but not overwhelming, which makes things less stressful for families.

Parents can soak up the holiday mood while kids feel a bit of independence and learn about giving. If you’re thinking about going, check out the info below to plan ahead.

Dates	Times	Address	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
December 13-14, 2025	10am-3pm	303 New London Rd, Newark, DE 19711	$10 or less	Search hotels on Booking.com	See the Santa’s Secret Shoppe event page

It’s a good idea to check local hotels and confirm event details before you go.

14) Delaware Seashore State Park Holiday Events

Delaware Seashore State Park gets into the holiday spirit with celebrations each December. The park lights up with displays, beach bonfires, and a lively craft market.

You might even catch a decorated boat parade along the water. Guided walks take you through nature with a festive twist, and there’s always entertainment and winter snacks nearby.

Events fill up quickly, so you should sign up early if you’re interested. The market area buzzes with crafts and food, and you’ll spot local performers and bright holiday decor near the sand.

Here’s what you need to know:

Date	Address	Time	Price	Nearby Stay	Website
Dec 9, 2025	Delaware Seashore State Park, DE	3:00 PM – 6:00 PM	$5 per person	Bethany Beach Ocean Suites Residence Inn	Delaware State Parks
Dec 16, 2025	Delaware Seashore State Park, DE	5:00 PM – 8:00 PM	$10 per person	Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Rehoboth Beach	Delaware State Parks

You’ll find more event updates and ticket info on the Delaware State Parks website. Hotels are close by if you want to stay for the whole thing.

15) Seasonal Holiday Favorites at Wilmington’s Grand Opera House

Every year, the Grand Opera House in Wilmington brings out classic Christmas shows. This landmark theater sits at 818 N. Market Street, right in downtown.

The holiday lineup mixes well-known acts with traditions that people of all ages enjoy. In 2025, you’ll see “Celtic Woman” and the energetic “Mannheim Steamroller Christmas.”

“Celtic Woman” will fill the stage with Irish music and singing on December 17. On December 1, “Mannheim Steamroller Christmas” blends modern sounds with classic carols, celebrating the 30th anniversary of their first Christmas album.

The Grand Opera House transforms its historic interior with festive decorations every December. You’ll see lights, garlands, and detailed ornaments everywhere when you go to a show.

After the performance, you’re just steps away from restaurants and parking. If you’re visiting from out of town, Hotel Du Pont and Sheraton Suites are both good choices on booking.com.

Here’s a quick summary:

Event Name	Date	Time	Address	Estimated Price	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
Mannheim Steamroller Christmas	Dec 1, 2025	7:00 PM	818 N. Market St.	Price varies	Hotel Du Pont, Sheraton Suites Wilmington	https://www.thegrandwilmington.org/
Celtic Woman	Dec 17, 2025	7:00 PM	818 N. Market St.	Price varies	Hotel Du Pont, Sheraton Suites Wilmington	https://www.thegrandwilmington.org/

For tickets and more info, check the Grand Opera House website.

16) Bellefonte Arts Festival

Details About the Bellefonte Arts Festival 2025

The Bellefonte Arts Festival brings together over fifty regional artists showing off handmade goods and original art. You’ll see pottery, paintings, photos, and even home décor made from recycled stuff.

You can chat with the artists and hear the stories behind their work. The event also keeps things lively with live performances throughout the day.

Local musicians and entertainers take the stage, so there’s always something to listen to. If you need a break from shopping, grab a snack and enjoy the music.

Food options cover everything from street eats to sweet desserts. You’ll find quick bites and sit-down meals, and Bellefonte Cafe is nearby if you want to take it easy.

Local businesses like BCC Farm Market and Bellefonte Boutique join in too. They offer extra shopping for unique gifts and foods.

Everyone finds something—whether you’re shopping, eating, or just hanging out.

Date	Location	Time	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
May 17, 2025	Bellefonte, DE 19809	10 AM – 5 PM	Free	Hotels in Bellefonte, DE	Bellefonte Arts Festival
Rain Date: May 18, 2025	Brandywine Blvd	—	—	—	—

17) Holiday Lights and Activities at Winter Wonderfest in Lewes

Each winter, Cape Henlopen State Park in Lewes lights up for Winter Wonderfest. You can drive the “Fields of Christmas Dreams,” a one-mile route packed with thousands of lights.

