Two unique holiday venues, one delightful Winter WonderFEST! Produced by the nonprofit group Festival of Cheer, this holiday community activity features a fun-filled Christmas Village at the Lewes Ferry Terminal and a Light Spectacular throughout neighboring Cape Henlopen State Park. The dual complementary events will commence on Nov. 17 and continue through the month of December.
The Lewes Ferry Terminal will again be home to a Christmas Village, comprised of carnival rides with a full size Ferris wheel, real ice skating on the new Visit Delaware Ice Rink, music from local groups, great new carnival games and warm-up treats including hot chocolate. Santa’s workshop – complete with crafts and activities – will take place inside the Terminal. St. Nick will also be available for self-photos with the young and young-at-heart. Or, take a break from the brisk weather and warm up in ‘The Lodge’ on the carnival grounds. With a variety of special adult holiday beverage, tasty food choices or a selection of local craft beers, it’s a great place to relax and unwind. In addition, the ferry’s ‘On the Rocks’ full pub menu and bar service will be available inside the Terminal.
Wrapping around the Visit Delaware Ice Rink is Schellville, featuring more than 12 unique tiny houses, each with their own unexpected surprises inside. Drop a note in Santa’s mailbox, enjoy the snow, visit Santa’s Workshop, visit Mistletoe Market or stroll through Schellville Town Hall.
Christmas Village will be open on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from Nov. 17 through Dec. 23. Beginning Dec. 26, the festival is open daily through Dec. 31, 2018. The Visit Delaware Ice Rink is open six days a week. Festival hours are 5 to 10 p.m. The Christmas Village will be closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas day. Specific times and dates may vary. Please visit the Winter WonderFEST website at www.wonderfestde.org.
Winter WonderFEST also includes a fantastic two-mile drive-through Light Spectacular, in-car Scavenger Hunt and a 3-D Experience inside Cape Henlopen State Park. The Light Spectacular, which features 30% more light displays this year and a new route inside Cape Henlopen State Park, opens to the public on Sunday, Nov. 18 from 5 to 10 p.m.
Shivers noted that special ferry foot passenger packages have been developed to make it easier for New Jersey residents to enjoy day trips to Winter WonderFEST. These packages, detailed on www.cmlf.com, make it easy for families, friends and neighborhood groups to enjoy the full festival at reduced pricing. Multiple packages, which include shuttle and trolley tours of the light show, are available and must be reserved in advance by calling (800) 643-3779. Additional custom packages are also available through the Ferry’s Guest Services Department.
To reserve your ferry combo-tickets for Winter WonderFEST, please contact our Guest Services Department daily at 1 (800) 643-3779 (FERRY) during the hours of 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For more information on the festival, please visit www.wonderfestde.org.