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

31) Seaford’s Victorian Candlelight Holiday

You get a real taste of history at Seaford’s Victorian Candlelight Holiday at Governor Ross Mansion and Plantation. The event takes you back to Christmas in the 1800s.

Every room is decorated in Victorian style, with candles and lights casting a warm, gentle glow through the house. Actors in vintage clothes bring the past to life as you walk through the mansion.

Live music fits the historic setting, and you’ll learn about Victorian traditions and the people who lived in Seaford long ago. The guided tour gives more details about the rooms and the Ross family’s story.

Kids and adults will find plenty to check out, including lights on the mansion’s grounds. Hot cocoa and seasonal treats are available.

Musicians play songs from the period, which really adds to the atmosphere. The setting is perfect for photos, especially with the mansion all lit up after dark.

The evening moves at a slower, peaceful pace—not like your usual modern holiday event. For more details, check with the Seaford Historical Society.

Event Details:

Date	Address	Time	Price	Where to Stay Nearby (booking.com)	Website
December 2-3, 2025	585 North Market Street, Ext. Seaford, DE 19973	4 PM – 8 PM	$10 (Adults), $5 (Children)	Hotels in Seaford, DE	Seaford’s Victorian Candlelight Holiday

32) Victorian Holiday Downtown Event in Dover

Step into a 19th-century holiday scene at the Victorian event in downtown Dover. As you wander the decorated streets, actors in classic costumes act out scenes from A Christmas Carol.

You might bump into Scrooge or Tiny Tim while exploring. Carolers sing live, and theater groups perform, giving you a peek at old-fashioned holiday traditions.

Local market stalls line the streets with handmade crafts and quirky gifts. There’s a good chance you’ll find something truly unique for the season.

Try holiday foods like warm cocoa and other winter treats. There’s a little something for everyone, so families often come to try something different for Christmas.

Here’s what you need to know:

Dates	Address	Times	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website Address
December 8, 2025	123 Main Street, Dover, DE	10:00 AM – 6:00 PM	Free Admission	Hotels in Dover	Victorian holiday event

If you want updates on performances or last-minute details, check the official holiday website.

33) Edgewater Park Christmas Festival

Experience a classic holiday outing at the Edgewater Park Christmas Festival in Bear, Delaware. Bright lights and local crafters come together with fun, family-friendly events.

Rows of booths show off handmade gifts and seasonal snacks. Live performances fill the evening with festive energy.

Kids can meet Santa or get their faces painted with holiday designs. Hot cocoa is everywhere—and honestly, who can resist?

The festival welcomes groups of all sizes, so you can bring friends or family and relax together. If you’re coming from out of town, Glasgow Park sits right along US Route 40.

Several hotel options are nearby, and Booking.com usually has some solid picks.

Dates	Address	Times	Prices	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
December 13-14, 2025	Glasgow Park, US Route 40, Bear, DE	5:00 PM – 8:00 PM	Free Admission	Hotels near Bear on Booking.com	Event details

Admission is free. For updates or new programs, check the official event site.

34) Winter Craft Fair at Delcastle Technical High School

Each year, Delcastle Technical High School becomes a local hub with its Winter Craft Fair. Over 70 vendors show off handmade items like jewelry, gifts, and home decorations.

Walk through the fair and you’ll see artisans at their booths, chatting about their work. Families and kids come to browse, and you’ll catch children sipping hot chocolate while parents hunt for holiday gifts.

The vibe is simple and comfortable. There’s no entry fee, so you can drop in without a second thought.

The event runs November 16th from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in Wilmington. Many people spend a few hours shopping or talking with the makers.

Need a place to stay? The Courtyard by Marriott Wilmington Newark is nearby and easy to book on Booking.com.

Full event details are on the Delcastle’s Holiday Craft Fair website.

Date	Address	Time	Price	Lodging Option	Website
November 16, 2025	1417 Newport Rd, Wilmington, DE	9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.	Free Admission	Courtyard by Marriott Wilmington Newark	https://delcastle.nccvt.k12.de.us/apps/news/article/1944731

35) Villages at Five Points Holiday Market

The Villages at Five Points Holiday Market in Lewes, Delaware, brings out a traditional festive vibe. Decorated stalls glow under string lights, and vendors sell handmade goods like jewelry, scarves, and ornaments.

While you walk around, the smell of fresh cider and cocoa is everywhere. Kids can visit Santa, hop on the carousel, or join in easy holiday craft projects.

The market’s set up for families to spend time together. You’ll also catch live entertainment—local choirs singing holiday tunes and seasonal dance shows.

Events happen in an accessible area with open pathways and plenty of space to gather.

Here’s what to expect:

Dates	Times	Address	Price	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
December 1 – December 24, 2025	Daily: 10am – 8pm	17314 N Village Main Blvd, Lewes, DE 19958	Free Entry	Book hotels in Lewes, Delaware	Villages at Five Points Christmas Market

It’s a relaxed, no-pressure holiday shopping spot. Open every day, and you don’t have to pay to get in.

