11 Winter Attractions For The Family In Delaware That Don’t Involve Long Lines At The Mall
By Kim Magaraci|Updated on November 30, 2022(Originally published November 25, 2022)
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Kim Magaraci
Author
Kim Magaraci graduated Rutgers University with a degree in Geography and has spent the last seven years as a freelance travel writer. Contact: kmagaraci@onlyinyourstate.com
Get out your calendars, because it’s the best time of the year to be in Delaware! With something to do nearly every weekend, planning out your visit to the best winter events in Delaware can be a little tricky. Here are a few of the best winter things to do in Delaware in December that you have got to try and do before the year is over:
Yuletide at Winterthur is one of the best Christmas traditions in Delaware. The entire DuPont estate is decked out in holiday decor, including over a dozen Christmas trees. Get your tickets and visit before they pack up this year! To learn of all the holiday events that happen at Winterthur during Yuletide, be sure to check out their website. You can fill your list of things to do in Delaware in December with just Winterthur!
Rehoboth Beach is the Nation's Summer Capital, so it makes sense that even Santa has a home down here. It appears on the Boardwalk every December, and kids can leave letters or meet the man himself. Rehoboth is also home to one of the biggest lighted trees in the state, near the Bandstand. You'll want to read more about the wintery magic that comes over Rehoboth Beach every December.
Lewes Winter Wonderfest is a huge celebration in Cape Henlopen State Park. Enjoy an ice rink, Christmas village, and a drive through lights show. Read more about Winter Wonderfest here.
There are plenty of holiday events happening in historic Odessa that are worth visiting in December. The historic homes are decorated for the holidays, and the Historic Society frequently hosts events, such as candlelight tours and festive demonstrations of period foods and crafts that are part of the holiday season. Check out the Historic Odessa Foundation website for a full listing of events.
Hagley is home to the first DuPont home in America, and every year the museum and library go all out for Christmas. Visit to enjoy the activities and things to do in Delaware in December!
Wilmington's River Rink is home to the best outdoor ice skating in Delaware. Enjoy skyline views, tasty food, local brews and warm cocoa while you test your skills on the ice. EDITOR'S NOTE: River Rink is closed indefinitely, but we continue to hope that they will be able to open back up again soon!
Speaking of testing skills, if you want to try something REALLY new, join the Diamond State Curling Club! They'll help you try the Olympic sport out, and you'll be surprised at how addicting it really can be. Check out the Diamond State Curling Club Facebook page for more information.
8. Embark on a Christmas Lights Road Trip
Wilmington, DE, USA
Photo Courtesy of David Wright
Grab some road trip snacks and hit the streets to track down the best Christmas displays in the state. Some of the best ones can be found in Wilmington, Newark, and Lewes. Check out this map for some inspiration.
Visiting Historic New Castle is always lovely in the wintertime, when many of the homes open for historic tours, Victorian Tea is served, and you can easily stumble upon outdoor pop-up theater. Check out the New Castle Historical Society Facebook page so you don't miss out on any of their holiday events.
10. Take a bright and cheerful train ride on the Wilmington and Western Railroad
The Holiday Lights Express from Wilmington and Western Railroad is a Christmas train ride like no other! Thousands of lights are on board with you as you cruise through the Red Clay Valley countryside. See the Holiday Lights Express right here.
11. Catch "Scrooge" at the Delaware Children's Theater
The Delaware Children's Theater always puts on an amazing performance. In some years, they have given a rendition of Scrooge, and other years, a popular twist on Mary Poppins. So join them for a showing and get yourself into the holiday spirit.
Have you been to any of these events? What’s your favorite thing to do in Delaware in December? Let us know in the comment section below. We would love to hear from you!
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More to Explore
Things To Do In Delaware In December
Katie Feldkamp|November 30, 2022
What are some things to do in Delaware in December?
When it comes to things to do in Delaware in December, there is no shortage of activities to choose from! Consider some of the following:
Where are some of the best hikes to take in winter in Delaware?
Delaware is a magical state when the snow falls, and a great way to get out and enjoy its beauty is with a hike. Here are some of the best winter hikes to take:
Killens Pond Loop Trail at Killens Pond State Park
Swamp Forest Trail at Lums Pond State Park
Alapocas Woods Trail at Alapocas Woods State Park
David English Trail at White Clay Creek State Park
For more information on these trails and more, check out this article on the best winter hikes in Delaware. Happy trails to you!