Wilmington, Delaware is transformed into a glittering wonderland every December holiday experiences and Dazzling Christmas light displays and Bringing joy to Brandywine Valley families. Whether you’re looking for free neighborhood shows, immersive attractions, or family-friendly holiday events, Wilmington’s Christmas lights offer something magical for everyone.
From the great Holiday Magic of the Riverfront Downtown WilmingtonThese festive displays at historic estates like Hagley are the perfect way to celebrate the season. End the evening with dinner at one of Wilmington’s most iconic restaurants Bardea Food and drink or historical Hotel DupontIt’s a horse.
Now you can plan your visit to the best Christmas light experiences in the Wilmington, DE area for 2025 with our comprehensive guide.
Vacation at the Brandywine Museum of Art
The Brandywine Museum of Art in Chadds Ford is a festive tradition that blends art, history and festive wonder. Since 1972, families have been returning to the iconic Brandywine Railroad every holiday season. This The expansive model train features 2,000 feet of track and over 1,000 pieces.
Large trees and handmade decorations fill the museum lobby, and seasonal exhibits showcase local art. It’s the perfect blend of cultural and playful holiday spirit.
When: Open daily from 9:30am to 5:00pm until January 4; consult the museum calendar for special hours and programming.
Cost: $25 for adults; discounts for children, seniors; free for members.
Where: 1 Hoffman’s Mill Rd, Chadds Ford, PA 19317
Website: https://www.brandywine.org
CHRISTMAS at Nemours Estate
Known as the “Versailles of America”, 77 rooms Nemours Estatewhich is great during the holiday season. Once the home of Alfred I. duPont, you can explore the mansion, chauffeur’s garage, gardens and grounds. at your own pace decorated with elegant trees, garlands and festive lights.
For nighttime fun, head over for live party music, hot drinks and fire pits in the palace Saturdays in December during extended evening hours.
Schedule: Open throughout December with extended evening hours on select dates; check the calendar for special opening nights. CLOSED Christmas Eve and Christmas
Cost: Tickets It’s $25 for adults; discounts for children, seniors and families.
Where: 1600 Rockland Rd, Wilmington, DE 19803
Website: https://www.nemoursestate.org
Christmas in Winterthur
Every year the 1000-acre, 175-room Winterthur Museum, Garden and Library transforms into a storybook holiday destination for Winterthur’s Yuletide.
This historic estate is decorated with sparkling trees. And holiday displays are inspired by beloved stories like “A Christmas Carol,” “Alice in Wonderland” and “A Visit from St. Nicholas.”
You’ll also find quirky surprises like a gingerbread train station, a magical dollhouse and toy trains. On select Friday or Saturday evenings, enjoy candlelit tours, cozy fireplaces, live music, festive cocktails and seasonal treats in their cafe.
When: Open daily from 10:00 to 17:00 until January 4; evening hours available on select nights
Cost: Tickets It’s $30 for adults; discounts for members, children and seniors
Where: 5105 Kennett Pike, Winterthur, DE 19735
Website: https://www.winterthur.org
Holidays at Hagley
in 235 hectares On the banks of the Brandywine Riverhistorical Hagley Museum and Library brings a perfect blend of history and tradition. Explore Eleutherian Mills, the du Pont family’s first home in America, decorated for the season in colonial style. Don’t forget to check out the annual Gingerbread House Contest. It’s a chance to go back in time, enjoying the festive season.
On select nights, Holiday Night Tours Tours of the palace followed by light refreshments served in the gift shop.
Schedule: Every day, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (closed at 14:00 Christmas Eve; Closed Christmas Day)
Cost: Tickets $20 for non-members
Where: 298 Buck Rd, Wilmington, DE 19807
Website: https://www.hagley.org
Holiday Magic Christina on the Riverwalk
For a festive stroll, head to downtown Wilmington, where the Riverwalk is lit up into a magical holiday backdrop.
Stop under the sparkling lights and arches. The entire waterfront is transformed into a whimsical holiday display, perfect for families and couples alike. The Riverwalk is open 7 days a week, and the lights come on at 5:00 pm (dusk). Don’t miss the holiday Drone Light Shows on December 12th and 19th at 7:00pm and New Year’s Eve at 6:00pm for something special.
When: Every day; the lights come on at dusk and shine at dusk.
Where: Park 601 S. Madison St, Wilmington, DE 19801
Cost: for free
Website: https://riverfrontwilm.com/holiday-magic
Festival of Lights in Delaware Park
With a stunning light display, the Festival of Lights is the perfect place to take holiday selfies. Then shop at the holiday market and visit Santa for your annual family photo. This year, their giant marquee will be heating up with plenty of comfortable seating and live entertainment.
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When: Until December 20 on Friday and Saturday nights, from 16:00 to 21:00
Where: 777 Delaware Park Blvd., Wilmington, DE 19804
Cost: Free (except photos with Santa)
Website: https://lightsatdelpark.com
Winter Lights: Night Concerts at Rockwood
If you love music, celebrate the holidays in one of Wilmington’s most historic locations, the 19th century. 20th century Rockwood Park & Museum. Eenjoy it live for free the musical holiday classics concerts and then stroll through the palace’s decorated halls while sipping refreshments from a cash bar.
Cost: Free and family friendly.
When: December 12 and 13, Friday, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m
Where: 4651 Washington Street Extension, Wilmington, DE 19809
Website: https://www.newcastlede.gov
Holiday Lights Express on the Wilmington & Western Railroad
For an experience to remember, board a 100-year-old heated train coach decked out in thousands of twinkling holiday lights. Then you will take one a forty-five minute walk in the evening Through the Red Clay Valley. Along the way, enjoy the decorative displays of residents along the trails, who decorate their homes and yards with lights.
Tours run rain or shine and tend to sell out, so book your tickets early.
Where: 2201 Newport Gap Pike, Wilmington, Delaware 19808
When: Until December 31
Cost: They are tickets $19 for adults and $17 for children
Website: https://wwrr.com
Longwood Christmas at Longwood Gardens
Longwood Gardens it becomes one of the most spectacular holiday destinations in the region. Stroll through themed conservatories resplendent with jewel-toned shop windows, vibrant wreaths, towering trees, reflection pools and horticultural artists. Then explore the gardens aglow with over 500,000 lights.
Outside, sparkling fountains dance to holiday music and lighted tunnels invite visitors into immersive wonderlands. Minutes from the Pennsylvania border, it’s a mix of nature, design and holiday magic you won’t want to miss.
When: Every day from 10:00 to 23:00
Cost: Entries full of time required ($45); free for members; discounts for children and adults.
Where: 1001 Longwood Rd, Kennett Square, PA 19348
Website: https://longwoodgardens.org
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