Wilmington, Delaware transforms into a sparkling wonderland each December, with holiday experiences and dazzling Christmas light displays and that bring joy to families across the Brandywine Valley. Whether you’re searching for free neighborhood shows, immersive walk-through attractions, or family-friendly holiday events, Wilmington’s Christmas lights offer something magical for everyone.
From the grand Holiday Magic at Riverfront in downtown Wilmington, to historic estates like Hagley these festive displays are the perfect way to celebrate the season. Finish your evening with a dinner at one of Wilmington’s most iconic restaurants like Bardea Food and Drink or the historic Hotel Dupont‘s Le Cavalier.
Now you can plan your visit to the best Christmas light experiences near Wilmington, DE with our complete guide for 2025.
Holidays at Brandywine Museum of Art
The Brandywine Museum of Art in Chadds Ford is a holiday tradition that blends art, history, and festive wonder. Since 1972, families returning for the iconic Brandywine Railroad every holiday season. This sprawling model train display has 2,000 feet of track and over 1,000 pieces.
Towering trees and hand‑crafted ornaments fill the museum’s atrium, while seasonal exhibitions showcase local art. It’s the perfect mix of cultural and playful holiday spirit.
When: Open daily 9:30 AM to 5 PM through Jan 4th; check the museum calendar for extended hours and special programming.Cost: $25 for adults; discounts for children, seniors; free for members.Where: 1 Hoffman’s Mill Rd, Chadds Ford, PA 19317Website:
NOËL at Nemours Estate
Known as “America’s Versailles,” the 77‑room Nemours Estate, which is brilliant 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 lighting.
For some night-time fun, stop in for live festive music, hot beverages, and firepits in the mansion Saturdays in December during extended evening hours.
Hours: Open throughout December with extended evening hours on select dates; check the calendar for special late‑night openings. CLOSED Christmas Eve and ChristmasCost: Tickets are $25 for adults; discounts available for children, seniors, and families.Where: 1600 Rockland Rd, Wilmington, DE 19803Website:
Yuletide at Winterthur
Each year the 1000 acre, 175-room Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library is transformed into a storybook holiday destination for Yuletide at Winterthur.
This historic estate is decorated with sparkling trees. And holiday displays are inspired by beloved tales like “A Christmas Carol”, “Alice in Wonderland,” and “A Visit from St. Nicholas.”
You’ll also encounter whimsical surprises like a gingerbread train station, a magical dollhouse, and toy trains. On select Friday or Saturday evenings, enjoy candlelit tours, cozy firepits, live music, festive cocktails, and seasonal treats served in their café.
When: Open daily 10AM – 5PM through January 4; evening hours available on select nightsCost: Tickets are $30 for adults; discounts available for members, children, and seniorsWhere: 5105 Kennett Pike, Winterthur, DE 19735Website:
Holidays at Hagley
On 235 acres along the banks of the Brandywine River, the historic Hagley Museum and Library brings a perfect blend of history and tradition. Explore the Eleutherian Mills, the du Pont family’s first American home, decorated for the season in Colonial‑style. Don’t forget to check out their annual Gingerbread House Contest. It’s a chance to step back in time while enjoying festive cheer.
On select nights, Holiday Nights Tours offer walks through the mansion, and light refreshments served in the giftshop afterward.
Hours: Daily, 10 AM – 4 PM (closes 2pm Christmas Eve; closed Christmas Day)Cost: Tickets $20 for non-membersWhere: 298 Buck Rd, Wilmington, DE 19807Website:
Holiday Magic on the Christina Riverwalk
For a festive stroll, head to downtown Wilmington where the Riverwalk is lit up making it a magical holiday backdrop.
Stoll under cascades of lights and sparkling archways. The entire waterfront transforms into a whimsical walk‑through holiday display perfect for families and couples. The Riverwalk is open 7 days a week, and lights turn on at 5:00pm (dusk). On December 12th and 19th at 7 PM and New Year’s Eve at 6 PM don’t miss the holiday Drone Light Shows for something special.
When: Daily; lights switch on at dusk and shine late into the evening.Where: Park at 601 S. Madison St, Wilmington, DE 19801Cost: FreeWebsite:
Festival of Lights at Delaware Park
With a stunning light display, the Festival of Lights make the perfect spot to snap holiday selfies. Then shop the holiday market and visit Santa for your annual family photo. This year, their giant party tent will be heated with plenty of cozy seating, and live entertainment.
See also
When: Friday & Saturday nights through December 20th, 4 – 9 PMWhere: 777 Delaware Park Blvd., Wilmington, DE 19804Cost: Free (except pictures with Santa)Website:
Winter Lights: Evening Concerts at Rockwood
If you love music, celebrate the holidays in one of Wilmington’s most historic settings at the 19th‑century Rockwood Park & Museum. Enjoy free live musical concerts of holiday classics and then stroll through the mansion’s decorated halls while sipping refreshments from a cash bar.
Cost: Free and family‑friendly.When: Friday, December 12th and 13th 6:00 – 9:00 PMWhere: 4651 Washington Street Extension, Wilmington, DE 19809Website:
Holiday Lights Express on the Wilmington & Western Railroad
For a memorable experience, climb aboard a 100 year‑old, heated train coach, decked out in thousands of sparkling holiday lights. Then you’ll take a forty-five minute evening ride through the Red Clay Valley. Along the way enjoy the decorative displays of trackside neighbors, who deck out their homes and yards in lights.
Rides run rain or shine and tend to sell out, so book your tickets early.
Where: 2201 Newport Gap Pike, Wilmington, Delaware 19808When: Through December 31Cost: Tickets are $19 for adults and $17 for children Website:
A Longwood Christmas at Longwood Gardens
Longwood Gardens becomes one of the region’s most spectacular holiday destinations. Wander through themed conservatories sparkling with jewel‑toned displays, living wreaths, towering trees, reflection pools and horticultural artistry. Afterward, explore the gardens twinkling with more than 500,000 lights.
Outdoors, glowing fountains dance to holiday music, and lighted tunnels invite visitors into immersive wonderlands. Minutes over the Pennsylvania border, it’s a blend of nature, design, and festive magic you won’t want to miss.
When: Daily 10:00 am–11:00 PMCost: Timed tickets required ($45); free for members; discounts for children and seniors.Where: 1001 Longwood Rd, Kennett Square, PA 19348Website:
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