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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Top Holiday Events In and Around Dover
- Annual Wilmington Jaycees Christmas Parade (Wilmington)
- Gift of Lights
- Lewes’ 50th Annual Historic Holiday Tour and Holiday Village and Market (Lewes)
- Fire and Ice Festival (Bethany-Fenwick)
- Lewes Christmas Parade (Lewes)
- Delaware Ballet's The Nutcracker
- Capital Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony
- Christmas in Odessa (Odessa)
- First Friday Tree Lighting (Delaware)
- Downtown Wilmington Winterfest at DECO (Wilmington)
See these and even more events listed below!
Dover Holiday Light Displays
Gift of Lights
What to Expect:
Drive-thru holiday light display with over 3.5 million lights.
Description:
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.
Where: Dover | More Info: Gift of Lights
Rockwood Holiday Open House
What to Expect:
Spectacular holiday light displays and museum tours.
Description:
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.
Where: Wilmington | More Info: Rockwood Holiday Open House
Holiday Lights Express
What to Expect:
Historic first-generation diesel locomotive-powered holiday light display.
Description:
Ride aboard festively decorated, 100-year-old heated coaches covered in thousands of holiday lights through the Red Clay Valley.
Where: Wilmington | More Info: Holiday Lights Express
Dover Holiday Markets and Shopping
Small Business Saturday
What to Expect:
Local shopping event with special offers and a gift card raffle.
Description:
Shop local and support small businesses in downtown Dover, with special offers and a chance to win an AMEX gift card raffle.
Where: Dover | More Info: Small Business Saturday
Downtown Wilmington Winterfest at DECO
What to Expect:
Holiday market with local vendors and festive activities.
Description:
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.
Where: Wilmington | More Info: Downtown Wilmington Winterfest at DECO
Spirit of Christmas
What to Expect:
Holiday tours of decorated homes and museums.
Description:
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.
Where: New Castle | More Info: Spirit of Christmas
Lewes’ 50th Annual Historic Holiday Tour and Holiday Village and Market
What to Expect:
Tour of stunningly decorated homes and holiday market with local gifts and greenery.
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 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.
Where: Lewes | More Info: Lewes’ 50th Annual Historic Holiday Tour and Holiday Village and Market
Season of Shopping
What to Expect:
Unique gifts and seasonal treats in a beautifully decorated setting.
Description:
The Season of Shopping at Dover Mall offers a delightful holiday experience with dazzling lights, festive decorations, and a variety of local vendors selling handmade crafts and seasonal treats. Enjoy live music and performances, interactive displays for kids, and a Santa's workshop where they can get creative with crafts.
Where: Delaware | More Info: Season of Shopping
Dover Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Capital Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony
What to Expect:
Grand tree lighting ceremony with festive activities.
Description:
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.
Where: Dover | More Info: Capital Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony
Delaware Ballet's The Nutcracker
What to Expect:
World-class ballet performance with elaborate sets and costumes.
Description:
The Nutcracker by Delaware Ballet is a classic ballet performance featuring intricate sets and elaborate costumes, showcasing the artistry of professional dancers.
Where: Dover | More Info: Delaware Ballet's The Nutcracker
Annual Wilmington Jaycees Christmas Parade
What to Expect:
Local celebrities and dignitaries participating in a festive parade.
Description:
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.
Where: Wilmington | More Info: Annual Wilmington Jaycees Christmas Parade
Tree Lighting and Holiday Sing-Along
What to Expect:
Community tree lighting with live holiday carols.
Description:
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.
Where: Rehoboth | More Info: Tree Lighting and Holiday Sing-Along
Visit Santa
What to Expect:
Personalized holiday photo opportunity with Santa Claus.
Description:
Visit Santa at the Delaware Welcome Center, where you can capture a memorable photo with Santa Claus. The event includes a print and digital copy of the photograph.
Where: Delaware | More Info: Visit Santa
Christmas in Odessa
What to Expect:
Historic home and public building holiday decorations.
Description:
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.
Where: Odessa | More Info: Christmas in Odessa
Dover Other Holiday Activities
Dashing Through Downtown Dover Parade
What to Expect:
Electric light parade with decorated vehicles.
Description:
The Dashing Through Downtown Dover Parade features "all lit up" vehicles driving through Loockerman Street, showcasing electric lights and festive spirit.
Where: Dover | More Info: Dashing Through Downtown Dover Parade
First Saturday
What to Expect:
Thematic programs and events showcasing Delaware's history and cultural heritage.
Description:
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.
Where: Dover | More Info: First Saturday
Woodburn Illuminated
What to Expect:
Revival of 18th and 19th-century candle-lit illuminations.
Description:
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.
Where: Dover | More Info: Woodburn Illuminated
Hometown Holiday Event
What to Expect:
Community-driven holiday event with kids' activities and crafts.
Description:
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.
Where: Dover | More Info: Hometown Holiday Event
Lewes Christmas Parade
What to Expect:
Celebrating an old-fashioned Christmas with festive floats and live music.
Description:
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.
Where: Lewes | More Info: Lewes Christmas Parade
Fire and Ice Festival
What to Expect:
Masterfully crafted ice sculptures inspired by literature.
Description:
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.
Where: Bethany-Fenwick | More Info: Fire and Ice Festival
Holidays in Odessa
What to Expect:
Historic home and public building holiday decorations.
Description:
Explore historic private homes and public buildings in Odessa, Delaware, decorated for the holidays. The self-guided walking tour includes special events and activities.
Where: Odessa | More Info: Holidays in Odessa
Schellville Winter Celebration
What to Expect:
Interactive holiday village with local crafters and festive entertainment.
Description:
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.
Where: Rehoboth | More Info: Schellville Winter Celebration
First Friday Tree Lighting
What to Expect:
Community-driven holiday celebration with live music and festive activities.
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 ceremony begins with remarks and a countdown at 6:30 PM, followed by the lighting of the magnificent Christmas tree at the corner of William and Sandusky Streets.
Where: Delaware | More Info: First Friday Tree Lighting
Dash for Dasher
What to Expect:
Interactive holiday scavenger hunt.
Description:
Join the "Dash for Dasher" scavenger hunt in downtown Delaware, where you'll explore the city to help Santa find his lost reindeer Dasher. Follow clues, complete fun activities, and enjoy the holiday spirit.
Where: Delaware | More Info: Dash for Dasher
Main Street Holiday Tours: Historic East Trolley Edition
What to Expect:
Historic trolley tours combining history and holidays.
Description:
Explore Delaware's rich history with the Main Street Holiday Tours: Historic East Trolley Edition, featuring tours departing from the Nash House Museum and including complimentary hot chocolate and musical performances.
Where: Delaware | More Info: Main Street Holiday Tours: Historic East Trolley Edition
Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides
What to Expect:
Horse-drawn carriage rides around downtown Delaware.
Description:
Take a leisurely horse-drawn carriage ride through downtown Delaware, enjoying the festive sights and cozy atmosphere.
Where: Delaware | More Info: Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides
Santa Claus Express
What to Expect:
Santa visits each child during a festive train ride.
Description:
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.
Where: Wilmington | More Info: Santa Claus Express
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Middletown (23 miles)
- Bridgeton (24 miles)
- Millville (31 miles)
- South Vineland (33 miles)
- Vineland (35 miles)
- Newark (38 miles)
- Wilmington (41 miles)
- Edgewood (45 miles)