Christmas Lights 2024-2025 in Delaware

The Christmas season brings a lot of joy and festivities to Delaware. Light up your night with spectacular light displays, enjoy rides and games of midways, take a ride on a vintage 100-year-old train, or sing along on the beach, welcoming Santa Claus to town.

Rehoboth Beach Tree Lighting & Holiday Sing-Along at the Bandstand (November 29, 2024)

A favorite Delaware tradition is to gather at the Bandstand to kick off the holiday season in Rehoboth Beach. The most joyful time of the year starts with the City of Rehoboth Beach Tree Lighting and Sing-Along. Thousands of spectators from across the region gather at the beach to honor the tradition and ring in the holiday spirit. After the tree is lit, enjoy entertainment, dinner, or holiday shopping in downtown Rehoboth Beach. Tree lightning is set to take place at 6:30 pm and last until 7:15 pm.

Holiday Light Express, Wilmington & Western Railroad, Wilmington (December 6–30, 2024)

What can get people into the Christmas spirit better than an old-fashioned train ride among thousands of shimmering lights? Enjoy a peaceful 45-minute afternoon trip aboard Holiday Light Express departing from Wilmington. Heated one-hundred-year-old coaches are beautifully adorned with thousands of colorful LEDs. Many of the trackside neighborhoods also boast lavish decorations for passengers to see.

Tickets & Schedule

The trips take place at 5 pm, 6:30 pm, and 8 pm; however, hours vary depending on the day. The trains depart from Greenbank Station. Tickets cost $19 for adults, $17 for children between 2 and 12 years, and $18 for seniors over 60 years old. Children under two can ride for free with adult supervision.

Other Holiday Trips at the Railroad

There is also a memorable Santa Claus Express ride with the Big Man himself. This trip takes place on several trains, one powered by one of the historic first-generation diesel locomotives and the other by a classic steam locomotive. Santa Claus Express operates from November 29th until December 23rd at 12:30 and 2:30 pm. Another festive trip, Ice Princess Express, unfolds on November 16-17 at 12:30 and 3 pm. Ice Queen, Ice Princess, and Ice Harvester will take you on a magical journey through snowy landscapes and fairytales.

Gift of Lights Drive-Thru in Dover (November 28, 2024–January 5, 2025)

A magical experience taking place at Dover Motor Speedway, Gift of Lights offers a unique opportunity to drive in your own vehicle through Dover Motor Speedway campgrounds, vibrantly flashing with colorful lights. The 2-mile (3 km) journey features 60 festive light installations and more than 3.5 million lights along the way.

First launched in 2022, this fairly recent tradition won over the hearts of the Delaware community and continues to be one of the favorites among families. The venue operates from 5 pm until 10 pm on Fridays, Saturdays, and holidays (from December 13th until December 29th) and from 5 pm to 9 pm from Sunday through Thursday. The entire experience normally takes 45 minutes to complete. Admission costs $35 per car and $60 per limo or bus.

Lewes Lights (December 1-31, 2024)

The city of Lewes, situated on Delaware Bay in the Cape Region, annually comes together to create a charming fairytale experience during the Christmastime. Numerous neighbors decorate their houses with Christmas illumination, holiday trinkets, garlands, and Christmas-themed sculptures. The scenic drive through the city streets transports you right into the setting of your favorite Christmas movies. The houses are decorated all over the city, east of Route 1. To witness a true spectacle of light, consider driving in the evening along Savannah Road and 2nd Street, where many houses are decorated. The lights are on from 5 to 9 pm.