Winter WonderFest grand opening slated for Nov. 17
Winter WonderFest will be back this November for what should be a bigger and better event this holiday season.
The popular event’s new and improved features were highlighted at the Community Kick-Off Party Sept. 21, at Crooked Hammock Brewery in Lewes.
Peter Briccotto, executive producer of the event, said that the No. 1 community input was a request for more light displays. As a result, 30 percent more holiday light displays will be added to the Light Spectacular show, which will also have a new and improved route for vehicles inside Cape Henlopen State Park.
Thanks to Visit Delaware, the state’s tourism bureau, this year’s Winter WonderFest visitors will enjoy ice skating on real ice. A newly constructed Visit Delaware Ice Rink will debut at the ferry terminal grounds with opportunities for community programs, public sessions and private rentals. The new rink will be open Tuesdays through Sundays.
Special Dashin’ Thru The Show grand opening weekend with a fun run/walk thru the Light Spectacular show for an upclose view and plenty of selfie photo ops on Friday, Nov. 17; Barkin’ Thru The Show Dog Walk on Saturday, Nov 18; and Peddlin' Thru The Show bicycle tour, ideal for families and groups of friends, set for Sunday, Nov. 19.
Consistent hours of operation. Same hours, same days for both the Light Spectacular at the state park and The Christmas Village at the Lewes Ferry Terminal. Beginning Thanksgiving weekend, Winter WonderFEST is open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 5 to 9 p.m. A special community New Year’s Eve closing party begins from 3 to 8 p.m.
Expanded Christmas Village. New midway with two new carnival rides, outdoor fire pit, nightly professional entertainment, plus local performance groups. Santa’s workshops are returning, along with St. Nick every night. Increased outdoor holiday decor and an impressive Giving Tree outposts for community charity participation.
The Lodge at the Christmas Village. A heated gathering spot on the midway for bites and adult beverages.
New Mobile App. A free app for smart phones providing easy methods for guests to receive event information, weather updates, geotagging features, connections to sponsors’ businesses, exclusive contests and discount offers. A customized music experience for drivers going through the Light Spectacular is also included.
Special $10 car raffle. The lucky winner will drive off in their choice of a new Ford Mustang or Jeep Wrangler, courtesy of Winter WonderFEST’s Presenting Sponsor Preston Automotive.
Advance admission to the Light Spectacular is $15 for cars, $30 for vans and $50 for busses. Gate prices are $20, $35 and $50, respectively. Single tickets became available online Sept. 22. Discounts are available in advance for groups bringing multiple vehicles.
More information is available at wonderfestde.org.
Nick Roth is the news editor. He has been with the Cape Gazette since 2012, previously covering town beats in Milton and Lewes. In addition to serving on the editorial board and handling page layout, Nick is responsible for the weekly Delaware History in Photographs feature and enjoys writing stories about the Cape Region’s history. Prior to the Cape Gazette, Nick worked for the Delmarva Media Group, including the Delaware Wave, Delaware Coast Press and Salisbury Daily Times. He also contributed to The News Journal. Originally from Boyertown, Pa., Nick attended Shippensburg University in central Pennsylvania, graduating in 2007 with a bachelor’s degree in journalism. He’s won several MDDC awards during his career for both writing and photography. In his free time, he enjoys golfing, going to the beach with his family and cheering for Philadelphia sports teams.
