Winter WonderFest lights up the night with holiday glow
The fifth annual Winter WonderFest has a much different look from any previous event because of restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Under the state of emergency, event attendance is being restricted, and limits are subject to change.
This year's stay-in-your-car event is taking place at Hudson Fields north of Lewes off Route 1 to the entrance on Hudson Road. Winter WonderFest is open 5 to 10 p.m. daily through Thursday, Dec. 31.
This year, the Light Spectacular has been expanded and runs more than a mile, ending at Santa's Workshop where children can give their Christmas wish lists to elves who give them to Santa. The jolly elf himself and Mrs. Claus wave to children as they pass by the workshop. Schell Brothers' gnome village paves the way to the workshop.
Everyone must stay in their vehicles at all times.
Proceeds benefit the Festival of Cheer Foundation. More than $150,000 has been donated to worthwhile charities, schools and organizations for capital expenditures over the past five years. In addition, the foundation raised $300,000 to purchase an ice rink.
The event, conceived by Peter Briccotto, started in 2016 at Cape Henlopen State Park and remained there for three years before moving to Hudson Fields. In 2017 and 2018, the Lewes Ferry Terminal venue was added with an ice rink, entertainment, food and drink, Santa's workshop, and carnival rides and games. A run/walk kicks off the event on opening night.
The cost for cars is $20 on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and $25 every other day. Vans (8 to 15 people) are $40 and $45, and buses (16 people or more) are $60 and $65.
Go to wonderfestde.org for more information.