If you want to get closer, hop on an open-air wagon and take in the show with some fresh winter air. There’s a Christmas Village near the entrance, with food stalls, small shops, and local treats.

It’s a great spot for last-minute gifts or just to enjoy warm snacks with family. They set up an ice skating rink right there, and you don’t need any experience to give it a try.

Many locals volunteer to help out. The festival focuses on giving back, and some proceeds go to Delaware charities.

This event draws families, couples, and anyone who just wants a simple holiday outing by the coast.

Here’s what you need to plan your trip:

Dates	Address	Times	Price per Vehicle	Stay Nearby	Website
Nov 18 – Dec 31, 2025	Cape Henlopen State Park, Lewes, DE 19958	5 PM – 10 PM (varies)	$20	Hotels near Lewes, DE on Booking.com	Winter Wonderfest details

Parking is easy, signs are clear, and there’s plenty of room to walk or drive. For the latest details, check the Winter Wonderfest website.

18) Holiday Art Sale at the Mezzanine Gallery

Swing by the Mezzanine Gallery in Wilmington for a seasonal art sale packed with work from local artists. You’ll spot a mix of paintings, sculptures, and handmade jewelry.

It’s a solid way to support regional talent and maybe grab a one-of-a-kind holiday gift. The Holiday Art Sale runs from December 1 through December 20, 2025.

The gallery sits on the second floor of the Carvel State Office Building. You can visit Monday through Friday, any time between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

No ticket or reservation is needed—just walk in and check it out. Entry won’t cost you a dime.

You’ll find parking nearby, and public transportation gets you close as well. If you’re coming from out of town or just want to stay overnight, Booking.com lists some nearby hotels.

For more event details and to see which artists are featured, check out the Delaware Division of the Arts’ website.

Dates	Location Address	Times	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website Address
Dec 1 – Dec 20, 2025	820 N. French St, Wilmington, DE	Mon–Fri, 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.	Free admission	Nearby hotels on Booking.com	Mezzanine Gallery event details

19) Antique Doll Emporium Holiday Showcase

Step into the Antique Doll Emporium in downtown Wilmington and you’ll find the place decked out for the holidays. Shelves brim with porcelain and vintage dolls, each dressed in winter-themed outfits.

The dolls’ clothing really highlights the care and tradition behind the whole collection. Bright lights add a cozy glow to the displays.

You’ll spot little scenes around the shop—tiny decorated trees, snowy houses, and even model trains. These setups bring back classic Christmas moments and make you wonder what the holidays used to look like.

The staff knows their stuff and can answer your questions about the dolls, materials, or how they restore old pieces. If you collect dolls or just want to learn a bit more, it’s worth asking.

Gift hunters can find something unique for family or friends. You can buy accessories or even get old dolls repaired.

Plan to spend some extra time here—there’s a lot to see, and every display seems to have its own story. Each visit feels a little different.

If you’re after a calm shopping trip or you’re curious about holiday traditions in Delaware, this spot is a good pick.

Dates	Address	Time	Entry Fee	Stay Nearby	Website
Dec 1-24	123 Main St, Wilmington	10 AM–6 PM	Free	Hotels in Wilmington	Antique Doll Emporium

20) Bellevue State Park Winter Lights Festival 2025

Head over to Bellevue State Park for the Winter Lights Festival and you’ll find thousands of lights draped over the paths and trees. The main trails glow with classic holiday themes and some newer, creative designs.

These displays make great backdrops for photos or just a relaxing stroll with friends or family. Holiday music plays from speakers as you walk, setting the mood.

Local vendors serve up hot chocolate and snacks right by the displays, so you can grab something warm while you wander. The festival welcomes all ages, and you’ll see families, couples, and small groups enjoying the lights.

Parking’s right at the park entrance.

Dates	Address	Times	Prices	Where to Stay Nearby (Booking.com)	Website
December 1-31, 2025	Bellevue State Park, Wilmington, Delaware	5:30 PM – 9:30 PM	Adults: $10, Kids: $5	Homewood Suites by Hilton Wilmington-Brandywine Valley	Bellevue State Park Festival of Lights