A visit from St. Nick: Where to see Santa in Delaware this holiday season
You better watch out, you better not cry – because Santa Claus is coming to Delaware.
It’s no secret that this is a busy time of year for Santa. Between making his list – and checking it twice – reading letters and loading up the sleigh with presents for all the good children of the world, he has no time to mess around.
Luckily, if you live in Delaware, there’s still time left to catch Kris Kringle before the big day.
Here’s where you can see Santa this holiday season in Delaware.
New Castle County
For those hoping to get a holiday portrait with Santa, look no further than the Christiana Mall in Stanton.
Jolly old Saint Nick will be available at the Target Court for photos at select hours until Dec. 24.
Santa arrives at Concord Mall on Nov. 21. You can book appointments online to prevent a longer wait and get extra treats.
Santa will also make several appearances during his tour of greater Wilmington. Stops will include the Wilmington Jaycees Christmas Parade on Nov. 29, the Hagley Museum and Library on Dec. 6 and the Brandywine Zoo from Dec. 6 to Dec. 7.
Santa will also pay a visit at the yearly Holiday Celebration & Market at Glasgow Park in Bear from 5 to 8 p.m. on Dec. 12 and Dec. 13. Attendees are encouraged to bring their cameras so they can snap a quick picture with St. Nick.
If you’re hoping to catch a glimpse of both Santa and Mrs. Claus before the holidays, be sure to check out Christmas in Odessa. You can visit the power couple of the North Pole at their new home on 506 High Street, where you can take photos from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 6.
Kent County
Santa will also be present – pun very much intended – following the 5th annual Camden-Wyoming Christmas Parade on Dec. 6.
The parade will start at Caesar Rodney High School on Old North Road and end at the Wyoming railroad tracks.
After the parade, Santa will stick around at Wyoming Town Hall for free visits with the kiddos.
You can also reach out to either the town of Camden or Wyoming for more information.
The very next day, Santa will join the town of Clayton for breakfast at the Clayton Fire Department from 8 to 11 a.m. Those interested can reach out to (302) 632-3445.
For those unable to make it, have no fear – Santa will also be making an appearance at the Christmas Hay Rides during the outdoor-only event Christmas in Clayton that same day from 2 to 4 p.m.
Santa Claus at the Christiana Mall chats with visitors on Nov. 8, 2025.
The legendary Man in Red will also be a special guest for the kids-only Breakfast with Santa at the John W. Pitts Recreation Center in Dover on Dec. 13 from 9 to 10:30 a.m.
The event will also feature holiday carols, crafts, breakfast for the kids and photos with Santa.
Kids from ages 4 to 10 are welcome. Tickets cost $6 each.
Preregistration is required. Enrollment ends Dec. 10.
That same day, Santa will jingle on over to the Delaware State Police Museum in Dover for photos and to hear your holiday wishes from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
All children who attend will also receive a free gift.
Santa will also be paying a quick visit at Odd Fellows Park in Felton immediately after the town’s fourth annual Christmas Parade on Dec. 19.
Sussex County
Spectators at this year’s annual Christmas Parade in Lewes on Dec. 6 can also spot Santa at his house, located “at the corner of Second and Bank Streets.”
A candy cane is offered on Cardigan Road as inflatable Santas pop up all over the Shannon Cove neighborhood, seen Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2024. More than 130 large Santas - and dozens of other Christmas inflatables - fill the yards of the homes of the development near Middletown as many residents collude on holiday cheer.
The legend of the North Pole will also visit the Tanger Outlets Seaside in Rehoboth Beach to join in on this year’s Schellville Winter Celebration festivities on select dates in November and December from 5 to 9 p.m.
Admission and parking are both free. More information is available on the Schell Brothers website.
Etiquette for seeing Santa
For families with children, a visit with Santa Claus can be, more often than not, a scary experience, especially for small babies and toddlers.
Parents with little ones are encouraged to familiarize their little ones with Santa as much as possible, whether it be reading books about Santa – such as ‘The Night Before Christmas’ – or watching classic Christmas specials starring or featuring Santa, like "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer," "Frosty the Snowman" or "Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town."
It is also recommended that parents familiarize their kids with the true meaning of Christmas and what Santa represents, as well as to respect the different stories or beliefs that exist surrounding both St. Nick and the winter holiday season.
When you’re getting ready to see Santa, make sure it’s a fun activity for the whole family – and make sure it’s at a time that works for your kids.
Santa Claus at the Concord Mall in December 2023 waits for visitors.
Make sure your kids are dressed up and bring an extra set of clothes just in case. For parents with small babies, make sure those outfits are comfortable.
If you’re waiting in a particularly long line, be sure to pack some extra snacks and drinks or bring a special buddy or friend – like a cousin or a favorite stuffed animal or doll – to take part in the experience.
When you finally meet St. Nick, parents are encouraged to interact with Santa first, to help their kids realize he is someone warm and friendly, rather than someone to be afraid of.
If your kids are still a little hesitant, talk with your little ones and distract them enough to quickly snap a photo. If you have older kids who are a little uneasy, see if you can join them for a picture, or have Santa sneak behind the family.
However, if your kids are still scared of Santa, don't try to force it, as it can turn into a traumatic experience for your child.
If your kids aren’t fans of sitting on Santa’s lap, that’s okay. Instead, ask if St. Nick would be comfortable kneeling or standing beside your kids, or if your kids would be alright standing next to Santa.
But above all, have fun. It isn’t a perfect science, and not everything will go as planned, but if you are flexible and ready for anything, it’ll all be worth it.
(This story has been updated to clarify tickets for Breakfast with Santa in Clayton can be made via phone and to include new information regarding Christmas in Clayton.)
Olivia Montes covers state government and community impact for Delaware Online/The News Journal. If you have a tip or a story idea, reach out to her at [email protected].
This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: A visit from St. Nick: Where to see Santa in Delaware this holiday season
