Last updated: November 11, 2024
Celebrate the charm of the holidays in Dover with our detailed guide. For those who know Dover well and those just getting acquainted, our guide is your festive roadmap.
One of the highlights of the season is the stunning Gift of Lights, where dazzling displays illuminate the night, creating a magical atmosphere for families to enjoy. Plus, the Annual Wilmington Jaycees Christmas Parade brings community spirit to the forefront, featuring vibrant floats and local performers that celebrate the holiday cheer. And the Capital Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony is something you definitely don't want to miss, as it marks the season's official kickoff with a beautiful array of lights and music. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Dover Holiday Light Displays
Gift of Lights
Gift of Lights at Dover Motor Speedway is an incredible drive-thru holiday light show featuring over 60 scenes and 3.5 million lights along a nearly two-mile pathway. It is a family-friendly event that supports local charities, including the Food Bank of Delaware.
Rockwood Holiday Open House
The Rockwood Holiday Open House is a free family event featuring spectacular holiday light displays, museum tours, free photos with Santa, and performances by local choirs and dance companies. Additionally, the event includes a Santa Shop where students and groups sell handmade crafts, jewelry, and other gift items.
Holiday Lights Express
Ride aboard festively decorated, 100-year-old heated coaches covered in thousands of holiday lights through the Red Clay Valley.
Dover Holiday Markets and Shopping
Small Business Saturday
Shop local and support small businesses in downtown Dover, with special offers and a chance to win an AMEX gift card raffle.
Downtown Wilmington Winterfest at DECO
Downtown Wilmington Winterfest at DECO features a holiday market with local vendors, face-painting, Santa visits, hot cocoa, music, and a build-your-own bloodymary bar.
Spirit of Christmas
Explore beautifully decorated private homes and museums in Historic New Castle, Delaware, while enjoying musical performances and finding unique gifts at our Holiday Markets. Savor a variety of festive treats at local restaurants and conclude your day with caroling and the Tree Lighting in Market Square.
Lewes’ 50th Annual Historic Holiday Tour and Holiday Village and Market
Explore Lewes' finest private homes, ranging from centuries-old to contemporary new construction, beautifully decorated for the holiday season. The tour also includes a visit to the seasonally decorated first floor of the historic DAR House and the Lodge. The Holiday Village and Market on the Shipcarpenter Campus offers seasonal greenery, unique holiday gifts, and local farm products.
Dover Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Capital Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony
The Capital Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony is a festive event featuring dance and musical arrangements, a photo opportunity with Santa, free grab-and-go holiday kids' crafts, cookies, and hot chocolate, culminating in a grand tree lighting ceremony.
Delaware Ballet's The Nutcracker
The Nutcracker by Delaware Ballet is a classic ballet performance featuring intricate sets and elaborate costumes, showcasing the artistry of professional dancers.
Annual Wilmington Jaycees Christmas Parade
The Annual Wilmington Jaycees Christmas Parade features local celebrities, marching and string bands, community organizations, floats, and cartoon characters. Santa Claus is the star of the show, and elves will accept Christmas wish lists from children, with responses sent before Christmas.
Tree Lighting and Holiday Sing-Along
Join the City of Rehoboth Beach for the annual Tree Lighting and Holiday Sing-Along on November 29th, 2024. Gather at the Bandstand to watch the community tree light up and enjoy holiday carols with family and friends. The event features live entertainment by renowned musician Doug James and the Cape Henlopen High School Cape Chorale.
Christmas in Odessa
Christmas in Odessa is a self-guided walking tour of historic homes and public buildings, many dating from the 18th and 19th centuries, decorated for the holidays. The event includes special events like a fresh greens sale, tea and cookies, Christmas concerts, and a tree lighting ceremony.
Dover Other Holiday Activities
Dashing Through Downtown Dover Parade
The Dashing Through Downtown Dover Parade features "all lit up" vehicles driving through Loockerman Street, showcasing electric lights and festive spirit.
First Saturday
First Saturday at First State Heritage Park features thematic programs and events, including walking tours, lantern-lit programs, and craft workshops, highlighting Delaware's history and cultural heritage.
Woodburn Illuminated
Woodburn Illuminated is a holiday event that revives 18th and 19th-century candle-lit illuminations. Stroll through stately homes, admire gathered illuminations, listen to music, and enjoy hot cocoa while making s'mores over a fire pit.
Hometown Holiday Event
The Hometown Holiday Event is a free celebration featuring kids' activities, crafts, and community resources. It includes various activities and food, making it a vibrant community gathering.
Lewes Christmas Parade
The Lewes Christmas Parade is an annual event celebrating an old-fashioned Christmas in Historic Lewes. Featuring over 100 entries, including decorated cars, floats, marching groups, and equestrians, the parade culminates with the Cape Henlopen High School marching band and the Lewes Fire Company. Following the parade, attendees gather in Zwaanendael Park for the official tree lighting and candlelight caroling.
Fire and Ice Festival
The Fire and Ice Festival in South Coastal Delaware features ice sculptures inspired by favorite novels, live ice carving demonstrations, bonfires, a skating rink, inflatables, a chili cookoff, and drink tastings.
Holidays in Odessa
Explore historic private homes and public buildings in Odessa, Delaware, decorated for the holidays. The self-guided walking tour includes special events and activities.
Schellville Winter Celebration
Schellville is a winter village featuring beautifully decorated miniature houses, train rides, snow zones, and activities like meeting Santa and Mrs. Claus, exploring artisan alleys, and enjoying live music and food.
Santa Claus Express
Ride the Santa Claus Express with the Jolly Old Elf himself, enjoying a 1-hour round-trip journey aboard historic locomotives while Santa greets everyone and gives children a special treat.
Dover Gift Guide 2024
