Delaware

Here are 9 holiday light shows to catch this season in the Delaware, Philadelphia region

Published

1 year ago

November 23, 2024

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Here are 9 holiday light shows to catch this season in the Delaware, Philadelphia region

From walks to drive-thrus, there are plenty of opportunities to catch a holiday light show this season.

Various shows and events are taking place throughout Delaware and across the Philadelphia region this year.

Here are nine holiday light shows to check out:

Longwood Gardens

Spectators of the holiday light show at Longwood Gardens are in for a special treat this year as “A Longwood Christmas” kicks off amid the opening of “Longwood Reimagined.”

The expansion features new spaces like the West Conservatory, which will offer new areas to deck out for the holidays.

Longwood Gardens, located near Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, launched its holiday light display on Friday, Nov. 22, and it will run daily through Jan. 12. To make a reservation, visit the sprawling garden’s website.

Address: 1001 Longwood Road, near Kennett Square, Pennsylvania

Website: longwoodgardens.org

Yuletide at Winterthur Museum, Garden and Library

Holidays at the Winterthur Museum on Route 52 features twinkling lights adorning the woodlands, a large-scale gingerbread house and an 18-room dollhouse, according to the museum’s website.

The holiday display will be open to the public starting Saturday, Nov. 23, and will run through Sunday, Jan. 5.

You can purchase tickets online or by calling the museum at 800-448-3883.

Address: 5105 Kennett Pike, Winterthur, Delaware

Website: winterthur.org/

Holidays at Hagley

Get a glimpse of Hagley Museum and Library around the holidays with a holiday home and garden tour.

The site features a gingerbread house contest, Santa day, holiday night tours and more.

The holiday experience at Hagley runs from Sunday, Nov. 29 through Wednesday, Jan. 1. Purchase tickets online to schedule your holiday tour.

Address: 200 Hagley Creek Road, Greenville, Delaware

Website: hagley.org/

Drone show at the Riverfront

The Wilmington Riverfront during the evening hours of Friday, Dec. 6, will host a drone holiday light show.

The free holiday light show will take place on the Riverwalk. For more information about the event, visit the Riverfront’s website.

Address: Michael S Purzycki Riverwalk in Wilmington, Delaware

Website: riverfrontwilm.com/event/drone-light-show

Shady Brook Farm

If you are willing to take a drive for a holiday light display, look no further than Yardley, Pennsylvania’s Shady Brook Farm.

You can drive through the holiday show yourself or take a wagon ride through. The holiday festivities begin Saturday, Nov. 23 and run through Jan. 5, 2025. Ticket prices are per vehicle and vary depending on the day of your visit.

The farm also features Santa’s Village with gifts, treats, firepits and a Candy Cane Lane walk-through.

Address: 931 Stony Hill Road, Yardley, Pennsylvania

Website: shadybrookfarm.com

Gift of Lights Dover

The Dover Motor Speedway will once again host its drive-thru holiday light show this year.

Tickets are priced per carload at $35 per car and $60 per bus or limo.

Address: 1229 Persimmon Tree Lane, Dover, Delaware

Website: giftoflights.ticketspice.com/gift-of-lights-dover

The Brandywine Railroad

Since 1972, the Brandywine Railroad has displayed model trains, including locomotives, passenger and freight trains, and trolleys as part of its annual holiday display.

The display also features interactive options like “push buttons and foot pedals” so visitors can engage with the train setup.

The holiday display began on Saturday, Nov. 16, and runs through Jan. 5. For more information visit the Brandywine Museum of Arts’ website.

Address: 1 Hoffman’s Mill Road, Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania

Website: brandywine.org/museum

Holiday Lights Express

Take a festive ride on 100-year-old heated coaches through the Red Clay Valley to see homes decorated for the holidays.

The Wilmington & Western Railroad hosts one-hour evening train rides during the month of December. To purchase train tickets, visit the venue’s website.

For a visit from Santa Claus, be sure to reserve train tickets for the Santa Claus Express.

