2024 Holiday Events in Downtown Wilmington & Riverfront
November 20, 2024The most wonderful time of the year has arrived in Wilmington, Delaware, and the city is ready to sparkle with festive charm! From dazzling lights along the Riverfront to lively family-friendly events Downtown, there’s no shortage of seasonal cheer. No matter if you’re out celebrating holiday traditions with your family or enjoying a night on the town, Wilmington offers an array of free and paid events to fill your 2024 holidays. Get ready for 13 unforgettable 2024 Holiday Events in Downtown Wilmington & Riverfront that will make this holiday season one to remember!
2024 Holiday Events
Holiday Magic Kickoff | Riverwalk Mini Golf – November 29th, 2024
Is there a better way to start the season off than listening to your favorite holiday playlist and breaking out the decorations? At the Wilmington Riverfront, the Holiday Magic Kickoff, has all the happenings to ring in the season with just the right amount of cheer. From jubilant lights to joyous music, to an early visit from Santa himself, prepare yourself for a free family-friendly fun night sure to set the tone for the rest of your holidays in Wilmington. Come join the festivities from 4pm to 8pm at Riverwalk Mini Golf in Riverfront Wilmington.
60th Annual Wilmington Jaycees Christmas Parade | Market St. Wilmington – November 30th, 2024
A Downtown Wilmington classic, the 60th Annual Wilmington Jaycees Christmas Parade, is once again coming back to Market Street. Set to begin at 11am, this year’s Jaycees Christmas Parade is shaping up to be an unforgettable experience. The parade feature floats and attractions, your favorite cartoon characters, appearances by celebrities, marching and string bands, community organizations, and Santa Claus! Additionally, kiddos are encouraged to bring along a letter or wish list for Santa’s Elves to collect and can expect a response back from Santa in December—how cute! Families can also enjoy free on-street and garage parking at 8th & Orange and 6th & Orange from 10am – 3pm. Due to altered traffic patterns downtown and limited free parking, parade goers are encouraged to arrive early.
Gingerbread House Decorating Party & Buffet | HOTEL DU PONT – December 1st, 2024
Need some more family-friendly holiday events in Wilmington, Delaware? The Gingerbread House Decorating Party and Buffet at the iconic HOTEL DU PONT is a must-visit this season. Located in the heart of Downtown Wilmington, this festive experience combines hands-on gingerbread decorating with a delicious buffet. Perfect for kids and adults alike, it’s an opportunity to enjoy creative holiday fun in one of Delaware’s most historic venues. This event is scheduled for December 1st, with limited space. Don’t miss this chance to make sweet memories and celebrate the season in style – reserve your spot today!
Light Up the Square | 10th and Market Street – December 3rd, 2024
Next, a popular Downtown Wilmington tradition, the Light Up the Square ceremony is happening again this year. Mayor Mike Purzycki and Cultural Affairs Director Tina Betz have extended invitations to attend the festive Wilmington event in Rodney Square scheduled for 5:30pm. The public is welcome and encouraged to join in singing traditional holiday songs. In attendance will be Disney Princesses Elsa and Ariel, Santa, Rudolph and more. Free food for children, face-painting and hot chocolate will also be available. DE.CO Food Hall located at 111 West 10th Street will host the pre-party beginning at 4:30pm and the after party until 9:00pm, offering drink specials. Don’t miss this Downtown Wilmington holiday classic!
Meet & Greet with Santa | Riverwalk Mini Golf – December 5th, 2024
If you love a picturesque view, stunning lights, and a chance to create magical memories, then you’ll love this free event on the Riverfront Wilmington! Santa invites you and the whole family to stop by his meet and greet to share your holiday wishes and take photos in a cozy and festive setting, surrounded by the ambience of the Riverfront. There are two additional dates scheduled for the 12th and 19th of December to ensure more families have the opportunity to participate. Be sure to join this family-friendly holiday event to capture a moment that will last you a whole lifetime.
Drone Holiday Light Show | Michael S. Purzycki Riverwalk– December 6th, 2024
Ready for another free event suitable for the whole family at the Riverfront? The Drone Holiday Light Show at the Riverwalk is a spectacular choice to make this season special. A festive mashup of technology and artistry, hundreds of drones will take flight to light up the Riverfront’s night sky in what will be a visual marvel. From holiday themed animations to festive shapes with energetic colors, the Drone Holiday Light Show is truly an event you must see to believe. With additional dates planned for the 13th, 20th and 27th, be sure to add this event to your 2024 holiday schedule.
