Your Ultimate Guide To Winter Attractions And Activities In Delaware
Lisa Sammons
Author
If you’re reading this, we know it’s likely that you already love Delaware. Whether you’ve lived here for decades or just visit on occasion, it’s likely that you’re well aware of what winter in Delaware is like. We might be fairly far north, but thanks to our close proximity to the water, we have milder temperatures than some of our neighbors, and also get less snowfall. Even so, there are plenty of great Delaware winter activities for the whole family to enjoy. There are so many fun things to do in Delaware in winter, and we love how beautiful the state gets when all decked out for the holidays. Here’s a definitive guide to all the best winter attractions in Delaware:
Holiday Events In Delaware
No matter your age, many of us think of the holidays in Delaware as the best season of all. Whether or not we get a white Christmas, we typically have pretty chilly temperatures, and we always have amazing holiday lights, Christmas trees, winter festivals, and more. Many of the best free things to do in Delaware in winter are held around the holiday season, and there’s no end to all the great holiday events in Delaware. Check out these First State musts to make your season merry and bright:
1. The Spirit of Christmas
If you love that old-timey Victorian Christmas feel you get from reading a Charles Dickens novel, then The Spirit of Christmas is right up your alley. This event takes over the entire town of New Castle, and you'll find everything from craft vendors to tea services to old-fashioned caroling. Many of the town's historic home museums are open free of charge during this time: it's one of our favorite free things to do in Delaware in winter. This is such a charming event. You can learn more from the Spirit of Christmas Celebration Facebook page.
2. Holiday Lights Express
Riding a train at any time of year is a fun activity that brings up childlike feelings of wonder, but riding it at Christmas when it's all decked out in holiday lights is truly another experience all together. That's just what you'll get with a ride on the Holiday Lights Express from Wilmington and Western Railroad. This is one of our favorite train rides in the entire mid-Atlantic, and it's an especially fun treat for kids. The event often sells out, so make sure to purchase tickets on the Wilmington and Western Railroad website.
3. Holiday Tours at Nemours
Nemours Estate puts on a holiday celebration like nowhere else. This is a great year-round destination, and the 77 rooms are meticulously decorated, no matter the season. But come Christmastime, it's truly incredible. Each of the estate's 20 fireplaces are all decked out for the season, and there are lights and tasteful Victorian decorations everywhere. It looks straight out of a Hallmark card, and belongs on every Delawarean's holiday bucket list. Get more information from the Nemours Estate website.
4. Yuletide at Winterthur
Winterthur is another of the best year-round attractions in Delaware, and there's nothing like seeing this magnificent estate all decked out for Yuletide celebrations. The vintage decor is stunning, with trees, lights, and decorations everywhere you look. Winterthur has the largest collection of Americana in the world and there's plenty on display here for the holidays. Each room is decorated to reflect a different time period, so it's almost like a walk through history. You can purchase tickets in advance on the Winterthur website.
Christmas Towns In Delaware
Nothing will make you feel like you stepped into a winter wonderland more than visiting one of the many great Christmas villages in Delaware. The winter season is such a magical time, and even the Grinch would have trouble staying stone-faced at some of these cheerful towns! One of our favorite family things to do in Delaware in winter is visit a Christmas town. Here are a few of our favorites:
5. New Castle
No list of Delaware Christmas towns would be complete without New Castle. We already mentioned the Spirit of Christmas celebration that takes over the entire town. You'll find practically ever historic building here all decorated for the season, making you feel like you stepped directly into a snow globe even when there's no actual snowfall outside. There are costumed actor everywhere, and A Christmas Carol is even reenacted right in the town's streets. Step into the local churches to enjoy cookies and cocoa. This is such a magical town with so much to offer!
6. Odessa
Odessa is a tiny town that isn't even home to 400 residents, but it's one of the top Christmas attractions in the state. Christmas in Odessa is a self-guided walking tour that takes you through all the splendors of the town, which is full of historic homes. You'll enjoy a concert, cookies and cocoa, and a visit with Santa and his elves. Purchase tickets in advance to receive a discount at the Christmas in Odessa website.
7. Milford
Milford is truly one of the most charming Christmas towns in Delaware. The city is packed with things to do, like fun winter events, decorated storefronts, and more. Small Business Saturday is always a big hit here, and a great reason to support local businesses and restaurants. The annual Holiday Stroll and Christmas Market are a highlight off the holidays. Even the local library gets into the spirit by setting up a Christmas tree trail with beautiful evergreens all decked out for the season. Learn more from the Milford, DE website.
