Illustration of Santa and Mrs. Claus handing wrapped gifts to children in a cozy community hall (Capital Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony)

Capital Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony

Visitors gather in downtown Dover for the lighting of the City Christmas tree and the arrival of Santa Claus aboard a fire engine. The celebration includes live musical performances by local choirs, sing-alongs with carolers, and ballet dance demonstrations at the Dover Public Library. Families can also view a living nativity at Wesley Church and participate in holiday crafts.

Map It Details Official site

🎄 If you like this, try:

Illustration of a holiday parade with a giant present float, a marching band and families waving (Middletown's Holiday Spectacular Parade) Middletown's Holiday Spectacular Parade Illustration of Christmas activities in Dover 36 Christmas activities in Dover
Advertisement

See more Christmas events near Dover

Illustration of Santa reading a storybook to children sitting on cushions beside a decorated tree (Christmas in Odessa) Christmas in Odessa Odessa · 22 mi

Browse Christmas in Dover

Illustration of felt figures in red hats and sweaters sharing mugs of cocoa at a small table near decorated trees Parties8 events Illustration of felt figures in Santa hats giving wrapped presents to felt children beside a decorated Christmas tree Giving Opportunities1 event Illustration of a house and yard glowing with string lights beside a snowman at dusk Lights17 events Illustration of a snowy holiday market stall with snowmen in knit hats and scarves, pine trees and glowing string lights Markets14 events Illustration of felt snowman figures in red scarves and hats on a small snowy stage with red curtains and Christmas trees Shows17 events Illustration of children playing in the snow near a decorated tree and a hot drinks cart in a village square Unique & Unusual36 events MapNearby

Plan Your Visit

Website / Tickets

visitcentraldelaware.com

When

Hours

5:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

Ages

All ages

Neighborhood

Downtown Dover

Going?

Location

See it and nearby events on the map
City of Dover City Hall · Loockerman Plaza, Dover, Delaware, USA Get Directions

Local Insight & Ratings

Family Friendly

🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 (5/5)

Best For

Families with children

Vibe

Festive and community-minded

Energy Level

Moderate

Photo Friendly

High

Weather Sensitivity

Moderate

Tips & Advice

  • Head to Wesley Church to see the living nativity as part of the downtown celebration.
  • Visit the Dover Public Library for the holiday crafts included in the programme.
  • Stay for the tree lighting and sing-along, which are part of the celebration’s musical programme.
  • Santa arrives aboard a fire engine, so keep an eye out for his arrival during the festivities.

Special Events & Promotions

  • Santa arrives by fire engine at the celebration on 3 December.

Links & Contact

Run by Downtown Dover Partnership

Website / Tickets Contact

Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide, not the organizer of this event. For tickets, entries, vendor spots or questions, contact the organizer directly through their contact page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the celebration suited to?

The downtown celebration includes activities for families, including a tree lighting, Santa’s arrival, musical performances and a living nativity.

What happens during the celebration?

The programme includes the City Christmas tree lighting, local choirs and carolers, and Santa arriving on a fire engine.

Where can visitors see the living nativity?

The living nativity is at Wesley Church.

What can children do at the event?

The event includes holiday crafts at the Dover Public Library.

How can visitors take part in the music?

Visitors can join the carolers for a sing-along during the tree-lighting celebration.

Always check the official website for the most current information.

We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.

✏️ Suggest a correction to this listing

Contributors & Updates

Event details verified: