You might not think there's much to do in Delaware in the winter, but this guide will show you that you're mistaken. From the beginning of November until the beginning of January, you can go anywhere in the state and find a Christmas- or winter-themed event. 

You can start your Christmas adventures in Sussex County by going shopping at an artisan fair, taking your family to a magical winter wonderland, or staying warm inside while watching a professional theatre production of a Christmas musical. All of these are great ways for families to spend time together during the holidays. 

In light of this, here is a list of the best things to do in Sussex County, Delaware, during the holiday season when it is cold.

1. Join the Lewes Christmas Parade.

Image Source: Cape Gazette

This should be at the top of your list. The theme for this year's parade is "Celebrating an Old-Fashioned Christmas in Lewes." There are a lot of other ways to win prizes. One of them is a prize that was given out for the first time three years ago. It goes to contestants whose applications include a sound component. 

The following are the other kinds of award winners: marching groups, bands, clowns, equestrians, decorated classic cars (1967 or older), decorated vehicles (1968 or newer), fire companies, commercial floats, community organization floats, and youth organization floats. 

After the parade is over, everyone is welcome to join the mayor at Zwaanendael Park to light the Christmas tree. After that, everyone will sing Christmas carols by candlelight in the park. How awesome is that?

2. Witness the Holiday Happenings at Bethany.

Image Source: Town of Bethany Beach

On the three Saturdays before Christmas, there will be a variety of Holiday Happenings in Bethany. These include a chance to take a picture with Santa Claus, a cocoa crawl, an "Elf on the Shelf" treasure hunt, and more. This event takes place in the middle of Bethany Beach once a year. Exciting stuff!

3. Shop at the Rehoboth Art League’s Holiday Fair.

Image Source: Antique Homes Magazine

Attending the Rehoboth Art League’s Holiday Fair is a great way to get a jump on your holiday shopping because it has a wide range of artists showing and selling their work. Some of the things these artists make our jewelry, glasswork, ceramics, mixed media, and more.

4. Watch a show at the Clear Space Theatre. 

Image Source: Trip Advisor

At the Clear Space Theatre, which is at 20 Baltimore Avenue in Rehoboth, you can see a show that has a holiday theme. In the past, they've made shows like "Elf," "A Christmas Story," and "Frozen" that your whole family can watch together and enjoy.

5. Drive through the Winter Wonderfest.

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Image Source: Mansion Farm Inn

At Milton's Winter Wonderfest, the "Fields of Christmas Dreams" light show is a mile long and can be driven through the whole time. Aside from that, it is a charitable group that works to raise money for other groups that help the local community.

6. Sing-along at the City of Rehoboth Christmas Tree Lighting.

Image Source: Delmarvanow

The City of Rehoboth Tree Lighting and Sing-along is one of the most popular events in town. In the middle of downtown Rehoboth, there is a huge Christmas tree that people can watch get lit up and sing carols around.

7. Find the biggest Christmas store in Delaware.

Image Source: Only In Your State

In addition to its beautiful beaches, the town of Rehoboth has many unique stores that are great for Christmas shopping. You should go to Rehoboth so you can go to "Christmas Spirit," which is at 129 Rehoboth Avenue and is the biggest Christmas shop in Delaware. This shop is full of Christmas decorations, trees, and ornaments, so you'll be able to find everything you need to decorate your house and tree.

8... and shop tax-free for the holidays!

Image Source: Nonakreb

People often go all the way to Delaware so they can take advantage of the fact that there is no sales tax here. The Tanger Outlets are a shopping center near Rehoboth Beach that has well-known brands like Nike and Calvin Klein. This is the perfect chance to save money while buying gifts for the holidays!

9. Experience the Enchanted Winter Festival in Schellville.

Image Source: Cape Gazette

Bring your friends and family to the Schellville Enchanted Winter Celebration in Rehoboth for snowball fights, visits with Santa, a Christmas village with 18 miniature decorated houses, live entertainment, a beer garden, crafts, and food from local vendors, as well as a variety of other things to do!

Final Thoughts

If you find yourself in Delaware this winter, you won't have to go far to see Santa, see lots of bright lights, or learn about the history of the holiday season. 

Not only does Sussex County have beautiful beach towns like Rehoboth Beach and Bethany Beach, but there are also a lot of fun things to do there that make it worth spending at least a weekend there to get your holiday season off to a good start.

Do you live in New Castle County? We’ve made the same list of best winter things to do for you! And if in any case you live within Kent County, know about the best things you can do this Christmas season. Happy reading!