Join the fun in the 1st State, check out our Favorite Holiday Happenings!

Winter WonderFEST

November 18 – January 1, 2017, Daily

15099 Cape Henlopen Drive, Lewes, DE

Drive through a Cape Henlopen State Park filled with the bright, beautiful colors of the two-mile “Light Spectacular” holiday light show, which includes more than 60 awe-inspiring displays. Enjoy the fun at the Cape May-Lewes Ferry Terminal, which will become the “Christmas Village.” The village will have an ice skating rink, live music, indoor holiday workshops, a strolling Santa and carnival rides, including a giant Ferris wheel. The event kicks off Friday, Nov. 18 with a 5K run and two-mile walk around Light Spectacular. Right after that, there will be an opening night party at Lewes’ Crooked Hammock Brewery, a part of LaVida Hospitality Group. The next night vehicle tours of Light Spectacular begin. Park gates open at 5 PM. The tour is open Thursday through Sunday until Dec. 21. From then until Jan. 1, it will be open every night. Admission to Light Spectacular is $15 for cars, $30 for vans, and $50 for busses. Discounts are available in advance for groups bringing multiple vehicles. The Christmas Village Nov. 25. It is open Friday and Saturday through Dec. 22 and then every day between Dec. 23 and Jan. 1. http://wonderfestde.org/

Holidays in Odessa

Nov. 15 – Saturday, Dec. 31 Tuesday – Saturday, 10 AM – 4:30 PM and Sunday 1 PM – 4:30 PM, Monday by reservation

201 Main Street, Odessa, DE

Step back in time at the Historic Odessa’s annual Holiday Celebration – a seasonal tradition of interpreting scenes from classic literature. This year you’re invited to tour the National Historic Register Wilson-Warner House transformed into vignettes inspired by E.T.A. Hoffman’s tale of THe Nutcracker and The Mouse King ; 2016 celebrates the book’s bicentennial (200 years) reacquainting us with the beloved characters and remembering fantastic scenes. http://www.historicodessa.org/plan-your-visit/holidays-odessa

Nemours Mansion & Gardens Holiday Tours

November 19 – January 8, 2017 Tuesday through Saturday: 9:30am, 12pm and 3pm; Sunday: 12pm and 3pm.

Alapocas Drive and Route 141, Wilmington, DE

Experience rooms beautifully decorated with historical artifacts, enjoy dazzling Christmas trees decked out with hand-painted ornaments and decorations from the early 1900s to the present. Come discover the elegance of Nemours Mansion during the holidays. http://www.nemoursmansion.org/

Yuletide at Winterthur

November 19 – January 8, 2017 Recurring daily

5105 Kennett Pk (Rt 52), Wilmington, DE

Delight in and be inspired by visions of holidays of old at Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library’s annual Yuletide tour and celebration. Members free. http://www.winterthur.org/?p=1189

Santa Claus Express on the Wilmington & Western Railroad

November 26 – December 18, Weekly on Sunday & Saturday

Greenbank Station, 2201 Newport Gap Pike, Wilmington, DE

Great for the grandkids… why stand in line at the mall and wait to see Santa, when you can ride our train and have Santa come to you? The Jolly Old Elf himself rides the train and greets everyone on board, and gives all children a chocolate treat. Be sure to bring your camera and have Santa pose for pictures with your child during this 1½-hour round-trip to Ashland. This event has assigned seating, please call the office for arrangements. Reservations are strongly suggested, sell out is likely. http://www.wwrr.com/events/santa.aspx

Twilight Tours at Hagley Museum and Library

December 14 – December 28, 2016  Recurring daily at 4:30pm

201 Hagley Creek Road, Main Entrance off Del. 141, Wilmington, DE

Enjoy a rare opportunity to see Eleutherian Mills, the first du Pont family home built in America, dressed for the holidays and illuminated with softly glowing lights. Lace, fresh greenery, poinsettias, and dried flower arrangements adorn holiday displays throughout the residence. http://www.visitdelaware.com/listings/hagley-museum-and-library/225/

For more Top Holiday Destinations in Delaware, check out VisitDelaware’s website at http://www.visitdelaware.com/blog/post/top-holiday-destinations-in-delaware/

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