Christmas in Delaware is truly magical! During the holiday season, towns throughout the state are decked out in twinkling lights and yuletide décor. But there’s more to Christmas in Delaware than festive sights. Lots of towns celebrate the season with fun festivities, which run the gamut, from historic tours of colonial homes to twinkling train rides and everything in between. Not sure where to begin your search for the best Christmas towns in Delaware? Visit a Christmas village listed below to start:

1. New Castle
Facebook / New Castle Historical Society
New Castle, DE 19720, USA
Facebook / New Castle Historical Society
New Castle is one of the most charming Christmas towns in Delaware, and much of it is due to the New Castle Historical Society's efforts to preserve the colonial history and tradition of Old New Castle. Each year, the town of New Castle hosts Spirit of Christmas. An annual favorite, the event includes lots of opportunities for old-fashioned fun, including historic house tours, caroling, a tree lighting, and more. The best part of all is that it's FREE to attend.
2. Odessa
Facebook / Historic Odessa Foundation
Odessa, DE, USA
Facebook / Historic Odessa Foundation
Just like New Castle, Odessa is a colonial town that's dedicated to preserving tradition, and the holidays are no exception. Candlelit walking tours, historic homes, caroling, and more are just some of the events hosted by the Historic Odessa Foundation throughout December. This delightful little Christmas town is a must-add to your holiday season bucket list.
3. Milford
Flickr / John Mollura
Milford, DE 19963, USA
Flickr / John Mollura
This charming river town is also one of the prettiest Christmas towns in Delaware, boasting a downtown filled with decorated storefronts and streets set aglow by twinkling Christmas lights. The signature event is the Milford Holiday Stroll. During the event, Walnut Street merchants show off their décor, while carolers and live music can be heard throughout town.

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4. Hockessin
Facebook / W&W Railroad
Hockessin, DE, USA
Wilmington & Western Railroad/Facebook
During the Christmas season, a giant vintage railcar adorned with over 7,000 lights passes through Hockessin several times a night. If that doesn't make it one of the best Christmas towns in Delaware, we don't know what would! The town's holiday cheer doesn't end with the decked-out train, though. During the holiday season, Hockessin's downtown is brimming with the sights and sounds of the season, thanks, in part, to vendors who festively decorate their shops and carolers, who serenade passers-by with seasonal songs. Of course, the Christmas train ride is the main attraction in Hockessin during the holidays.
5. Rehoboth Beach
Flickr / Cell Phone Susie
Rehoboth Beach, DE, USA
Flickr / Kevin
Starting with a tree lighting ceremony in late November, downtown Rehoboth Beach transforms into an incredible Christmas village in Delaware in the weeks leading up to the holiday. Lights everywhere, Santa sightings, caroling, and more will transport you to the North Pole.
6. Lewes
Flickr / Mike Mahaffie
Lewes, DE 19958, USA
Facebook / Southern Delaware Tourism
The Lewes Christmas Parade is a longstanding tradition, but that's not the only thing that makes Lewes one of the best Christmas towns in Delaware. Every holiday season, Lewes spreads holiday cheer via lots of festive activities, including Lewes Lights, a dazzling light display, and Schellville Christmas Village.

So, what do you think? Are these the best Christmas towns in Delaware? Which Christmas village in Delaware is your favorite? Tell us!

If you just want to get out and look at twinkling Christmas lights without having to plan around a festival or event, check out our list of the best places to see Christmas lights in Delaware.

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Best Christmas Towns In Delaware

Daniella DiRienzo | November 20, 2021

Where else can I view Christmas lights in Delaware?

Hudson Fields near Milton is an 18-acre outdoor sports and recreation venue. However, since 2016, it’s played host to Winter Wonderfest, the state’s biggest holiday fundraiser and one of the best places to view Christmas lights in Delaware. During the event, Hudson Fields is transformed into a magical winter wonderland, complete with a dazzling drive-thru light show. Since its start, the event has only gotten bigger and better. Over the years, it’s grown to include a Christmas tree farm, hay rides, ice skating, and carnival rides. For more information on festivities as well as dates, check out the Winter Wonderfest Facebook page.

Where else can I celebrate Christmas in Delaware?

There are lots of places to enjoy Christmas in Delaware, and the Milton Holly Festival is one of them! The one-day event is packed with festive activities for the entire family, including visits with Santa, FREE face painting, and lots of vendors. The festival takes place at various locations throughout Milton, including the Lydia B. Cannon Museum, Milton Fire Hall, Milton Library, and Goshen Hall. It makes sense that Milton would host such an event. It was once known as the “Holly Capital of the World” because, at one time, Milton was the top producer of holly wreaths and decorations. Though Milton no longer holds the title, it’s still one of the best Christmas towns in Delaware.

What are some other fun things to do during winter in Delaware?

Winter in Delaware presents a whole new slew of opportunities for fun, including ice skating. There are several rinks scattered throughout the state, but for an extra special treat, you’ll want to visit the natural rink at Bellevue State Park in Wilmington. During the winter months, the park’s pond freezes over, creating a picture-perfect rink that’s surrounded by natural beauty. There are a few things to keep in mind before visiting this rink, such as skaters must bring their own equipment and are skating at their own risk. Lastly, it should go without saying, that the rink operates pending weather conditions.

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