Address: 2201 Newport Gap Pike, Prices Corner, Delaware

Website: wwrr.com/ride/events/holiday-lights

NOËL at Nemours Estate

Experience the holidays at the Nemours Estate by touring the 77-room mansion, chauffer’s garage and gardens adorned in twinkling lights.

The estate also will feature live music performances throughout the season.

The festivities at the Nemours Estate began Tuesday, Nov. 19 and will extend through Sunday, Dec. 29. Purchase tickets on the estate’s website and reserve your visit.

Address: 1600 Rockland Road, Rockland, Delaware

Website: nemoursestate.org

Got a tip? Contact Amanda Fries at afries@delawareonline.com. Follow her on X at @mandy_fries.

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Delaware

Here’s which stores are open for Thanksgiving, Black Friday shopping in Delaware

Published

2 hours ago

November 24, 2025

Press Room

Here’s which stores are open for Thanksgiving, Black Friday shopping in Delaware

Whether you need to grab some last-minute Thanksgiving ingredients or are planning to indulge in the doorbuster deals on Black Friday, you’ll need to know the store hours of your local grocery stores, malls and retailers.

This year, Thanksgiving falls on Nov. 27, and the annual Black Friday shopping rush falls on Nov. 28.

Order from Instacart:

Here’s which Delaware stores and malls are open during Thanksgiving and Black Friday.

What are Christiana Mall’s Thanksgiving, Black Friday hours?

Christiana Mall near Christiana will be closed for Thanksgiving, but will have special expanded hours on Black Friday from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.

What are Concord Mall’s Thanksgiving, Black Friday hours?

Concord Mall in Brandywine Hundred is also closing its doors Thanksgiving, but will be open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Black Friday.

What major retailers are open on Thanksgiving, Black Friday?

Before racing off to find Black Friday deals, check when these major retailers are open.

Target: Target stores will be closed on Thanksgiving and open at 6 a.m. on Black Friday.
Walmart: All Walmart stores will be closed on Thanksgiving and open the following day at 6 a.m. for Black Friday deals.
Boscov’s: Boscov’s will be closed on Thanksgiving and open on Black Friday.
Macy’s: Macy’s will be closed on Thanksgiving and open on Black Friday.
Best Buy: Best Buy stores will be closed on Thanksgiving and open on Black Friday.
Kohl’s: Kohl’s will be closed on Thanksgiving and reopen at 5 a.m. on Black Friday.
TJ Maxx: TJ Maxx stores will be closed on Thanksgiving and open at 7 a.m. on Black Friday.
JCPenney: JCPenney locations will be closed on Thanksgiving and reopen Black Friday at 5 a.m.
Nordstrom: Nordstrom stores will be closed on Thanksgiving and open on Black Friday.

What grocery stores are open on Thanksgiving?

If you’re looking to get supplies for your Thanksgiving dish or you forgot a key ingredient before the big meal, here are Delaware grocery stores’ hours on Thanksgiving.

Wegmans: Wegmans will close early on Thanksgiving at 4 p.m.
ShopRite: ShopRite will close early at 4 p.m.
Acme: Acme markets are open until 4 p.m.
Giant Food: Giant stores are open until 5 p.m.
Aldi: Aldi locations will be closed on Thanksgiving.
Food Lion: Food Lion stores will be open until 3 p.m.
Costco: Costco is closed on Thanksgiving.

Sophia Voight is a growth and development reporter. Reach her with feedback and story tips at svoight@delawareonline.com.

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Delaware

AARP Delaware honors Bethany volunteer for community service

Published

20 hours ago

November 23, 2025

Press Room

AARP Delaware honors Bethany volunteer for community service

AARP Delaware recently announced Ted Spickler of Bethany Beach was honored with its 2025 Andrus Award for Community Service, the association’s most prestigious and visible state volunteer award.

A retired professor, Spickler was recognized for his extraordinary dedication to community service. As an AARP Delaware advocate, Spickler regularly traveled to attend volunteer meetings, committee hearings and legislator meetings, demonstrating his deep commitment to improving the lives of older Delawareans and strengthening the community. As the legislative committee chair of Delaware’s South Coastal AARP Chapter, he keeps the committee and chapter informed about a variety of issues that affect older Delawareans and their families.

