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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Top Holiday Events In and Around Delaware
- Yuletide at Devon (Devon)
- Yuletide at Winterthur (Winterthur)
- Light Up Middletown (Middletown)
- Schellville Enchanted Village Celebration (Rehoboth Beach)
- Lewes’ 50th Annual Historic Holiday Tour and Holiday Village and Market (Lewes)
- A Christmas Carol Live (Winterthur)
- First Friday Tree Lighting
- Butch Bando’s Fantasy of Lights
- Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland: Dayton (Dayton)
- Estella Scrooge (Rehoboth Beach)
See these and even more events listed below!
Delaware Holiday Light Displays
Light Up Middletown
What to Expect:
Unique animated light displays in a 100-acre park.
Description:
Light Up Middletown is a drive-through fantasy light display featuring a variety of themed displays, including Santa's Workshop, Penguin Village, and a floating sea serpent. The event is open every night from Thanksgiving through New Year's Eve, with admission by cash donation.
Where: Middletown | More Info: Light Up Middletown
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
Rock & Awe Holiday Light Show
What to Expect:
Synchronized light and sound show with over 25,000 lights.
Description:
The Rock & Awe Holiday Light Show at the Sandusky County Courthouse features over 25,000 lights synchronized to music and special effects, bringing holiday cheer to all who visit. This free event runs nightly from Thanksgiving Eve to New Year's Day, with extended hours on Fridays and Saturdays.
Where: Fremont | More Info: Rock & Awe Holiday Light Show
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
Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland: Dayton
What to Expect:
Synchronized light and sound show with a 300-foot RGB tunnel.
Description:
Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland in Dayton, Ohio, features cutting-edge technology and traditional holiday charm. Journey through custom-built light displays synchronized to joyful Christmas melodies. Enjoy a mesmerizing 300-foot RGB tunnel, multiple 50-foot-tall Christmas trees, and a sprawling carpet of lights the size of a football field.
Where: Dayton | More Info: Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland: Dayton
Holiday in Lights
What to Expect:
Over 1 million lights and 250 displays in a drive-through format.
Description:
Holiday in Lights is an outdoor light display at Armco Park in Warren County, featuring over 1 million lights and 250 displays. The event showcases holiday-themed scenes, including Santa Claus and his elves, and every animal on the ark. Guests can enjoy the display from the comfort of their own vehicle.
Where: Lebanon | More Info: Holiday in Lights
Pyramid Hill Lights
What to Expect:
Drive-through light show with local artist installations.
Description:
Pyramid Hill Lights features a 2-mile drive-through route illuminated by over one million lights and local artist installations, making it a unique holiday experience for the whole family.
Where: Hamilton | More Info: Pyramid Hill Lights
Elegant Illusions Christmas Drive Through Park
What to Expect:
Inaugural holiday light drive through with new LED displays and animatronics.
Description:
Elegant Illusions Christmas Drive Through Park features all new LED displays, the latest animatronics, and over 50 holiday scenes at the Portage County Randolph Fairgrounds. Visitors can stop by the Santa Shack to meet Santa and Mr. Grinch, and take pictures on Photo Op benches.
Where: Atwater | More Info: Elegant Illusions Christmas Drive Through Park
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
The Christmas Ranch
What to Expect:
Synchronized light and sound show with festive activities.
Description:
The Christmas Ranch in Morrow, Ohio, features 1 million dancing Christmas lights synchronized to holiday music, along with seven Christmas shops, Santa's Bakery & Cafe, and train and wagon rides.
Where: Morrow | More Info: The Christmas Ranch
Land of Illusion Christmas Glow
What to Expect:
Spectacular 2-mile drive-thru light display with festive activities.
Description:
Land of Illusion Christmas Glow features over 3.8 million lights in a 2-mile long drive-thru experience, a Christmas Village with Santa's Workshop, and festive activities like a petting zoo and gas fire pits.
Where: Middletown | More Info: Land of Illusion Christmas Glow
Parklights at Caesar Ford
What to Expect:
Dazzling LED light displays in a festive holiday setting.
Description:
Drive through a dazzling display of over 250 LED light displays at Caesar Ford Park, featuring a Winter Wonderland, North Pole Car Show, Winter Farm, and Festive Festival.
Where: Xenia | More Info: Parklights at Caesar Ford
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
Whispering Christmas Holiday Lights
What to Expect:
Drive-through holiday light display with Santa waving from a gazebo.
Description:
Fort St. Clair Park in Eaton, Ohio, is transformed into a dazzling holiday spectacle with millions of lights each year. The annual Whispering Christmas display features a drive-through only event where visitors can enjoy the spectacular lighting displays while Santa waves from a gazebo. There is no admission charge, but a $5 donation per vehicle is welcomed.
