Short trips out of Delaware offer Christmas villages, more holiday fun

Winter holidays typically encourage spending extra time surrounded by friends, family and loved ones. That could mean more time cozying up together at home, by the fire and around the table.

Or, it might mean trying to get away.

Although this small state packs plenty to offer – especially with "A Longwood Christmas" just next door – some Delawareans could be looking for short trips to help celebrate Christmas, or just to enjoy the season in general.

A few short drives could mean more festive fun to find.

What about driving to Philadelphia? Theme park, holiday rinks

Philadelphia might have your family's next holiday ticket.

On the city's eastern edge, Winterfest on the Riverfront is a staple. You can check out different food and drink vendors, an arcade, heated seating and an NHL-sized rink open each day by the Delaware Rive. The season kicked off Nov. 28.

Admission to the rink is $5 with $12 skate rentals. Skate sessions max out after 90 minutes and admission is staggered. Tickets to skate can be reserved online. Holiday hours will be live from Dec. 15 to Jan. 3. Then, the rink closes March 1.

Closer to the heart of the city, the Christmas Village of Philadelphia already has its annual shops clustered around City Hall.

Its an open-air, German-style holiday market spanning to LOVE Park until Christmas Eve. It's free to walk around, with opportunities to shop, snack and soak in the holiday vibes.

Children greet Elmo during the "Rock the Block Parade" on opening day of the 2007 season at Sesame Place in Langhorne.

Up in Northeast, Sesame Place Philadelphia is hosting "A Very Furry Christmas Celebration," or a whole-park transformation with seasonally themed attractions, parades, shows and rides. Those highlights include a 123 Christmas Tree Light Show Elmo’s Christmas Wish, Furry Friends Holiday Dance Party, Sesame Street Christmas Parade and more.

Technically, this theme park is located in Langhorne, Pennsylvania, or an extra half an hour northeast of Center City. All said, that's about an hour's drive from Wilmington.

Bethlehem's 'Christkindlmarkt' is back for 2025

Shoppers check out what vendors have to offer at the 2024 Christkindlmarkt Door County in Sister Bay. The 2025 Christkindlmarkt takes place Nov. 28-30, Dec. 5-7 and Dec. 12-14.

If you don't mind more driving, there could be another popular German-style Christmas market in store.

Bethlehem's annual Christkindlmarkt has returned for six weekends, having begun Nov. 21 and running through Dec. 21. That's a large market with dozens of vendors selling handcrafted items, ornaments, glass art, jewelry, food, drinks and much more. There are also specific events to check out, like Breakfast with St. Nick, Holiday Martini Tasting with Mishka, and even dating events.

The market operates on specific weekends: Dec. 4-7, Dec. 11-14 and Dec. 18-21. Thursday and Sunday sessions run from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., while Friday and Saturday hours extend to 8 p.m.

Save some money ordering tickets online in advance. Weekday admission is $12 online or $13 at the gate. Weekend tickets are $14.50 in advance or $15.50 at the gate.

Hersheypark 'Christmas Candylane' now open

"Christmas Candylane tickets includes family rides, select coasters, access to ZooAmerica by entering through the Hersheypark bridge, strolls through TREEville trail, 5 million twinkling lights, visits with Santa, and so much more holiday happy," according to Hersheypark's website.

"Stroll under tree-lined paths and wonder at over 5 million twinkling lights, watch a holiday show in the Music Box Theatre, sip delicious hot chocolate, and ride select coasters. Plus, pay a special visit to Santa and his nine live reindeer in their Mary N. Bright Airfield."

Hersheypark has opened the path down "Christmas Candylane," or an all-inclusive event and park transformation that starts in mid-November and runs through Sunday, Jan. 4, 2025.

Tickets for Hersheypark's Christmas Candylane experience start at $49.99, as of Dec. 1. Tickets for the Hershey Sweet Lights drive through require a separate fee, ranging from $29.99 to $42.99, depending on vehicle type.

The park is located at 100 Hershey Drive, of course, in the city of the same name. That's roughly just over a two-hour drive from Wilmington.

Damon C. Williams contributed to this report.