Beyond his work with AARP, Spickler is active with Citizens Climate Lobby, advocating for policies to create a healthier environment for future generations.

“Ted embodies the spirit of volunteerism, sharing his skills, knowledge and enthusiasm to support his AARP chapter, our state office and his community,” said Wendell Alfred, AARP Delaware volunteer state president. “His curiosity, dedication and kindness have been a great example for other volunteers.”

Recipients across the nation were chosen for their ability to enhance the lives of AARP members and prospective members, improve the community in or for which the work was performed, and inspire others to volunteer.

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Delaware

Ashford throws for three TDs as Wake Forest whips Delaware 52-14

Published

2 days ago

November 22, 2025

Press Room

Ashford throws for three TDs as Wake Forest whips Delaware 52-14

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — Robby Ashford threw for three touchdowns and ran for another as Wake Forest beat Delaware 52-14 for its third win in a row Saturday.

Jake Dickert became the winningest first-year football coach in Wake Forest history. The Demon Deacons (8-3) won for the sixth time in their last seven games.

For Dickert, it was all about challenging the Demon Deacons to be better.

“We changed the bar completely,” he said. “… It hasn’t always been easy. It hasn’t always been perfect.”

It was a special Senior Day for the Demon Deacons, with the coaching staff assembled about 11 months ago.

“To see it come all the way through is a big deal to me and to (our players),” Dickert said. “Just like we’ve done all year, we’ve got to grow from it.”

Carlos Hernandez made two touchdown catches, racking up 197 yards on five receptions. He had TD plays of 79 and 93 yards.

Wake Forest’s Carlos Hernandez (8) is tackled by Delaware’s Kshawn Cox Jr. (6) during the first half of an NCAA football game, Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025, in Winston-Salem, N.C. Credit: AP/Allison Lee Isley

Ashford was 15-for-22 for 292 yards with an interception.

Three Wake Forest players rushed for more than 60 yards, led by Chris Barnes’ 78. Ty Clark III and Demond Claiborne ran for touchdowns. Connor Calvert kicked field goals of 44, 54 and 47 yards.

Nick Minicucci threw for 140 yards and a touchdown for Delaware (5-6), which will have to beat UTEP at home in a return to Conference USA play in order to be in line for a bowl bid. As a program in transition to the Bowl Subdivision, the Blue Hens only qualify for the postseason if there aren’t enough other teams reaching the six-win threshold.

Wake Forest hit a series of big plays.

Wake Forest's Robby Ashford (2) avoids the tackle of Delaware's... — Wake Forest’s Robby Ashford (2) avoids the tackle of Delaware’s Ethan Saunders (8) during the first half of an NCAA football game, Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025, in Winston-Salem, N.C. Credit: AP/Allison Lee Isley

“We didn’t keep them inside or in front on our defensive side,” Delaware coach Ryan Carty said. “We got to make sure those explosive plays don’t happen.”

Delaware’s Viron Ellison Jr. took a short pass and dodged tacklers for a 43-yard touchdown in the second quarter. That ended a string of nine consecutive quarters for Wake Forest’s defense without giving up a touchdown.

The Blue Hens scored with 1:59 left on backup Braden Streeter’s 25-yard pass to Max Patterson.

The Takeaway

Delaware: The Blue Hens gave up more than 30 points for the fifth time this season, allowing Wake Forest to reach that level in the first half. The Blue Hens ended up 1-5 in road games.

Wake Forest: The Demon Deacons secured their most-lopsided victory of the season and finished the non-conference portion of their schedule with a 4-0 record.

Barnes is back

The Demon Deacons welcomed Barnes, a speedster, back after missing a game with an injury. He amassed 97 all-purpose yards.

He’s return to action gave another element to the Wake Forest offense, which had 577 total yards.

“Chris is a dynamic player,” Dickert said.

Something to prove

The Blue Hens are relatively new at the FBS level. Carty said they should move on quickly from this result because there are still possibilities ahead.

“I guess we’ll find out,” Carty said. “That’s the challenge. We have to understand this is our season on the line next week. We’re either finishing with a losing record or go bowl eligible with six wins.”