The best local light shows happening this holiday season.
As a kid there was nothing like loading in the car on a December night and driving around the neighborhoods to look at Christmas lights with your family.
Whether you head for the nostalgia of Santa Claus Lane, take in the winter wonderland of Smith's on the Hill, or stay cozy in the car to drive through Rockwood Park, I've compiled the ultimate list of holiday light displays in Delaware.
Read on for my list of the best places to view Christmas lights in Delaware this year.
Smith's Christmas Lights at Top of the Hill
📍 1900 Prior Road, Wilmington, DE 19809
Type: Park & Walk (Private Residence)
On select nights you might find the big man in red here, Smiths on the Hill is a private residence and meant to be enjoyed from the yard only. Visitors are encourages to stay on the designated paths and respect the surrounding neighbors.
Santa Claus Lane
📍 1054 Red Lion Road, New Castle, DE 19720
Type: Park & Walk, Drive-by (Private Residence)
While some night you can catch Santa sitting in his garage workshop, Santa Claus Lane is a private residence and meant to be enjoyed from the car or driveway.
Riverbright Wilmington
📍 Riverfront Wilmington, 815 Justison St Wilmington, DE
Type: Park & walk
Now in it's second year, Riverbright Wilmington launches for 2023 on Friday, November 24th and runs through January 7th. More information: https://riverfrontwilm.com/
Rockwood Park
📍 4651 Washington Street Extension, Wilmington, DE 19809
Type: Park & walk, drive-through
Holiday Open House at Rockwood is happening this year on Friday, December 1st and Saturday, December 2nd from 5PM - 9PM. The free family event allows guests to enjoy holiday displays of lights in the park, museum tours, free photos with Santa, and more.
More information can be found on the New Castle County website.
Winter Nights at Rockwood also opens the mansion up for interior walking tours to see the rooms as they were meant to be enjoyed at night. The below dates are open to all ages and also free. All evenings are from 5PM-8PM. For more information on Winter Nights at Rockwood, visit the New Castle County website.
Sunday, December 10, 2023
Monday, December 11, 2023
Sunday, December 17, 2023
Monday, December 18, 2023
Exterior lights of Rockwood's heritage park stay up all season long for visitors and guests to enjoy - a great spot to drive through on your holiday lights tour!
More information: https://www.newcastlede.gov/431/Rockwood-Park-Museum
Herr's Christmas Lights Display
📍 1054 Red Lion Road, New Castle, DE 19720
Type: Drive-through
Not technically in Delaware, this local show deserves an honorable mention for it's display of over 600K lights (!!) and always (dusk-dawn) open hours. If it's dark, you're invited to drive through their display, a welcome invitation for parents of little ones that need an evening drive to drift away to dreamland. Runs November 22nd through January 2nd.
More information: https://www.herrs.com/visit-us/community-events/
Lewes Lights
📍 Lewes, DE 19958
Type: Drive-through
Drive around the quaint and historic town of Lewes, where residents and businesses have come together to bring the streets aglow with holiday cheer. Last years (2022) official map counted 120 decorated locations! Check out tour Maps at LewesLights.org/map.
More information: https://www.facebook.com/leweslights
Dover Speedway's Gift of Lights
📍 1229 Persimmon Tree Lane, Dover, DE
Type: Drive-through
Dover Speedway's drive-through holiday lights experience runs this year from Thursday, November 23rd - Sunday, December 31st. There is a per vehicle fee based on your vehicle type.
More information: https://www.giftoflightsdover.com/
That's not all the holiday fun we have in Delaware! Check out my Ultimate Guide to 2023 Holiday Events in Delaware and my list of Favorite Light Shows to Enjoy from the Car!
Did I miss something? Get in touch at ashley@ashleydoesads.com and let me know!
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