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

61) You’ll Be Amazed: Delaware Light Displays

All through December, parks and streets in Delaware shine with bright light displays for the holiday season.

Rose Tree Park throws a Festival of Lights—you’ll see decorated trees glowing every night.

The event runs all month in Media, just over the state line, and everyone’s welcome for free.

Walk the paths and check out all the colors and styles.

In Wilmington, Rockwood Park & Museum puts on evening light shows and offers mansion tours on select nights.

These evenings mix history with a festive feel. It’s $10 per person, and you get to stroll the historic grounds under the lights.

Hagley Museum also hosts Twilight Tours.

You can wander the property after dark, with glowing lights making things extra magical. Tours run on certain December nights, and tickets cost $8.

Here’s a quick table to help you plan:

Event	Dates	Address	Time	Price	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
Rose Tree Park Festival of Lights	All December	1671 N Providence Rd, Media	5:30–9:30 PM	Free	Rose Tree Inn	Festival of Lights
Rockwood Park & Museum Light Displays	Dec. 10, 11, 17, 18	4651 Washington St Ext, Wilmington	Evenings	$10	Sheraton Suites Wilmington	Rockwood Park & Museum
Hagley Museum Twilight Tours	Dec. 13, 15, 20, 22, 27, 29	200 Hagley Creek Rd, Wilmington	5–8 PM	$8	The Westin Wilmington	Hagley Museum

You’ll get a chance to see Delaware’s city lights and local traditions in a chill, easygoing setting.

62) Santa’s Wonderland Holiday Experience at Cabela’s

Santa’s Wonderland at Cabela’s is always a hit with families.

You can stop by between November 2 and December 24, 2025.

The whole setup lets you meet Santa and snap a free photo with him.

No age limits, and you don’t pay for pictures.

Kids can write letters to Santa or dive into some simple holiday crafts.

They hand out free giveaways for kids, while supplies last.

You’ll see plenty of classic decorations and a few interactive displays, so the place feels lively. Some locations even bring in live entertainment.

Santa arrives on November 2, and a festive parade kicks things off. After that, the event runs every day.

Santa’s schedule changes, so check the reservation system online.

You’ll need to reserve a spot for photos if you want to guarantee your time.

Nearby hotels like Courtyard by Marriott and Hampton Inn are easy to book through Booking.com.

Before you go, double-check Cabela’s Santa’s Wonderland hours and details.

Dates	Address	Times	Price	Nearby Lodging	Website
Nov 2 – Dec 24, 2025	See Cabela’s local site	Varies daily	Free photos	Courtyard by Marriott, Hampton Inn (Booking.com)	https://www.cabelas.com/b/santas-wonderland

63) Wilmington & Western Railroad Holiday Train Ride

Climb aboard the Wilmington & Western Railroad for a classic holiday train ride through the scenic Brandywine Valley. Vintage steam trains glow with colorful lights, setting the stage for a cozy, memorable journey.

You can pick between two main experiences: the Santa Claus Express or the Holiday Lights Express. Both trains come decked out with thousands of twinkling lights, really amping up the festive mood.

On the Santa Claus Express, Santa himself stops by to greet the kids and hand out a little seasonal treat. The ride moves at a relaxed pace, so you’ll have time to snap photos and take in the winter landscape.

If you hop on the Holiday Lights Express in the evening, you’ll get to see even more dazzling light displays along the way.

Historic Red Clay Valley Inc. manages the railroad, and members get reduced fares. Membership also gets you discounts at the gift shop and on special caboose rentals.

Train rides run from December 1 through December 23, 2025. You’ll find all the details—locations, times, ticket prices—pretty easy to plan around.

Most rides leave from 2201 Newport Gap Pike in Wilmington, Delaware. Tickets are simple: adults pay $20, kids under 12 are $15, and children under 2 ride free.

If you need a place to stay, check out the DoubleTree by Hilton Wilmington or Courtyard Wilmington Brandywine. More info is on the Wilmington & Western Railroad site.

Dates	Address	Time	Prices	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
Dec 1-23, 2025	2201 Newport Gap Pike, Wilmington, DE 19808	Varies	Adults: $20, Children: $15, Under 2: Free	DoubleTree by Hilton Wilmington, Courtyard Wilmington Brandywine	Wilmington & Western Railroad

64) Holiday Open House at Governor’s Residence

Every year, the Pennsylvania Governor’s Residence opens its doors for the Holiday Open House. You get to walk through rooms decorated with Christmas trees, string lights, and all sorts of festive displays.

Volunteers and staff pour their creativity into the holiday décor. The open house welcomes everyone, so bring your family or friends if you want.

You can snap photos, wander at your own pace, and maybe pick up a few new decorating ideas for your own home. Entry is free and you don’t need tickets.

The event gets pretty busy, so showing up early can help you avoid the biggest crowds. Always double-check the official website for any last-minute changes.

Date	Address	Time	Price	Stay Nearby (Booking.com)	Website
December 2, 2025	2035 North Front Street, Harrisburg, PA 17102	12 PM – 6 PM	Free	Hilton Harrisburg, Crowne Plaza Harrisburg	Governor’s Residence Holiday Open House

For the latest details, check the event’s official page.

65) Delaware Children’s Museum Holiday Craft Workshop 2025

The Delaware Children’s Museum hosts a Christmas craft event for families with kids of all ages. You can join hands-on sessions and create holiday-themed crafts.

