Christmas Village
A Guide to Schellville and Delaware's Holiday Magic
There’s something about a Christmas village that just feels different. Maybe it’s the lights strung up everywhere, or the smell of hot chocolate mixing with cold air, or just the fact that for a few weeks, everyone’s walking around smiling at strangers. Whatever it is, Delaware’s got its own version, and it’s called Schellville.
If you haven’t been yet, picture this: a whole setup dedicated to making December feel like the holidays are supposed to feel. Lights everywhere, kids running around hyped up on candy canes, that slightly chaotic but happy energy that only happens this time of year. It’s become one of those things locals talk about starting in October, and out-of-towners add to their “must-do” list when they’re visiting the beaches in winter.
I’ve been going to Schellville for a few years now, and sure, it’s gotten more popular (which means more crowded), but it’s still got that community feel that makes it special. This isn’t some corporate holiday experience. It’s Delaware people doing Delaware things; which means it’s welcoming, a little quirky, and genuinely fun.
So let’s talk about what Schellville actually is, what you’ll find there, and how to make the most of your visit.
What Is Schellville?
Schellville is basically Delaware’s answer to a traditional Christmas village, and it’s become a legit holiday tradition for a lot of families around here. It started as the Schell Brothers dream of a Christmas Village in Rehoboth Beach. They started out with a few miniature decorated houses, some Christmas trees, and plenty of activities.
Now it’s a full seasonal event that runs from late November through December. They’ve got the lights, obviously, but also activities, food, shops, and EVEN SANTA!! It’s set up so you can walk through at your own pace, which is nice because you’re not being rushed or herded through like some attractions do.
The location is still in Rehoboth Beach, behind the Seaside Outlets. Easy to get to, plenty of parking (though we’ll talk about that more later), and it’s become enough of a destination that people plan trips around it.
What makes Schellville work is that it feels genuine. The Schell Brothers clearly love the holidays, and that comes through. It’s not trying to be the biggest or flashiest holiday display, it’s just trying to be a good time, and most nights, it succeeds.
Schellville Attractions
Alright, let’s break down what you’ll actually find when you get there. This isn’t everything (they add stuff and change things up a bit each year) but these are the main attractions that keep people coming back.
Santa's House
Obviously, Santa's there. The house is set up so kids can go in, sit with Santa, tell him what they want (spoiler: it's usually something expensive), and get a photo. The line can get long, especially on weekends, but they keep it moving pretty well. What I appreciate is that Santa's not rushed. They give each kid their moment, which matters when you've been waiting in line for 20 minutes with a four-year-old who's had too much sugar. Bring your own camera—they're cool with you taking photos, though they also have a photographer if you want the professional shot.
Snow Zone
This one's a hit with kids. They've got fake snowballs, like, a ton of them, and the whole area is set up so kids can basically have an all-out snowball war. There are hiding spots, barriers to duck behind, and places to take cover when you're getting pelted. It gets chaotic. Kids are running around throwing snowballs at each other, at their parents, at complete strangers who made the mistake of walking too close. It's loud and kind of wild, but in a good way if your kids are into that sort of thing. The fake snowballs are soft, so nobody's getting hurt (usually), but they do get everywhere. You'll find them in your pockets, your hood, probably your car later. Just embrace it. Fair warning: if you have a kid who's really into throwing things, this area might take up a solid 20 minutes of your visit. Mine refused to leave until we'd made at least three trips to gather more snowballs. Plan accordingly.
Roller Rink
They've got a little roller skating rink set up, which is kind of random but also kind of perfect. It's small, so don't expect a full roller rink experience, but it's fun for kids to skate around for a bit. Skate rentals are $5, and they've got sizes for most kids. Adults can skate too if you're feeling brave. I attempted it once. Let's just say I remembered very quickly that I am not as coordinated as I was at age ten.
Sled Hill
They've got this big artificial snow hill set up where you can grab a tube and slide down. It's not a massive hill or anything, but it's big enough that kids (and let's be honest, adults too) get a good ride out of it. The tubes are provided, and there's usually someone at the top helping manage the flow so people aren't crashing into each other. The line can get long on busy nights. The "snow" on the hill is that slick artificial stuff that actually works pretty well for sliding. You pick up decent speed. Just hold on to your tube and try not to wipe out at the bottom, though that's part of the fun too. If you've got kids who love sledding but Delaware doesn't exactly get reliable snow, this scratches that itch. Expect to do multiple runs.
Train Ride
There's a little train that loops around part of the property. It's not a long ride, maybe five minutes? But kids love it, and honestly, it's a nice break for parents to sit down for a second. The train's decorated with lights, and they play Christmas music while you're riding. It's one of those simple things that just works. The line moves fairly quick unless you hit a really busy night.
Tree Maze
They even have a maze set up made out of Christmas trees, and it's a blast. The trees are arranged so you're winding through trying to find your way out, and there are a few dead ends that'll get you turned around. The trees are real (or at least they look real), and they're decorated with lights, so even while you're trying to navigate your way out, it looks pretty. Makes for some good photos if you can get your kids to stand still for two seconds.