36) Live Nativity at Newark United Methodist Church

Watch the Christmas story come alive at the Live Nativity at Newark United Methodist Church. You’ll find this event right in downtown Newark, just a short walk from the University of Delaware.

Actors play the Holy Family, wise men, and shepherds, and real animals add to the scene. The family-friendly event draws visitors of all ages.

As you stroll through, festive decorations and seasonal music fill the air. It’s a great place for memorable family photos.

The event feels warm and welcoming, encouraging everyone to connect with local traditions.

Here’s the info you’ll need:

Dates	Time	Location	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Church Website
December 16-18, 2025	6:00 PM – 8:00 PM	69 East Main Street, Newark, DE 19711	Free	Hotels in Newark, DE	Newark United Methodist Church

You can find more details on the Newark United Methodist Church’s event page.

37) Christmas Spirits Night at Painted Stave

At Painted Stave Distilling in Smyrna, you’ll find a holiday event that’s all about handcrafted drinks and local flavor. The evening features seasonal cocktails—think spiced gin or bourbon eggnog—all made with spirits from the distillery.

You’ll also spot local beers and wines if cocktails aren’t your thing. Live music and holiday decorations set the mood, making it a laid-back place to meet friends or just unwind.

The distillery sells personalized bottles and branded gifts, so it’s easy to pick up unique holiday presents for someone special.

Painted Stave is designed for a relaxed, festive night. There’s no entry fee; you just pay for what you order.

If you’re traveling, you’ll find plenty of lodging nearby. For updates and more info, check the Painted Stave website.

Date	Address	Times	Prices	Nearby Stay	Website
December 15th, 2025	106 W. Commerce St., Smyrna, DE	5 PM – 9 PM	Free entry; items priced per menu	Hotels in Smyrna	Painted Stave Distilling

38) Fort Dupont Holiday Market

Check out the Fort Dupont Holiday Market in Wilmington, Delaware. Local vendors fill the space with handmade crafts, baked treats, and holiday gifts.

Food stalls serve up seasonal favorites like hot chocolate and cookies, perfect for a quick snack while you shop. Live music and bright decorations bring the grounds to life.

Kids can do holiday crafts, get their faces painted, or meet Santa. The market welcomes everyone and has plenty to keep both kids and adults entertained.

Here’s what you need to plan your visit:

Date	Address	Time	Price	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
December 14, 2025	Fort Dupont, Wilmington, DE 19801	10 AM – 5 PM	Free Entry	Hotels near Fort Dupont	Fort Dupont Holiday Market

39) Christina Park Winter Festival

Step into a sparkling holiday scene at the Christina Park Winter Festival. Vendor stalls glow with lights, and holiday music drifts through the air.

This annual Wilmington event draws people from all over Delaware. Kids can do crafts, get their faces painted, or go on carnival rides.

Local vendors sell seasonal foods, hot drinks, and handmade gifts. Adults and families often try the ice skating rink, which stays open during festival hours.

Santa Claus hangs out near the entrance for photos and wish lists. On weekends, local musicians and choirs perform holiday songs in the main space.

Each night after sunset, a light show adds extra magic to the park.

Here’s the info for your visit:

Dates	Address	Times	Entry Price	Where to Stay Nearby	Website Link
November 18 – December 31, 2025	Christina Park, Wilmington, DE	Mon–Fri: 5 PM – 9 PM	Adults: $10, Kids (under 12): $5	Nearby hotels	Event website
			Ice Skating: $15 per hour

40) Wilmington Riverfront Parade of Holiday Lights

When winter rolls in, Wilmington Riverwalk lights up with thousands of holiday lights for the Parade of Lights. The two-mile path along the Christina River bursts with colorful displays and suddenly, the whole area feels transformed. Trees and poles glow with carefully wrapped lights, and honestly, evening strolls just hit different here.

One of the coolest parts? The boat parade. Lighted boats glide down the river, making the water shimmer and reflecting all those decorations above. People line up along the banks just to catch the unique designs drifting by.

Along the riverwalk, you’ll spot photo-worthy holiday decorations everywhere. Live music plays, food vendors set up shop, and the air gets that festival buzz. Kids can join in activities or say hi to Santa Claus. The Riverfront just feels alive and extra friendly during this stretch of the year.

Thinking about visiting? Here’s what you need to know:

Dates	Address	Times	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website Address
Nov 24, 2025 – Jan 7, 2026	Wilmington Riverwalk, Wilmington, DE	Evening	Free	Booking.com hotels near Wilmington Riverwalk	Holiday events and lights

No ticket needed—just show up. Everyone’s welcome, so it works for families, friends, or anyone who wants to soak up the lights and river views. The mix of activities and atmosphere really sets this one apart from other holiday events in town.