It’s Not Christmas in Delaware Until You Do These 8 Enchanting Things

Discover the ultimate Christmas activities in Delaware, from holiday lights to winter getaways.

When Christmas is less than one week away, you may ask yourself whether you have completed everything on your Christmas in Delaware Holiday Bucket List yet. Don't worry, even as days go by faster than we imagine, there's still time to gather your closest friends and family and set off on the ultimate Christmas in Delaware holiday adventures. Just don't wait too long to check everything off your Christmas bucket list in Delaware in the weeks leading up to early January, when these amazing exhibits and events all begin to wind down.

1. Watch the Holiday Lights Express speed by.

The train itself usually sells out quickly but seeing the historic ​​Doodlebug with over 7,000 lights speed by on the track is a Delaware experience like no other. Find a place to park along the Red Clay Creek near the tracks in Hockessin, and you'll enjoy a show all night as the trains travel back and forth every hour. Learn more about the holiday train on the Wilmington & Western Railroad website.

2. See the frozen Brandywine.

Whether it's in Brandywine Park in Wilmington or the state park just outside of the city, seeing the Creek with an icy surface with snow as the backdrop is a magical experience.

3. Stroll along the sand in the snow.

After you see the mighty Brandywine subdued by winter, make a point to head down to one of Delaware's majestic beaches, where there's nothing more refreshing than a holiday stroll along the beach and boardwalks.

4. Experience a winter cabin getaway.

​​Trap Pond State Park offers heated "glamping" year-round, and there's no better way to celebrate a holiday than a little getaway holed up in a quaint little cabin in a state park. This is one of the best things to do in Delaware at Christmas.

5. Enjoy the holidays in Historic New Castle.

​​The Spirit of Christmas takes over the whole town, with street acting, open home tours, and gorgeous holiday decorations. It's not a Delaware holiday bucket list without including a trip to New Castle.

6. See the giant Delaware Christmas tree.

Downtown ​​Rehoboth Beach is a magical town during Christmas in Delaware, and its gigantic tree is the most impressive one in the state! Check it out before it's removed after New Year's. Check out the calendar of events during the holiday season on the Rehoboth Beach website.

7. Experience Yuletide at Winterthur.

The most elegant DuPont mansion in Delaware lights up with Christmas Spirit every year! Make sure to plan a trip to see their incredible display of Delaware holiday delight. It's sure to take your breath away. Read more about ​​Yuletide at Winterthur and what makes it such a magical celebration of Christmas in Delaware. Check out the Winterthur website for this year's dates.

8. Support local businesses by shopping downtown.

Milford, Lewes, Middletown, Dover, Wilmington, Newark — there are so many amazing ​​downtowns in Delaware that get decked out for Christmas that your holiday shopping should be easy to keep local! Visit them all for last-minute, unique gifts for your friends and family.

How many of these activities have you crossed off your ultimate Christmas bucket list in Delaware? What is your favorite way to spend a Delaware Christmas? What do you consider the best Christmas events in Delaware? Let us know! We'd love to hear from you.

If you want to get even more into the Christmas spirit, consider taking our Christmas lights road trip. We love the spirit of Christmas in Delaware in December, and these dazzling displays of lights really shine! Just make sure you take some of the best road trip snacks to add that special touch to your journey!

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