The holiday season is often filled with thoughtful presents, exciting events and much-anticipated travel – all of which can take a toll on the bank account.
But there are plenty of ways to enjoy the holiday season and engage in some winter fun that doesn’t break the bank.
As the cold season is settling in, here are some free or inexpensive activities to try this winter.
Holiday Hub: Check out this one-stop for Christmas season planning and advice
Scope out the holiday lights
The Christina Riverwalk at Wilmington’s Riverfront has been decorated for the holidays. The 2-mile pathway between Tubman-Garrett Riverfront Park and the DuPont Environmental Education Center illuminates with festive lighting on Nov. 30, 2024.
Nothing whisks away the winter blues more than taking a stroll through a holiday light display.
You can drive through your neighborhood to check out your neighbors’ lights or scope out these light displays across the state.
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The Christina Riverwalk in Wilmington is transformed into a walk-through holiday light display through Jan. 4.
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Lights for a Cure located at 137 Pine Valley Drive in Middletown offers an oversized home display with shows through News Years. The homeowners take donations in a roadside box that go toward cancer research.
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Zoo Lights at the 3 Palm Zoo in Townsend runs Fridays and Saturdays through Dec. 27. Admission is $6 per person.
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Lewes Lights is a free, community holiday light tour that runs through December. The lights tour map can be found on its website.
Tear down a sledding hill
Children practice sledding in the near 4 inches of snow dropped in Rockwood Park since early morning in Wilmington, Tuesday, Jan. 19, 2024.
For the winter thrill seekers, these sledding hills are all free and provide everyone with a great time.
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Rockwood Park, 4651 Washington St. Extension, near Wilmington.
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Rockford Park, Lookout Drive, Wilmington.
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Glasgow Park, on Route 40, near the Route 896 intersection, Glasgow
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Monkey Hill, next to the Brandywine Zoo on North Van Buren Street. Wilmington.
Hit a hill: These are the best places to go sledding in Delaware
Watch a holiday parade
The Rehoboth Beach Christmas parade took place on Rehoboth Avenue Dec. 2, 2024.
Holiday parades are great free events to bask in the festivities. Just make sure to bring some hand warmers or hot cocoa to stay warm while outside.
Love a parade?: 22 Christmas, holiday parades in and around Delaware
Stay active with a winter hike
Snow falls in Battery Park in New Castle on Monday, January 6, 2025.
Fully immerse yourself in winter by bundling up and hitting the trails.
Take in the winter scenery with a hike at one of these free trails.
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Battery Park Trail features nearly four miles of paved walking in New Castle.
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Newark Reservoir Trail in William Redd Jr. Park, Newark offers an almost 2-mile loop around the reservoir.
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Hunn Nature Park in Dover boasts a scenic walkway along the St. Jones River.
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Carousel Park in Pike Creek features miles of tranquil walking trails through sweeping meadows and around a lake.
Solstice alert: When is the first day of fall 2025 autumnal equinox? When is the winter solstice?
Sophia Voight is a growth and development reporter. Reach her with feedback and story tips at svoight@delawareonline.com.
This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Free, cheap things to do this winter in Delaware