Family Friendly Events
The Best Family-Friendly Christmas Activities at the Delaware Beaches
There’s something magical about Christmas at the Delaware beaches. The boardwalks quiet down, the ocean takes on that steel-gray winter look, and suddenly our little beach towns transform into these cozy holiday wonderlands. If you’re looking for family-friendly Christmas activities at the Delaware beaches, you’re in luck since Sussex County goes all out during the holidays.
I’ve lived here long enough to know which events are worth bundling up the kids for and which ones you can skip. Here’s your local’s guide to making the most of Christmas season at the beach.
Why Spend Christmas at the Delaware Beaches?
Most people think of our beaches as summer destinations, but winter here has its own charm. The crowds are gone. Parking is free (and actually available). Your kids can run around without dodging beach chairs and coolers. Plus, there’s something about the salt air mixed with the smell of hot cocoa that just feels right.
The towns really lean into the holiday spirit too. We’re talking serious lights, real Christmas trees, and events that feel genuine, not like some corporate holiday experience.
Christmas Parades You Won't Want to Miss
Rehoboth Beach Hometown Christmas Parade
This usually kicks off the season in early December, and it’s exactly what it sounds like, a parade with the hometown feel. Local schools display their marching bands, there are floats, and yes, Santa shows up. The kids love it because of the holiday cheer. Parents love it because Rehoboth Avenue is lined with shops if you need to duck inside to warm up.
Lewes Christmas Parade
The Lewes Christmas Parade is one of those hometown traditions that locals look forward to all year. You’ll see everything from decked-out floats to kids waving from the back of pickup trucks, all wrapped in twinkling lights. It’s the kind of event where the whole town shows up including grandparents, toddlers bundled in blankets, and families who’ve been coming for decades.
After the parade, most people wander toward Zwaanendael Park for candlelight caroling, which always feels like stepping into an old-fashioned Christmas card. Or, if you’re ready to warm up, downtown Lewes has plenty of cozy spots for a casual dinner before heading home.
Local Fire Company Parades
Georgetown and Milton both have fire company parades that tour through neighborhoods. They’re smaller and less “produced” than the Rehoboth and Lewes parades, but that’s kind of the point. Fire trucks covered in lights, Santa waving from a ladder truck, and the whole thing ends at the fire hall with hot chocolate. Very Sussex County.
Holiday Light Displays That'll Make the Drive Worth It
Rehoboth Beach Tree Lighting
The bandstand on Rehoboth Avenue gets lit up right after Thanksgiving, and it becomes the backdrop for the whole holiday season. They do a tree lighting ceremony that draws a good crowd. Get there early if you want the kids to actually see anything. The nice part is you can grab dinner at one of the restaurants nearby and then walk over. Make an evening of it.
Lewes Holiday Lights
Lewes goes surprisingly hard with holiday lights. The entire historic district gets decorated, and you can do a self-guided walking tour. Second Street is especially pretty. If your kids are old enough to walk a bit without complaining, this is a nice way to spend an evening.
Private Home Displays
Here’s what locals know: some of the best light displays are just people’s houses in residential neighborhoods. Drive around Milton and Georgetown and you’ll find streets where neighbors clearly got together and decided to compete. No crowds, and you can listen to Christmas music in your warm car while the kids point out their favorites.
Meet Santa (Without Losing Your Mind)
Schellville Santa
As we have discussed all over our website, Schellville has just about everything you could think of for a great family centered Christmas event. I heard a rumor that the Santa at Schellville might actually be HIM! So come prepared and have a blast.
Tanger Outlets Santa
Yes, the outlets have Santa. It’s not particularly magical, but the line moves fast, they take good photos, and you’re already there shopping for gifts anyway. Practical.
Breakfast with Santa Events
Several places do these, and they’re honestly worth it. The Milton Theatre usually hosts one. So does the Lewes Public Library. You get a pancake breakfast, some crafts, and face time with Santa without standing in line at the mall for an hour. The library one is especially good because it’s low-key and the kids can actually talk to Santa instead of just getting rushed through for a photo.
Historic Lewes Farmers Market Holiday Market
They sometimes have Santa appearances here in December. It’s outdoors, so dress warm, but the whole market has a nice vibe. You can shop for local gifts while you’re there for handmade ornaments, baked goods, that kind of thing.
Nature and Outdoor Activities
Cape Henlopen State Park Winter Walks
The park stays open year-round, and winter is honestly one of the best times to visit. The beach is empty, the trails are clear, and if you catch a sunny December day, it’s gorgeous. Kids can run around and burn energy. The nature center sometimes has holiday-themed programs.
Winter Beach Bonfires
Some rental properties allow bonfires on the beach during off-season (check local regulations first). There’s nothing quite like s’mores on the beach in December with the stars out and waves crashing. Bring extra blankets and prepare for wind.
Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge
About 20 minutes from the beaches, this refuge is beautiful in winter. You can spot waterfowl and walk the trails without summer crowds. Pack a thermos and some snacks.
Hunting for the Perfect Christmas Tree
If your family likes to kick off the season with a real tree, the Delaware beaches have a few spots that make the search feel like a holiday tradition instead of an errand. Most locals have their place they go every year, and if you’re new to the area, it won’t take long before you find yours.
Milton – Parsons Farms
Parsons Farms is a favorite for families because it’s more than just trees. Kids can wander through the rows of evergreens, sip hot chocolate, and visit the small barn area if it’s open for the season. It’s low-key, friendly, and never feels rushed.
Georgetown – Don’s Tree Farm
If you want that classic “walk the fields and cut your own” experience, Don’s Tree Farm in Georgetown is the real deal. They’ll give you a saw, point you toward the fields, and let you take your time. They also usually have wreaths, local crafts, and a few treats set up near the barn which is perfect if you’re making a whole afternoon out of it.
Lewes – Local Pop-Up Lots
Lewes always has a few seasonal tree lots scattered around town. They’re small and straightforward, which works well if you’re trying to squeeze in a tree pick-up after the parade or during a downtown dinner run. It’s quick, easy, and still feels festive with the lights strung overhead.
Finishing Up
The Delaware beaches during Christmas aren’t trying to be Disneyland or some massive holiday spectacle. We’re just a bunch of small beach towns doing our best to celebrate the season in ways that feel authentic to who we are. You’ll find parades organized by volunteer fire companies, lighting ceremonies where everyone knows each other, and craft fairs in church basements.
It might not be flashy, but it’s genuine. Your kids will have fun, you’ll make memories, and you might even decide this becomes your family’s new holiday tradition. We’ve got room for you.
Just bring a warm coat and low expectations for parking near the bandstand during tree lighting. We’re charming, not perfect.