Holiday lights & winter outings near Wilmington
The holidays are when the region shows off — light displays, a Santa train, and plenty of warm indoor backups for when the kids hit their cold-weather wall. These are the December-into-winter outings worth planning around Wilmington. Timed tickets sell out, so book the big ones early.
1. Longwood Gardens
Kennett Square
A Longwood Christmas runs November 20, 2026–January 10, 2027, 10 AM–11 PM daily: lights across the grounds plus the decked-out conservatory. Entry is by timed ticket: adults $45–$52, youth $25–$32, kids 4 and under free, with the higher price on Fridays–Sundays and every day from December 18 to January 3. The marquee outing; book early.
2. Wilmington & Western Railroad
Wilmington
The railroad says its 2026 Santa trains are scheduled and booking now: a 1½-hour round trip from Greenbank Station with Santa on board. Reservations are required, so pick a departure on the railroad's schedule. Holiday Lights Express is the evening option, an hour in heated coaches covered in lights, but Santa isn't aboard that one.
3. Winterthur Museum & Gardens
Winterthur
Yuletide runs November 21, 2026–January 3, 2027, Tuesday–Sunday: decorated rooms, outdoor lights, a gingerbread display and an 18-room holiday dollhouse. Yuletide admission is $33 adults, $12 ages 3–12, free for 2 and under. Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day; closes at 2 PM Christmas Eve. A calmer, slightly-older-kid pick; reservations strongly recommended.
4. Rockwood Park & Museum
Wilmington
The free one: Rockwood's Holiday Open House is Friday–Saturday, December 4–5, 2026, 5–9 PM, with lights through the park, museum tours, free photos with Santa, and local choirs and dancers. The tree and menorah lighting is Friday at 6 PM.
5. Delaware Children's Museum
Wilmington
The indoor warm-up when it's too cold to be out — toddler-friendly and fully weatherproof. Open Wednesday–Sunday (closed Monday and Tuesday); buy tickets at the admissions desk.
6. Delaware Museum of Nature & Science
Wilmington
Another indoor option for a raw winter day — Delaware's only permanent dinosaur exhibit, plus the Nature Nook for toddlers (closed Mondays).
Questions parents ask
Where are the best holiday lights near Wilmington?
A Longwood Christmas at Longwood Gardens (November 20, 2026–January 10, 2027) is the regional standout — lights across the grounds plus the conservatory. Entry is by timed ticket, and most members need a free timed reservation too, so book ahead.
What's a holiday outing for little kids?
The Wilmington & Western Railroad's Santa train, with Santa on board, is built for young kids, and Rockwood's free Holiday Open House (December 4–5) has free photos with Santa. On a too-cold day, the Children's Museum is the indoor fallback.
Get the good ones before they fill up
One countywide shortlist every Friday morning, with ages, cost and logistics on each pick. Free.
More guides
Checked against each place’s current info.
Admission and hours come straight from each place’s guide. Last reviewed October 23, 2026. Confirm anything dated on the source before you go.