Activities include ornament making, card decorating, and even building detailed gingerbread houses. The museum provides all the supplies, so you don’t need to bring anything.

Museum staff guide each session and help everyone, no matter your skill level. It’s a fun way to spend time together and get creative as a family.

You’ll need to pay a small admission fee for the workshop, and it runs for several hours during the day. That gives you plenty of time to drop in and join the fun.

Here are the event details and some nearby hotel suggestions:

Date	Address	Time	Price	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
December 16, 2025	550 Justison St, Wilmington, DE	10 AM – 3 PM	$5 admission	View hotels near the museum	Delaware Children’s Museum

66) Christmas Eve Eve Celebration at Ewell’s St. Paul’s United Methodist

Ewell’s St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in Clayton, Delaware, hosts a warm and inviting Christmas Eve Eve celebration. People of all ages gather for a night filled with music and holiday spirit.

You’ll hear classic carols and sometimes a live performance—maybe even the acoustic “Breath of Heaven.” It’s an evening that sticks with you, whether you’re a visitor or a local.

The church community comes together to support families in need by handing out school supplies and gift boxes. This adds a meaningful touch and highlights the generous spirit of the season.

If you want to join a caring group and help others, you might find this event especially rewarding. The evening’s activities make it easy to kick off your holiday celebrations.

You can sing along, watch a nativity play, and reflect on what the season means to you. The setting feels friendly and open, and families are more than welcome.

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

Date	Address	Time	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
December 23, 2025	401 West Main Street, Clayton, DE	7:00 PM	Free	Hotels in Clayton	Ewell’s St. Paul UMC

67) Dewey Beach Holiday Market

Event Information

The Dewey Beach Holiday Market pops up right in the center of Dewey Beach. This local event feels relaxed and gives you a chance to shop for unique gifts while soaking up the holiday vibe.

Vendors set up stalls with handmade crafts, local art, and seasonal snacks. The market really highlights Delaware’s creative side, so you might find gifts you wouldn’t spot anywhere else.

Live music and holiday shows keep things upbeat. Santa Claus usually drops by for the kids.

Food stalls serve up hot chocolate and festive treats, making the shopping experience even better. The simple decorations and friendly vendors make everyone feel welcome.

Admission is free, so you can just wander in and enjoy.

Dates	Address	Times	Cost	Nearby Hotels	Website
December 16, 2025	105 Rodney Ave, Dewey Beach, DE	10 AM – 5 PM	Free Admission	Browse Dewey Beach hotels	More about Dewey Beach Holiday Market

If you’re coming from out of town, it’s smart to book a hotel in advance. Dewey Beach has plenty of nearby options.

68) Laurel Historical Society Christmas Home Tour

The Laurel Historical Society Christmas Home Tour invites you to step inside some of Laurel, Delaware’s most charming decorated homes. Each house on the tour shows off local architecture and holiday decorations that blend tradition with the area’s personality.

Organizers pick every home for its historical value and then dress it up for the season. The event returns for 2025 after a five-year break and happens on December 13, from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

As you walk from house to house, you’ll notice each place has its own story. Homeowners and volunteers often share details about the history and restoration.

You can grab refreshments at a few stops, giving you a chance to relax and chat with locals or fellow visitors. The event feels friendly and social, so it’s great for family or friends.

Tickets usually sell out before the event, so buying early is a good idea. Proceeds support the Laurel Historical Society’s work to preserve local history.

Date	Location	Time	Price	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
Dec 13, 2025	Laurel, DE	1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.	TBD	Booking.com Laurel hotels	Laurel Historical Society Holiday Home Tour

69) Bethel United Methodist Christmas Craft Village in 2025

If you’re heading to Columbus in November, you might want to stop by Bethel United Methodist Church for the Christmas Craft Village. Every year, more than 100 vendors show up with handmade crafts.

You’ll find jewelry, ornaments, and holiday decorations—perfect for gifts or just to keep for yourself. Live Christmas music fills the air and keeps things festive.

Local artisans offer a wide range of goods, and both community members and out-of-towners are welcome. Special presale admission is free for veterans, teachers, seniors, and emergency personnel.

Entry at the door ranges from free to $5, depending on when you arrive and who you are. The venue is accessible, and staff are happy to answer any questions.

If you need a place to stay nearby, booking.com lists plenty of options.

Date	Address	Time	Price	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
November 10-11, 2025	1220 Bethel Rd, Columbus, OH	1:30 PM – 4:30 PM	Free–$5	Hotels near Bethel Rd, Columbus	Bethel Holiday Market

For more info and updates, visit the Bethel Holiday Market website.

70) Holiday Pops Concert with the Delaware Symphony Orchestra

If you’re in Wilmington for the holidays, consider catching the Holiday Pops concert by the Delaware Symphony Orchestra. The concert happens on December 12, 2025, at the historic Hotel du Pont and starts at 7:00 PM.

Professional musicians play a mix of holiday favorites and classical pieces, including Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto No. 3. You’ll also hear vocal performances from talented singers like baritone Grant Youngblood.

Families are welcome, and ticket prices depend on where you want to sit.

Date	Time	Location	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
Dec 12, 2025	7:00 PM	Hotel du Pont, Wilmington, DE	Varies	Stay near Hotel du Pont	Delaware Symphony Orchestra