Where: Eaton | More Info: Whispering Christmas Holiday Lights
Holiday Lights at Lost Creek Reserve
What to Expect:
Animated light displays along a scenic driving tour.
Description:
Explore over 60 animated light displays on a 1.25-mile driving tour through woods and charming farm lanes, including the historic Knoop Homestead.
Where: Troy | More Info: Holiday Lights at Lost Creek Reserve
Light in the Forest
What to Expect:
Seasonal lights reflecting peace, nature, and magic in a beautifully lit forest.
Description:
Embark on a 1-mile illuminated trail through enchanting ponds, fields, and woodland areas, featuring interactive light displays, live music, and family-friendly activities.
Where: Cincinnati | More Info: Light in the Forest
Yuletide Village Season of Lights
What to Expect:
Immersive holiday experience with themed lit areas and live entertainment.
Description:
Yuletide Village Season of Lights features a winter fairy land, scenic holiday village, spectacular lights, live music, and festive food and drink. Wander through themed lit areas like the rivers of lights and Gum Drop Alley while costumed carolers serenade you. Meet Woodland Santa and Krampus, and enjoy unique shopping at the Yuletide Market.
Where: Waynesville | More Info: Yuletide Village Season 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
Woodland Lights
What to Expect:
Interactive holiday light displays with Santa and train rides.
Description:
Woodland Lights is an annual holiday event at Countryside Park, featuring twinkling lights, festive decorations, and family-friendly activities. Visitors can stroll through ten acres of sparkling displays, take a ride on the Rieck Express train, and meet Santa in a cozy log cabin. The event also includes pet-friendly nights and various interactive experiences.
Where: Washington Township | More Info: Woodland Lights
The Legendary Lights of Historic Clifton Mill
What to Expect:
Spectacular synchronized lights and music show on historic mill and gorge.
Description:
The Legendary Lights of Historic Clifton Mill features over 4 million lights illuminating the mill, gorge, riverbanks, trees, and bridges. The display includes a 100-foot "waterfall" of twinkling lights, a Miniature Village, a Santa Claus Museum, and a spectacular synchronized lights and music show. Every night, visitors can peek into Santa's Workshop to see a live Santa at work.
Where: Clifton | More Info: The Legendary Lights of Historic Clifton Mill
Toledo Zoo Lights Before Christmas
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration with extensive light displays and interactive activities.
Description:
The Toledo Zoo Lights Before Christmas features over one million lights, 200+ illuminated animal images, and a revitalized Winter Village with festive activities and attractions.
Where: Toledo | More Info: Toledo Zoo Lights Before Christmas
The Joy of Christmas Light Show
What to Expect:
Drive-thru light display with Santa's Ice Castle and Gingerbread House.
Description:
The Joy of Christmas Light Show in Columbiana features a drive-thru light display, Santa's Ice Castle with treats and photo opportunities, and a Gingerbread House with Mrs. Claus Story Time.
Where: Columbiana | More Info: The Joy of Christmas Light Show
Mercy Health Bright Lights
What to Expect:
Extensive LED light displays with live music broadcast.
Description:
Over 200 LED Christmas light displays illuminate the Allen County Fairgrounds, featuring a light tunnel and illuminated trees and buildings. The event includes a 20-25 minute drive-thru Christmas tradition with the Lima Symphony Orchestra performing music from The Nutcracker.
Where: Lima | More Info: Mercy Health Bright Lights
Merry and Bright Christmas Lights
What to Expect:
Colorful light display with varying admission prices.
Description:
The Merry and Bright Christmas Lights at Mercer County Fairgrounds feature a beautiful display of lights, open Thursdays and Sundays from 6-9 PM for $10 per car, and Fridays and Saturdays from 6-9 PM for $15 per car.
Where: Celina | More Info: Merry and Bright Christmas Lights
Holiday Lights at Carlisle Reservation
What to Expect:
Drive-through holiday light display with festive activities.
Description:
The Holiday Lights at Carlisle Reservation features a mile-long drive-through display with classic lighted features like Santa's Castle and the Carousel. Additional displays can be viewed at the Carlisle Visitor Center, including the festively decorated Children's Nature Discovery Trail. The event offers activities like Little Green Choo rides, Santa Nights, and balloon twisting.
Where: LaGrange | More Info: Holiday Lights at Carlisle Reservation
Delaware Holiday Markets and Shopping
Holiday Showcase
What to Expect:
Local artist showcase with diverse handmade pieces.
Description:
The Brandywine Holiday Festival of the Arts is a vibrant gathering of local artists, showcasing a diverse range of handmade pieces, including captivating paintings, awe-inspiring sculptures, and thought-provoking installations. The event features interactive activities, live music, and children's events, making it a weekend filled with inspiration and creativity.