Christmas Lane
This section is honestly one of the coolest parts of Schellville, especially if you've got younger kids. It's a whole street of kid-sized houses; like, actually scaled down so kids can walk in and everything inside is their size. There are over 20 of these little houses, each one decorated and set up as a different place. What makes it work is that kids can actually interact with everything. It's not just look-but-don't-touch. They can go in, play, and really get into it. I've seen kids spend 30 minutes just going from house to house, completely entertained.
Food and Drink
There are food trucks and stands set up with the usual suspects: hot chocolate, hot apple cider, and of course the infamous Starboard Crushes. It's standard fair food, nothing fancy, but it's warm and it hits the spot when you're walking around in December. The hot chocolate is decent. Not life-changing, but good enough that you'll probably get a second cup. They usually have a s'mores station too, which is always popular. Prices are what you'd expect for an event like this, not cheap, but not totally unreasonable either. Plan on spending a bit if you're getting food for the family.
Artisan Village and Shops
This section has little buildings set up like a village, with local vendors selling handmade stuff. Ornaments, candles, jewelry, woodwork, that kind of thing. It's actually good quality, not just generic holiday junk. I've bought gifts here before. Supports local artisans, and you're getting something unique instead of whatever's at the mall. The prices are reasonable, and the people running the booths are usually the ones who made the stuff, so they can tell you about it. If you're looking for a Delaware-made ornament or something to bring back as a gift, this is your spot.
Face Painting
They've got face painting set up, usually in one of the buildings or under a tent. Standard holiday designs that include snowflakes, candy canes, reindeer, Santa beards, that sort of thing. The artists are pretty good and work fast. You're looking at maybe 5-10 minutes per kid. There's usually a small fee for face painting, but prices are reasonable. One thing to know: if your kid touches their face a lot or you're doing the sled hill after, the paint's going to smudge. Think about timing. But if your kid's into it, it's a fun add-on. They'll feel special, you'll get cute photos, and it's one more thing that makes the night memorable.
Tips for Visiting Schellville
Okay, here’s the practical stuff you need to know before you go. This is all based on actual experience and mistakes I’ve made so you don’t have to.
Go on a weeknight if possible. Fridays and Saturdays are packed. Like, really packed. You’ll wait longer for everything, parking is tighter, and it’s just more chaotic. Tuesday or Wednesday nights? Way more chill. You’ll actually be able to move around and enjoy it.
Dress warmer than you think you need to. I know I said this in the lights article, but it bears repeating. You’re going to be outside for at least an hour, probably longer. Layers, waterproof shoes (if its raining), gloves, hats; all of it.
Parking can be tricky on busy nights. They’ve got a field set up for parking, and usually people directing traffic, but it fills up fast on weekends. Get there early if you’re going on a Saturday night. Or go later (after 7:30 or so), some people are leaving and you can grab their spot.
Bring cash. Some vendors take cards, but not all of them. The food stands usually do, but the artisan shops are hit or miss. Just have cash on you and you’re covered.
Plan for about 1.5 to 2 hours. That’s usually enough time to see everything, do a few activities, get some food, and not feel rushed. You could do it faster if you’re just walking through, or spend longer if you’re really taking your time with everything.
Strollers work fine here. The paths are mostly flat and wide enough for strollers. You’ll see plenty of people with them. Wagons work too if you’ve got multiple little kids who are going to get tired.
Check the weather. If it’s been raining, parts of the field can get muddy. If it’s actively raining, you’re going to have a rough time because there’s not much covered space. They run rain or shine, but use your judgment.
It’s absolutely fine for adults without kids. Don’t feel weird about going as a couple or with friends. Plenty of people do. It’s not just a kids’ thing, it’s a holiday thing, and everyone’s welcome!
Map & Parking
Parking can be tricky on busy nights. There’s some parking right at Schellville, but it’s limited. If that lot fills up (and it will on weekends), there’s additional parking at the Rehoboth Little League Fields. They run a free shuttle from there, so you’re not walking a mile in the cold.
If you need handicap parking, there are spots available behind the Tanger Outlets. It’s first come, first served though, and there aren’t many, so get there early if you need one of those spots.
My advice? Arrive earlier than you think you need to, especially on Fridays and Saturdays. Or go on a weeknight when parking is way less stressful.
Why Schellville is Worth Your Time
Look, I get it. There are a million things competing for your time in December. Shopping, parties, family obligations, work stuff that’s supposed to be done before the year ends. Adding one more thing to the calendar can feel like a lot.
But here’s the thing about Schellville and the other holiday stuff happening around Delaware: it’s the kind of experience that reminds you what December’s supposed to be about. Not the stress, not the rushing around, not the perfect Instagram moment. Just being somewhere pretty with people you care about, drinking something warm, and letting yourself enjoy it.
Schellville’s not trying to be Rockefeller Center or Disney World. It’s just Delaware folks putting together something special for the community and anyone who wants to come see it. That’s what makes it good, it’s real, it’s local, and it’s genuinely fun.
So if you’re on the fence about going, just go. Bundle up, plan for a couple hours, and give yourself permission to just wander around and enjoy the lights. Pair it with Lewes Lights or a trip to the beach, make a night of it. Your December will be better for it.
Stay warm, enjoy the season, and I’ll see you at the village.
For more information about Schellville, visit their website here.