Last updated: November 11, 2024
Gear up for a joyful holiday season in Delaware with our ultimate festive guide! Whether you're a resident or a visitor, this guide is your pathway to the holiday enchantment of Delaware.
One of the highlights of the season is the magical Light Up Middletown, where the streets come alive with twinkling lights and festive displays. You’ll also experience the charming decor and delightful ambiance of the Yuletide at Winterthur, featuring stunning holiday exhibits. And the Yuletide at Devon is something you definitely don't want to miss, as it showcases a breathtaking holiday garden display. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Delaware Holiday Light Displays
Butch Bando’s Fantasy of Lights
- What to Expect
- Unique holiday light display with a family-friendly atmosphere.
- Description
- Butch Bando’s Fantasy of Lights is a locally owned and family-operated holiday drive-thru light show located at Alum Creek State Park Campgrounds. The event features a dazzling display of lights that can be enjoyed by car, and it is a beloved tradition in the community.
- Where
- Delaware | More Info : Butch Bando’s Fantasy of Lights
Christmas Corner
- What to Expect
- Historic life-sized Nativity display with daily light displays.
- Description
- State Auto's Christmas Corner is a historic holiday tradition featuring a life-sized Nativity display and festive lighting at 518 E. Broad Street in Columbus, Ohio. The event includes daily light displays and various choir performances throughout the holiday season.
- Where
- Columbus | More Info : Christmas Corner
Wildlights at Columbus Zoo
- What to Expect
- Holiday celebration with synchronized light and animal exhibits.
- Description
- Wildlights at the Columbus Zoo features millions of LED lights, animated musical light shows, and various holiday festivities, including animal exhibits and seasonal treats.
- Where
- Powell | More Info : Wildlights at Columbus Zoo
Upper’s Winter Fantasy of Lights
- What to Expect
- Community-driven holiday light display benefiting local charities.
- Description
- Upper’s Winter Fantasy of Lights is a spectacular holiday light display at Harrison Smith Park in Upper Sandusky, Ohio. The event features 33 acres of park transformed into a dazzling light show with unique displays, benefiting a local charitable organization each year.
- Where
- Upper Sandusky | More Info : Upper’s Winter Fantasy of Lights
Christmas at the Castle: A Kingdom of Lights
- What to Expect
- Over 150,000 lights and festive atmosphere.
- Description
- Stroll through the grounds of Landoll's Mohican Castle adorned with over 150,000 lights, outdoor Christmas trees, and festive tunes. Meet Jolly Old Saint Nick every Friday and Saturday from 5pm to 8pm.
- Where
- Loudonville | More Info : Christmas at the Castle: A Kingdom of Lights
Delaware Holiday Shows and Entertainment
First Friday Tree Lighting
- What to Expect
- Live music and community activities surrounding a festive tree lighting ceremony.
- Description
- The First Friday Tree Lighting event in Downtown Delaware features a main stage with local music groups, community vendors, reindeer, and festive activities. The highlight of the evening is the tree lighting ceremony at 6:30 p.m., followed by free ice skating at Snappy’s Skating Rink and visits with Santa at the Delaware Welcome Center.
- Where
- Delaware | More Info : First Friday Tree Lighting
Delaware Other Holiday Activities
Dash for Dasher
- What to Expect
- Community-driven scavenger hunt to find Santa's lost reindeer.
- Description
- Join Santa's quest to find his lost reindeer Dasher by following clues and exploring downtown Delaware. This fun event encourages community involvement and supports local charities.
- Where
- Delaware | More Info : Dash for Dasher
Annual Christmas Parade
- What to Expect
- Community-driven holiday parade with local performances and festive activities.
- Description
- The Annual Christmas Parade in Downtown Delaware features a festive procession with local music groups, community vendors, reindeer, and more, culminating in a tree lighting ceremony at the corner of William and Sandusky Streets.
- Where
- Delaware | More Info : Annual Christmas Parade
Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides
- What to Expect
- Cozy family rides around downtown Delaware.
- Description
- Take a leisurely horse-drawn carriage ride through downtown Delaware, enjoying the sights and sounds of the holiday season.
- Where
- Delaware | More Info : Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides
Visit Santa
- What to Expect
- Professional photo shoot with Santa Claus.
- Description
- Visit Santa at the Delaware Welcome Center for a fun and memorable photo opportunity. Enjoy a professional photo shoot with Santa Claus, and take home a print and digital copy of your cherished moment.
- Where
- Delaware | More Info : Visit Santa
Main Street Holiday Tours: Historic East Trolley Edition
- What to Expect
- Historic trolley tours combining history and holiday festivities.
- Description
- Explore Delaware's rich history with the Main Street Holiday Tours: Historic East Trolley Edition. Combining history and holidays, these tours depart from the Nash House Museum and offer a unique perspective on the city's heritage. Enjoy complimentary hot chocolate and musical groups at the Nash House before the tour begins.
- Where
- Delaware | More Info : Main Street Holiday Tours: Historic East Trolley Edition