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8. Lewes
Lewes is a magical city at any time of year, and come Christmas, it's one of the most twinkliest towns in the Mid-Atlantic. The Christmas parade here has been going on for more than 80 years. You'll also get to enjoy a huge tree and even a charming Christmas village that's perfect for the little ones. Winter Wonderfest in nearby Milton is an annual lights spectacular that really sets the tone for the whole season - it takes place for over a month. Learn more from the Winter Wonderfest Facebook page.
Outdoor Activities
We all know that Delaware has some of the best scenery in America, and many of our most beautiful spots can be quite secluded during the off season. A weekend getaway to Delaware beaches in the wintertime is certainly a lot less crowded than trying to visit in the middle of summer. Whether you’re looking for ice skating, snowshoeing, or just want to enjoy the sights, here are some of our favorite outdoor activities in Delaware in the winter:
9. Visit a beach.
Whether you're headed to Rehoboth Beach, Bethany Beach, or Cape Henlopen State Park, there are a variety of amazing beaches in the First State that are just as special in the winter. These are popular destinations in the summer, attracting visitors from all over the country. Not many people think to come here in the off season, but it's a magical time to experience the sandy beaches. The crowds are smaller, and while the boardwalks certainly look a little different with most of the shops closed, a visit to the beach in winter is always a unique experience. The lower prices and lack of crowds make Delaware beaches in winter a wonderful day trip.
10. Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge Drive
Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge is truly one of the most beautiful places in Delaware. This 15,000-acre paradise draws visitors from far and wide throughout the year, eager to check out the scenery and catch a glimpse of the many birds that live here. Many think to explore the refuge during the warm-weather months, but it's just as beautiful in the winter. There are walking trails to check out on warmer days, but the park is also home to a scenic drive that lets you explore the park from the comfort of your car. Learn more from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service website.
11. Hike down our state park trails.
One of our favorite free things to do in Delaware during winter is visit the First State's many beautiful state parks. It's pretty impressive that we have 17 state parks within our tiny borders. There's a lot to see here, whether you're looking for riverfront views or just want to go wildlife-spotting. There's no entrance fee charged during the winter months, making this a wonderful value. These parks are wonderful places to get in touch with nature and spend some time outdoors during any season. Get more information about the many state parks in Delaware from the Delaware Department of Natural Resources website.
Winter Getaways
Many of us think of the warm months as the time for multi-day escapes, but there’s no reason to stay at home just because the temperatures are low. There are so many wonderful American getaways to enjoy in the First State during the winter months. If you’re looking for something longer than a day trip, here are some of our favorite inns and bed and breakfasts in Delaware to enjoy in the winter:
12. The Inn at Montchanin Village and Spa
The Inn At Montchanin is one of the most magnificent places to stay in Delaware no matter the season, but it's especially magical when all decked out for winter. The inviting rooms are perfect for a relaxing stay, and you can enjoy amenities like a spa and on-site French restaurant. The holiday season features a bevy of decorations that will put anyone into the Christmas spirit. To book a stay, check out The Inn At Montchanin on Booking.com.
13. Causey Mansion Bed & Breakfast
This bed and breakfast is absolutely magnificent! The gardens are perfect for a stroll, and the 1763 mansion is decorated with antique furnishings that will make you feel like you stepped back in time. It's beautiful to visit at any time of year (and surprisingly affordable). There's something about a historic home all decked out with Christmas lights that makes visiting in the winter even more magical. Book a stay at the Causey Mansion Bed and Breakfast website.
14. Suite (Vrbo)
This upscale suite is the perfect place to stay in Lewes, DE this winter. It's got an extremely walkable location, and you'll be within easy reach of shops, restaurants, and even the beach. It's a beautiful home base for all your area adventures. Book a stay at the property's Vrbo listing.
15. Beach Cottage (Vrbo)
The beach certainly looks a lot different during the off-season, but the benefits of lower prices and thinner crowds makes for a pleasant trip. This homey apartment is just steps away from the ocean, and it's even pet-friendly. To book a stay, check out the property's Vrbo listing.
Winter in Delaware can be a drag for those who prefer the warm weather and beach life, but even so, there’s so much to love about the season. Landmarks like Kent County and Wilmington, DE manage to look even more beautiful when surrounded by festive winter cheer and snow, and our tax-free stores make picking up Christmas gifts all the more affordable.
If you do decide to hit the road for traveling, make sure to take the weather into account by practicing smart winter packing. Don’t let the cold stop you: it’s time for adventure!
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