NEW CASTLE – It’s a tradition thousands of Delawareans have marked on their holiday calendars for years – New Castle County’s annual light display and holiday extravaganza. While this year may look and feel a little different, New Castle County is committed to keeping the tradition going. Every year since 2000, Rockwood Park has hosted the Holiday Open House, filled with spectacular holiday light displays throughout the park and surrounding the Mansion, roaming characters, free museum tours, Santa visits and festive performances from local dance and choral groups.
In the middle of the county, Glasgow Park has hosted the Holiday Celebration for nearly a decade, complete with Tree and Menorah lightings, music and dance performances, Santa, and the holiday market with local handicrafts and food trucks. This year these events will go on with a few changes…but the lights will go on!
“Pandemic or not, the show must go on,” said County Executive Meyer of the traditional celebration of the season at Rockwood and Glasgow Parks. “We’re excited for the community to help us usher in the holiday season by joining us at our beautifully decorated parks in a COVID-19 safe celebration. We can’t wait to see you.”
Unified under one name, Merry & Bright Holiday Lights, the events at Rockwood Park and Glasgow Park focus on spreading holiday joy while keeping everyone safe. Now drive-thru holiday events, families stay in their vehicles while driving through the decorated parks. Along the way visitors enjoy the holiday lights, get a wave from Santa as he prepares for his late December trek, and view festive holiday decorations and displays. The biggest change? There will be no photo opportunities with Santa. As always, these events are free.
“It has been quite a year,” Says Jane Rattenni, Manager of the Division of Community Resources under which large community events are organized. “From the outset we wanted to make sure we would still bring holiday cheer to families in New Castle County while keeping everyone safe.”
The hope is that these fun and festive light displays make it onto families’ must-see holiday lights itineraries this year.
Drive-Thru Merry and Bright Holiday Lights events happen over two consecutive weekends. Rockwood Park, December 4, 5, and 6 and Glasgow Regional Park, December 11 and 12. The events run from 6-9 p.m. all nights. On these nights there will be colorful twinkling lights, holiday decorations, Santa sightings and delightful surprises. Holiday Lights will remain on in the evening at both locations through the end of December for drive-thru viewing.
For more information about the Merry & Bright Holiday Lights FREE Drive-Thru events visit www.newcastlede.gov/happenings