The Christmas Lights Road Trip Through Delaware That Will Take You To 9 Magical Displays
It’s time for another Only In Delaware Road Trip – and this time, we’re going to see the BEST Christmas Light displays in Delaware! Starting up north in Wilmington, heading down through Bear, Townsend, Odessa and finishing up with an amazing display at the beach, it really doesn’t get any better than this. The final display in Rehoboth Beach is dedicated to helping all local Children celebrate the holidays, so no matter what, don’t skip that last stop! Read more about this magical Delaware Christmas Lights Road trip below, and use our interactive map to plan your trip.
Here's the trip - plan a night or two and check out each stop!
Start off at Santa's House, right in Wilmington! The Talarico-Smith family puts on quite the show as they illuminate the neighborhood with thousands and thousands of twinkling lights. It's truly a sight to see and one that the whole family will enjoy.
If you're not a road-trip person, you can even take the Holiday Lights Express to downtown Hockessin, passing some of the most incredible Christmas dispalys on the way. Otherwise, park downtown and wander through the beautiful shops that are all decked out for the Holiday season.
The highlight of your trip will be early on, when you finally see The Faucher House on "Santa Claus Lane" in Bear.
Arguably the most famous stop on the Delaware Christmas Lights Road Trip, the Faucher Family spends nearly $100,000 in December to light up their home for all to enjoy. It's truly a spectacular sight!
1054 Red Lion Rd
New Castle, Delaware 19720
After you've seen the Bear houses, head down to Townsend to experience "Jack Frost Way."
Drive up and down Fieldsboro Road in Townsend to see neighbors who have been putting up spectacular decorations for years. It's always fun when the whole street celebrates!
Historic Odessa just HAS to be a stop on any Delaware Christmas Lights Road Trip.
The candlelit walking tours will take you back in time to see how Delawareans decorated in Colonial times. The self guided walking tour will have you strolling past dozens of private homes and public business, many dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries. The tour takes place December 7, 2019 from 10 a. m. to 5 p.m.
Milford is home to a grand Delaware tradition - The Holiday Stroll - but you can see gorgeous Christmas Lights throughout December when you visit Downtown Milford. The merchants and shopkeepers really go all-out to keep up with the town's festive reputation.
Now, hit the road and head southeast, until you see snow at Cape Henlopen State Park in Lewes.
Back for their 4th season, Cape Henlopen State Park turns into a Winter Wonderland! You can find a drive through light show, go ice skating, and enjoy carnival rides at Winter WonderFEST with new additions such as a Christmas tree farm & hayrides through the light show. The festivities begin November 16, 2019 and continue until December 30. Be sure to check their website for specific dates, times, and admission prices.
Rehoboth Beach is charming year-round, but there's something special about seeing downtown all lit up for the Holidays. Drive through stunning displays on your way in, then park and hit the town on foot for a little while to really appreciate the bright lights and beautiful decor. Of course, visit the Bandstand and see the gigantic town Christmas Tree!
Finally, finish your trip at the The Apple Electric Light Show
Apple Electric Illumination Christmas Light Show is a Christmas Display in Delaware that's really something special. Apple Electric hosts the show nightly through January, and asks that visitors prior to December 20th help them bring Christmas to local children by donating an unwrapped toy. The toys are then hand-delivered by Apple Electric to the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation.
The display runs nightly until Jan. 7, from dusk until 11 p.m.
18854 John J Williams Highway in Rehoboth Beach
Wow – now I’m REALLY in the Holiday Spirit! While you’re in Rehoboth Beach, don’t forget to check out the incredible Delaware Christmas Store downtown: Christmas Spirit.
Are you excited to embark on this Christmas lights road trip in Delaware? Did any of your favorite holiday displays make the list? Which ones are you excited to see this year? Let us know in the comments below!
Address: Prior Rd & Silverside Rd, Delaware 19809, USA
Address: Hockessin Corner, Hockessin, DE 19707, USA
Address: 1054 Red Lion Rd, New Castle, DE 19720, USA
Address: Fieldsboro Rd, Townsend, DE 19734, USA
Address: Odessa, DE, USA
Address: Downtown Milford, Inc., 10 S Walnut St, Milford, DE 19963, USA
Address: 15099 Cape Henlopen Dr, Lewes, DE 19958, USA
Address: Rehoboth Ave, Dewey Beach, DE 19971, USA
Address: 18854 John J Williams Hwy, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Christmas lights road trip in Delaware
October 12, 2019
Jackie Ann
What city has the best Christmas lights in Delaware?
There are many cities that go all out for Christmas in Delaware, but one of the most popular is Milton, which offers one of the best light displays in Delaware. This incredible event transforms into a magical winter wonderland that attracts thousands of visitors from all over the state every year. Kids and adults are sure to enjoy the light spectacular, Christmas Village, skating rink, and special events that take place throughout the festival.
What is the one best light display in Delaware?
The best light display in Delaware can be found in Milton, Delaware. Winter WonderFEST has been putting on quite the show since 2016, only getting bigger and better every year. From drive-through light shows to open-air hay rides, the magic never stops at Winter WonderFEST. Guests can also enjoy the Christmas Village and skating rink while you’re there. There will also be several events and activities throughout the festival, including local food vendors and Santa photo opportunities.
What else can I do around the holidays in Delaware?
There are plenty of things to do at Christmas in Delaware. Many celebrate the holidays at the Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library in Winterthur, Delaware. From November 23, 2019 until January 5, 2019, embrace the holiday spirit with countless twinkling trees, room displays, magical dollhouses, and many shopping opportunities.
Address: Prior Rd & Silverside Rd, Delaware 19809, USA
Address: Hockessin Corner, Hockessin, DE 19707, USA
Address: 1054 Red Lion Rd, New Castle, DE 19720, USA
Address: Fieldsboro Rd, Townsend, DE 19734, USA
Address: Odessa, DE, USA
Address: Downtown Milford, Inc., 10 S Walnut St, Milford, DE 19963, USA
Address: 15099 Cape Henlopen Dr, Lewes, DE 19958, USA
Address: Rehoboth Ave, Dewey Beach, DE 19971, USA
Address: 18854 John J Williams Hwy, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971, USA
Delaware In Your Inbox
Thank you! You'll receive your first newsletter soon!
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