Here is the info you need to plan an excursion (or two, or ten) to the biggest and best holiday-light-show extravaganzas of the 2025 holiday season!
Before we get started, links to more Christmas fun:
25 Christmas events and parties, 2025
15 Christmas concerts, 2025
30 civic tree-lighting parties, 2025
45 Christmas parades, 2025
OK, on to the light shows:
Winterfest of Lights in Ocean City, Md.
Nov. 20 to Dec. 31
This is the 33nd time around for Winterfest of Lights at 58-acre Northside Park in Ocean City, Md. Take an outdoor walking tour through incredible light displays. Afterwards, see Santa in the gift shop. Details.
A Longwood Christmas north of Wilmington, Del.
Nov. 21 to Jan. 11, 2026
Located just north of Wilmington, Del., Longwood Gardens puts on a spectacular holiday show that mixes elaborate, imaginative outdoor light displays with voluminous indoor plantings and decor. Details.
Lights on the Bay in Annapolis, Md.
Nov. 23 to Jan. 1, 2026
Just across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge from Kent Island, Lights on the Bay happens at Sandy Point State Park in Annapolis. A drive-through affair, it features 70 different displays. Scavenger hunt, 3-D glasses for rent, Santa visits, lots more. Details.
Christmas in Ridgely (Md.)
Nov. 26 through Jan. 2, 2026
This Caroline County town goes all out with its lights display along the railroad tracks at the heart of downtown. If I understand correctly, the light displays are illuminated every night with various festive events on weekends. Details.
Sat., Dec. 14 is a big family-oriented production with lots of fun–carriage rides, vendors, skating, ice sculptures, light displays (including the fun Twinkle Tunnel), wandering storybook characters, and more. Scroll down at that same link until you come to the Winter Festival for info.
Gift of Lights at Dover (Del.) Speedway
Nov. 27 through Jan. 4, 2026
This drive-through affair is set up in the Woodlands area of the speedway grounds. A 2.5-mile route with some 2.5 million lights in 50-plus scenes. Details.
Drive-Through Christmas on Merry Lane (Seaford, Del.)
Nov. 29 to Dec. 27
This drive-through display of holiday lights is 25-year-old tradition in Seaford, Del. Bring a toy for children in need. In past years there have been occasional Santa appearances. Here is the event’s Facebook page.
The Holiday Lights Express (Wilmington, Del.)
Dec. 4 through Dec. 31
Hop aboard a century-old railroad car enjoy one of the 45-minute “Holidays Lights Express” excursions put on by the Wilmington & Western Railroad in Wilmington, Del. Details.
Zoo Lights and Christmas Nights (Townsend, Del.)
Dec. 5 – Dec. 27
3 Palms Zoo in Townsend, Del. has Zoo Lights & Christmas Nights, Fridays and Saturdays in December. Elaborate light displays, a Christmas take on Candyland, life-size gingerbread house, roasted marshmallows, and lots of fun zoo creatures to observe. Details.
Lewes (Del.) Lights
Dec. 5 through Dec. 31
More than 200 homeowners and businesses have participated in recent years. Visitors download a driving tour that leads them on a self-guided decorations expedition. Don’t forget to vote for winners in various categories. In past years there was a “Clark Griswold of Lewes” award, so expect some fun creativity. Details.
NOTE: You could also choose to sign on for the Jolly Trolley Lewes Lights tour. 11 trips between Dec. 12 and Dec. 28. Details on that.
Chincoteague (Va.) Christmas Lights Trolley Tour
Dec. 19 through Dec. 21
Rendezvous at the Museum of Chincoteague to board the trolley for a festive two-hour tour to see holiday lights, visit the Chincoteague Pony Drill Team, and meet up with Santa and his missus. Details.
–posted by Jim Duffy for Whimbrel Creations LLC/Secrets of the Eastern Shore in Nov. 2025. Merry Christmas to one and all!
TWO NOTES:
• The Winter Wonderland on Morris Road display along a back road near Pittsville, Md. is not happening this year. The event’s Facebook page.
• The Winter Wonderfest light show that used to be at Hudson Fields near Lewes, Del. is no more.
–posted by Jim Duffy for Whimbrel Creations LLC/Secrets of the Eastern Shore in November, 2025. Merry Christmas, one and all!
NOTE: If the work that went into this 2025 Christmas guide helped you plan a merry holiday season and you’re not in the market for any of our Christmas cards or Secrets of the Eastern Shore books, you could also say thanks through a Secrets of the Eastern Shore Tip Jar.
