The 6 Most Magical Christmas Towns in Delaware

Christmas in Delaware is truly magical! During the holiday season, towns throughout the state are decked out in twinkling lights and yuletide decor. But there's more to Christmas in Delaware than festive sights. Lots of towns celebrate the season with fun festivities, which run the gamut from historic tours of colonial homes to twinkling train rides and everything in between. Not sure where to begin your search for the best Christmas towns in Delaware? Visit a Christmas village to start:

1. New Castle

The holiday spirit is alive and well in this picturesque Delaware town. New Castle is one of the most charming Christmas towns in Delaware, and much of it is due to the New Castle Historical Society's efforts to preserve the colonial history and tradition of Old New Castle. Each year, the town of New Castle hosts the Spirit of Christmas Celebration. An annual favorite, the event includes lots of opportunities for old-fashioned fun, including historic house tours, caroling, a tree lighting, and more. Best of all, much of it is free to attend, except for the historic house tours, which require a paid ticket.

2. Odessa

Just like New Castle, Odessa is a colonial town that's dedicated to preserving tradition, and the holidays are no exception. Candlelit walking tours, historic homes inspired by literary themes, and more are just some of the events hosted by the Historic Odessa Foundation throughout December. This delightful little Christmas town is a must-add to your holiday season bucket list.

3. Milford

This charming river town is also one of the prettiest Christmas towns in Delaware, boasting a downtown filled with decorated storefronts and streets set aglow by twinkling Christmas lights. The signature event is the Milford Holiday Stroll and Christmas Market. During the event, Walnut Street merchants show off their décor, while carolers and live music can be heard throughout town.

4. Wilmington

During the Christmas season, a giant vintage railcar adorned with festive decorations and sparkling lights glides through the Red Clay Valley in Wilmington. This Christmas train ride, known as Wilmington & Western Railroad’s Holiday Lights Express, departs from Greenbank Station and lasts 45 minutes. You can also take a train ride with Santa on the Santa Claus Express. If that doesn't make Wilmington one of the best Christmas towns in Delaware, we don't know what would!

The town's holiday cheer doesn't end with the decked-out train, though. The Winterthur Museum, Garden, and Library holds Yuletide at Winterthur from late November to early January, showcasing a beautiful array of decorated trees and displays throughout its historic home, including a gingerbread replica of a train station. The 200-acre Nemours Estate also features Noël at Nemours, where glorious holiday displays spill out from the mansion onto the surrounding grounds and gardens. Holidays at Hagley is stunning as well, with this Georgian-style home lovingly decorated for the season.

5. Rehoboth Beach

Starting with a tree lighting ceremony in late November, downtown Rehoboth Beach transforms into an incredible Christmas village in Delaware filled with festive events in the weeks leading up to the holiday. Lights everywhere, Santa sightings, caroling, and more will transport you to the North Pole. Be sure to stop by one of their many holiday stores as well, such as Christmas Spirit, a locally-owned shop stocked with hundreds of holiday ornaments where Santa can frequently be found!

6. Lewes

The Lewes Christmas Parade and its line of light-adorned floats is a longstanding tradition, but that's not the only thing that makes Lewes one of the best Christmas towns in Delaware. Every holiday season, Lewes spreads holiday cheer via lots of festive activities, including Lewes Lights—a dazzling light display—and the Schellville Christmas Village, which includes snow zones, appearances by Mr. and Mrs. Claus, and an artisan alley filled with handcrafted goodies.

So, what do you think? Are these among the best places to see Christmas lights in Delaware? Share this article with a friend and let them know! Getting ready to travel for the holidays and see some show-stopping attractions? Be sure to download the Only In Your State itinerary planner to plan the perfect trip with the power of AI.