A Magic Cirque Christmas | Playhouse, Downtown Wilmington – December 8th, 2024
Located in Downtown Wilmington, this event is holiday magic for the whole family! A Magic Cirque Christmas, scheduled for December 8th, is a variety a show sure to leave you stunned and glued to your seat, asking how they did that! Taking place at the historic Playhouse Theater in Downtown Wilmington, highlighting world-class entertainers performing to your favorite holiday music, this is one Christmas event you’re not likely to forget! Tickets are on sale now – buy yours now before they sell out.
Wilmington Children’s Chorus, Holiday Concert | The Resurrection Center – December 13th, 2024
Instead, if you’re looking for something a little more demure this holiday season, consider attending the Wilmington Children’s Chorus Holiday Concert. Located in Downtown Wilmington, The Resurrection Center will host this event with the Wilmington Children’s Chorus and Neighborhood Choirs. A pitch-perfect night of gospel and spiritual numbers, billed to deliver a powerful message of joy, hope and resilience. Expect a standout performance that will leave you enamored with the special talents the youths have to offer. Tickets are available for performances on the 13th and the 14th—Get yours now!
The Nutcracker | The Grand – December 14th, 2024
Another Downtown Wilmington tradition, First State Ballet Theatre’s The Nutcracker, is back for another year of production. A holiday activity great for any individuals or families that enjoy the classical arts or have yet to see this historical masterpiece. A magical journey with intricate dance, elaborate costuming, and an emotional story, The Nutcracker is something everyone must experience. With six shows planned for the 2024 holiday season, take your chance to see this show described as enchanting family entertainment. Visit the ticket shop now to secure your preferred show date.
Brunch Buffet with Santa | HOTEL DU PONT– December 15th, 2024
Taking it back Downtown, here’s another activity perfect for the whole family! HOTEL DU PONT is celebrating the holidays with a visit from the big man in red. Your entire family is invited to HOTEL DU PONT’s Gold Ballroom for brunch with Santa, featuring a family-friendly buffet, omelet station, sushi, cash bar, and dessert display, surrounded by the cheerful sounds of the season. Vegan and vegetarian options will be available. Children under 2 are free! Guests are encouraged to bring a camera for photos with Santa. To ensure smooth parking for this holiday event in Downtown Wilmington, HOTEL DU PONT offers valet parking and is in proximity of at least three parking garages. This event is too good to miss! Limited space is available, visit the event page for more info and to RSVP your slot today!
Holiday Magic Brunch with Santa | Chase Center on the Riverfront– December 21st, 2024
Straightaway with more 2024 Holiday Events in Downtown Wilmington & Riverfront, Santa is making another appearance! This time he is attending another brunch but instead of Downtown Wilmington, Santa is coming to the Wilmington Riverfront. And this time for a day of a little less elegance and a little more play. It’s a day of delicious brunch, bounce houses, gingerbread decorating, arts & crafts, balloon creations, face painting and more. Santa and bacon, what more do the children need? This Riverfront Wilmington holiday event is sure to be a hit with the kids. There will also be available specialty drinks and food for adults to enjoy! Parking is free and children under 3 are free! Run to the event page for full details and tickets while you still can!
Ugly Sweater Party & Tap Takeover | Makers Alley – December 29thth, 2024
Comparatively, this 2024 Downtown Wilmington Holiday event is strictly for adults only! Makers Alley Beer Garden is decking the halls for a night of seasonal brews, giveaways and music by a live DJ. Troegs Brewing Co. will be in attendance taking over taps and serving up some of their holiday creations for you to enjoy including, Mad Elf Grand Cru, Blizzard Hops and more. Located in Downtown Wilmington at 804 Orange Street, this party is bound to keep the holiday buzz going. Especially be sure to wear your ugliest sweater for a chance to win the night’s top prize!
New Year’s Eve Drone Lightshow | Michael S. Purzycki Riverwalk – December 31st, 2024
Finally, to wrap up the 2024 holiday events in Downtown Wilmington & Riverfront, Riverwalk is firing up the drones again. Bringing you a New Year’s Eve lights spectacular for the ages. Hundreds of drones will illuminate the Riverfront sky with beautiful color and amazing patterns as Wilmington anticipates the coming of 2025. Watch as the drones dance through the sky, blending to make complex shapes and to help wave goodbye to the end of the year. Above all, this event is perfect for all ages and free so arrive early to secure your parking.
Altogether, with this list of wide-ranging events there’s no reason not to spread holiday cheer this year! No matter if you’re looking for family fun, something upscale, or a quick trip to the beer garden, these 2024 holiday events in Downtown Wilmington & Riverfront are sure to have something for everyone. For more community events follow our News Page and be sure to share this with friends and family so they’re able to take advantage of all the free and paid events this holiday season in Downtown Wilmington & Riverfront!
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