Wilmington, Delaware, transforms into a sparkling wonderland every December. holiday experience and Dazzling Christmas illuminations and Bringing joy to Brandywine Valley families. With free neighborhood shows, immersive walk-through attractions, and family-friendly holiday events, Christmas Lights in Wilmington offers something magical for everyone.
From the spectacular holiday magic of downtown Wilmington’s riverfront to historic homes like the Hagley, these festive displays are the perfect way to celebrate the season. Finish the night with dinner at some of Wilmington’s most iconic restaurants, including Bardea Food and Drink and Le Cavalier at the historic Hotel Dupont.
Now you can plan your visit to the best Christmas light experiences near Wilmington, Delaware with our complete guide for 2025.
Holidays at the Brandywine Museum
of Brandywine Museum The Chadds Ford Festival is a holiday tradition that combines art, history, and festive splendor. Since 1972, families have returned for the iconic event. brandywine railroad every holiday season. this The expansive model railroad exhibit features 2,000 feet of track and more than 1,000 pieces.
The museum’s atrium is filled with towering trees, hand-crafted ornaments, and seasonal displays of local art. It’s the perfect blend of culture and playful holiday spirit.
when: Open daily from 9:30am to 5pm until January 4th. Check the museum calendar for extended hours and special programs.
Fee: Adults $25. Discounts for children and senior citizens. Free for members.
where: 1 Hoffman’s Mill Rd, Chadds Ford, PA 19317
Website: https://www.brandywine.org
Noel at Nemours Estate
Room 77, known as “America’s Versailles” Nemours Estategreat for the holiday season. Explore the mansion, chauffeur’s garage, gardens, and grounds that were once the home of Alfred I. DuPont. at your own pace Decorated with elegant trees, garlands and festive lights.
For evening fun, enjoy live festival music, hot drinks, and a fire pit. inside the mansion Saturday in December meanwhile Extension of night business hours.
Business hours: Open throughout December with extended evening hours on select days. Check the calendar for special late night openings. CLOSED Christmas Eve and Christmas
Fee: ticket Adults $25. There are discounts for children, seniors and families.
where: 1600 Rockland Rd, Wilmington, DE 19803
Website: https://www.nemoursestate.org
Christmas in Winterthur
The 1,000-acre, 175-room Winterthur Museum, Gardens, and Library is transformed each year into a holiday destination similar to Winterthur’s Christmas Story.
This historic mansion is adorned with sparkling trees. Holiday displays are also inspired by popular stories such as “A Christmas Carol,” “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” and “A Visit from St. Nicholas.”
You’ll also encounter whimsical surprises such as a gingerbread station, a magical dollhouse, and a toy train. On Friday or Saturday nights, enjoy candlelight tours, a cozy fire pit, live music, festive cocktails, and seasonal treats served at the cafe.
when: Open daily from 10am to 5pm until January 4th. Evening hours are also available on select nights
Fee: ticket Adults $30. Discounts available for members, children and seniors
where: 5105 Kennett Pike, Winterthur, DE 19735
Website: https://www.Winterthur.org
hagley’s holiday
on 235 acres Along the banks of the Brandywine Riverhistorical The Hagley Museum and Library is the perfect blend of history and tradition. Explore Eleutherian Mills, the DuPont family’s first American home, seasonally decorated in Colonial style. Don’t forget to check out our annual gingerbread house contest. This is your chance to travel back in time while enjoying the festive cheer.
On certain nights, holiday night tour Stroll through the mansion, then grab a bite to eat at the gift shop.
Business hours: Daily, 10am to 4pm (closed 2pm christmas eve;Closed on Christmas Day)
Fee: Tickets are $20 for non-members.
where: 298 Buck Rd, Wilmington, DE 19807
Website: https://www.hagley.org
Holiday Magic at Christina Riverwalk
Head to downtown Wilmington for a festive stroll. The River Walk will be lit up, creating a magical holiday backdrop.
Stroll under waterfalls of light and sparkling arches. The entire waterfront will be transformed into a whimsical walk-through holiday display perfect for families and couples. The Riverwalk is open seven days a week and lights up at 5pm (dusk). Don’t miss the special drone light show on December 12th and 19th at 7pm and New Year’s Eve at 6pm.
when: Every day; the lights turn on at dusk and shine until late into the night.
where: Park at 601 S. Madison St, Wilmington, DE 19801
Fee: free
Website: https://riverfrontwilm.com/holiday-magic
Festival of Lights at Delaware Park
With spectacular light displays, the Festival of Lights is the perfect spot to take holiday selfies. Then, shop at the holiday market and visit Santa for the annual family photo. This year, the giant party tent will be heating up with plenty of cozy seating and live entertainment.
See also
when: Friday and Saturday nights through Dec. 20, 4 to 9 p.m.
where: 777 Delaware Park Blvd., Wilmington, DE 19804
Fee: Free (excluding photos with Santa)
Website: https://lightsatdelpark.com
Winter Lights: Evening Concert at Rockwood
If you love music, celebrate the holidays at the 19th-century Lockwood Park & Museum, one of Wilmington’s most historic locations. EEnjoy free live musical a concert of holiday classics, and Enjoy a snack at the cash bar and stroll through the mansion’s decorated halls.
Fee: Free and family friendly.
when: Friday, December 12th and 13th 6:00pm – 9:00pm
where: 4651 Washington Street Extension, Wilmington, DE 19809
Website: https://www.newcastlede.gov
Wilmington & Western Railroad’s Holiday Lights Express
For an unforgettable experience, hop aboard a 100-year-old heated passenger car decorated with thousands of twinkling holiday lights. then you 45 minute evening ride Through the Red Clay Valley. Along the way, enjoy the decorative displays of our neighbors along the track decorating their homes and yards with lights.
Rides are rain or shine and often sell out, so book your tickets early.
where: 2201 Newport Gap Pike, Wilmington, DE 19808
when: Until December 31st
Fee: The ticket is Adults $19; Children $17
Website: https://wwrr.com
Longwood Christmas at Longwood Gardens
Longwood Gardens will be one of the most stunning vacation destinations in the area. Stroll through themed greenhouses that sparkle with jewel-like displays, living wreaths, towering trees, reflecting pools, and horticultural art. Then, stroll through the gardens, illuminated by more than 500,000 lights.
Outside, sparkling fountains dance to holiday music and illuminated tunnels transport visitors into an immersive wonderland. Just minutes across the Pennsylvania state line, this is a must-see blend of nature, design, and festive magic.
when: 10am to 11pm daily
Fee: timed ticket Required ($45). Free for members. Discounts for children and seniors.
where: 1001 Longwood Rd, Kennett Square, PA 19348
Website: https://longwoodgardens.org
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Source: Better Living – onbetterliving.com