Where: Wilmington | More Info: Holiday Showcase
Lewes’ 50th Annual Historic Holiday Tour and Holiday Village and Market
What to Expect:
Tour of stunningly decorated private homes and holiday market.
Description:
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 Lodge and historical DAR House. The Holiday Village Market offers seasonal greenery, unique holiday gifts, and local art.
Where: Lewes | More Info: Lewes’ 50th Annual Historic Holiday Tour and Holiday Village and Market
Yuletide at Devon
What to Expect:
Ice skating through an enchanted forest lit by hundreds of Christmas trees.
Description:
Yuletide at Union League Liberty Hill offers a holiday celebration with ice skating, over 30 high-end market vendors, dazzling lights, free rides, and free photos with Santa. The event features an enchanted forest lit by hundreds of Christmas trees and includes a variety of local performers and themed indoor bars.
Where: Devon | More Info: Yuletide at Devon
Christkindl Market of Bryan
What to Expect:
European-style Christmas market with specialty vendors and nightly entertainment.
Description:
The Christkindl Market of Bryan is an outdoor, European-style Christmas market featuring unique vendors, hot drinks, specialty food, and nightly entertainment under the lights of downtown Bryan's courthouse square.
Where: Bryan | More Info: Christkindl Market of Bryan
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
Yuletide at Winterthur
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration with contemporary creativity in a historic mansion.
Description:
Yuletide at Winterthur features beautifully decorated trees, a large-scale gingerbread house, and a magical 18-room dollhouse. Enjoy enchanting outdoor lighting and festive displays throughout the estate, including live jazz performances, caroling, and workshops.
Where: Winterthur | More Info: Yuletide at Winterthur
A Christmas Carol Live
What to Expect:
Energetic one-man show with 26 character depictions.
Description:
Join Gerald Charles Dickens, great-great-grandson of Charles Dickens, for a captivating one-man show of A Christmas Carol. He brings the timeless holiday classic to life, depicting 26 characters with minimal set, including a table, wing chair, and hat rack. This energetic performance is a special way to celebrate the holiday season.
Where: Winterthur | More Info: A Christmas Carol Live
Estella Scrooge
What to Expect:
Modern retelling of A Christmas Carol with Dickensian characters.
Description:
In this modern retelling of A Christmas Carol, Estella Scrooge, a Wall Street tycoon, relives her ancestor's story in the world we live today. Set in Pickwick, Ohio, Estella discovers her childhood sweetheart, Pip Nickleby, is the mortgage holder of the Harthouse Hotel. A freak snowstorm forces her to take refuge there, leading to three visitations, including her ancestor Ebenezer Scrooge himself.
Where: Rehoboth Beach | More Info: Estella Scrooge
Christmas at Dogwood Pass
What to Expect:
Christmas celebration in an Old West replica town.
Description:
Step back in time to an Old West Christmas at Dogwood Pass, where the town transforms into a colorful holiday setting with festive decorations, holiday-themed performances, and special appearances by the Grinch and Santa Claus.
Where: Beaver | More Info: Christmas at Dogwood Pass
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
Holidays at the Hotel
What to Expect:
Luxurious holiday celebration with historic charm.
Description:
Celebrate the holiday season at Hotel Du Pont with elegant settings, delicious cuisine, and luxurious amenities.
Where: Wilmington | More Info: Holidays at the Hotel
Schellville Enchanted Village Celebration
What to Expect:
Interactive holiday activities with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Description:
Schellville Enchanted Village Celebration is a festive holiday event featuring beautifully decorated miniature houses, train rides, snow zones, and live entertainment.
Where: Rehoboth Beach | More Info: Schellville Enchanted Village Celebration
Christmas at the Courthouse
What to Expect:
Festive courthouse decorations.
Description:
The Ironton Municipal Court's Christmas celebration is a special event where the courthouse is decorated with festive lights and decorations, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for the community.
Where: Ironton | More Info: Christmas at the Courthouse
Memories of Christmas Past Exhibit
What to Expect:
Historic holiday decorations and artifacts in period rooms.
Description:
The Mahoning Valley Historical Society's 16th Memories of Christmas Past exhibit at Arms Family Museum, 648 Wick Avenue, Youngstown, OH, features vintage Christmas artifacts and decorations in seven period rooms, showcasing the diverse ways Christmas is celebrated.
Where: Youngstown | More Info: Memories of Christmas Past Exhibit
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Westerville (14 miles)
- Dublin (14 miles)
- Marysville (16 miles)
- Hilliard (19 miles)
- Marion (20 miles)
- Upper Arlington (21 miles)
- Gahanna (22 miles)
- Columbus (24 miles)
- Reynoldsburg (27 miles)
- Grove City (29 miles)
- Newark (39 miles)
- Mansfield (43 miles)