Map & Schedule

What's Happening and Where?

Helping You Plan Your WinterFest Experience

Below you’ll find the current festival schedule and a downloadable map showing key activity zones throughout the event footprint.

This Event is Free & Open to the Entire Public

Friday, January 16
3:00–7:30 PM

Friday On-Going Experiences
Library Open

10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

The Dover Public Library will be open during WinterFest, welcoming visitors throughout the day. Stop in to warm up, explore the space, and enjoy being part of the WinterFest footprint while activities are happening throughout downtown.

Biggs Museum of American Art

10:00 AM – 6:30 PM

The Biggs Museum will be open late both days of WinterFest, welcoming visitors inside for special indoor activities and artist experiences. Enjoy:
 
  • Artist pop-up vendors – Located indoors on the first floor, featuring 8–10 local artists tabling and selling their work
  • A collaborative paper snowflake mural craft designed for all ages to participate together
  • A Winter Collection–themed scavenger hunt throughout the museum galleries
  • Candlelit galleries create a warm and immersive winter atmosphere inside the museum

CLICK HERE TO VIEW/DOWNLOAD a detailed WinterFest @ The Biggs Schedule
The Hive On Loockerman

3:00 PM – 6:30 PM

Open House & Non-Profit Pop-Up Vendors

During WinterFest Downtown Dover, The Hive on Loockerman will serve as a warm and welcoming indoor hub where visitors can explore, connect, and learn more about the future of Downtown Dover.

The Hive will host an open house featuring local non-profit pop-up vendors, offering a unique opportunity to engage with organizations doing meaningful work throughout the community. Visitors are encouraged to stop in, warm up, browse, ask questions, and discover how these non-profits are making an impact across Central Delaware.

In addition to the pop-up vendors, The Hive will also feature information and displays highlighting Downtown Dover’s ongoing revitalization efforts and the Capital City 2030 vision, a community-driven plan focused on growth, connection, and long-term vibrancy in the heart of the city.

Whether you’re learning about local causes, exploring what’s ahead for downtown, or simply taking a break from the winter chill, The Hive is a must-visit stop during WinterFest.

Hot Chocolate & Peppermint Treats at DSU Cure

3:00 PM – 7:00 PM

The Cure in Dover will be serving up warm, festive favorites during WinterFest at their State & Loockerman location. Stop by to enjoy hot chocolate and peppermint treats while you take in the sights and activities nearby.

Food Trucks Open

3:00 PM – 6:30 PM

Grab a bite while you explore WinterFest! A selection of food trucks will be located adjacent to the Biggs Museum of American Art. Enjoy a variety of food options as you warm up, refuel, and take in the festivities nearby.

S’mores Stations

3:00 PM – 6:30 PM

Bringing back a resounding favorite from last year’s event, several S’mores Stations will be set up at Loockerman Way Plaza and on S. State St. near the Schwartz Center! A selection of food trucks will also be located adjacent to the Biggs Museum of American Art on E. North Street. Enjoy a variety of food options as you warm up, refuel, and take in the festivities nearby.

Friday Featured Activities
Santa House Loockerman Way Plaza Performances | 126 W Loockerman Street

4:00 PM – 6:30 PM

Visit Loockerman Way Plaza to enjoy the music of folk artist Mike Miller, singer/songwriter/guitarist, playing alongside the sculpture garden, which will include four ice sculptures to be carved live on site during WinterFest!

Live Radio Remote (WDSD) | Under the marquee at the Schwartz Center

4:00 PM – 6:30 PM

Experience Winterfest live on the air as WDSD broadcasts directly from Downtown Dover! Stop by the Schwartz Center to enjoy the energy of a live radio remote while taking in all the Winterfest fun, ice sculptures, fire displays, food, music, and more. Tune in or join us on site as one of Delaware’s favorite stations brings Winterfest to life.

Train Rides | Wattman Elite Railway

5:30 PM – 7:30 PM

All aboard the Wattman Elite Railway! The train will be running during WinterFest, offering a fun and festive ride for guests of all ages. This family-friendly attraction adds a little extra magic to the event and is a great way for kids (and kids at heart) to enjoy the sights and energy of WinterFest while cruising through the event area.

Live Ice Carving | Location Noted on Map

4:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Feel the excitement as chainsaws buzz and sculptures take shape before your eyes. Glacial Ice Works brings live ice carving to WinterFest, creating incredible ice sculptures in real time. Fast-paced, exciting, and unforgettable…AND don’t forget your camera/phone.

Event Day 1 Concludes

7:30 PM

Saturday, January 17
12:00–6:30 PM

Saturday On-Going Experiences
Library Open

10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

The Dover Public Library will be open during WinterFest, welcoming visitors throughout the day. Stop in to warm up, explore the space, and enjoy being part of the WinterFest footprint while activities are happening throughout downtown.

Biggs Museum of American Art

10:00 AM – 6:30 PM

The Biggs Museum will be open late both days of WinterFest, welcoming visitors inside for special indoor activities and artist experiences. Enjoy:
 
  • Artist pop-up vendors – Located indoors on the first floor, featuring 8–10 local artists tabling and selling their work
  • A collaborative paper snowflake mural craft designed for all ages to participate together
  • A Winter Collection–themed scavenger hunt throughout the museum galleries
  • Candlelit galleries create a warm and immersive winter atmosphere inside the museum

CLICK HERE TO VIEW/DOWNLOAD a detailed WinterFest @ The Biggs Schedule
The Hive On Loockerman

12:00 PM – 4:30 PM

Open House & Non-Profit Pop-Up Vendors

During WinterFest Downtown Dover, The Hive on Loockerman will serve as a warm and welcoming indoor hub where visitors can explore, connect, and learn more about the future of Downtown Dover.

The Hive will host an open house featuring local non-profit pop-up vendors, offering a unique opportunity to engage with organizations doing meaningful work throughout the community. Visitors are encouraged to stop in, warm up, browse, ask questions, and discover how these non-profits are making an impact across Central Delaware.

In addition to the pop-up vendors, The Hive will also feature information and displays highlighting Downtown Dover’s ongoing revitalization efforts and the Capital City 2030 vision, a community-driven plan focused on growth, connection, and long-term vibrancy in the heart of the city.

Whether you’re learning about local causes, exploring what’s ahead for downtown, or simply taking a break from the winter chill, The Hive is a must-visit stop during WinterFest.

Hot Chocolate & Peppermint Treats at DSU Cure

12:00 PM – 3:00 PM

The Cure in Dover will be serving up warm, festive favorites during WinterFest at their State & Loockerman location. Stop by to enjoy hot chocolate and peppermint treats while you take in the sights and activities nearby.

Food Trucks Open

12:00 PM – 6:30 PM

Grab a bite while you explore WinterFest! A selection of food trucks will be located adjacent to the Biggs Museum of American Art. Enjoy a variety of food options as you warm up, refuel, and take in the festivities nearby.

S’mores Stations

12:00 PM – 6:30 PM

Bringing back a resounding favorite from last year’s event, several S’mores Stations will be set up at Loockerman Way Plaza and on S. State St. near the Schwartz Center! A selection of food trucks will also be located adjacent to the Biggs Museum of American Art on E. North Street. Enjoy a variety of food options as you warm up, refuel, and take in the festivities nearby.

Saturday Featured Activities
WinterFest Brunch at Grey Fox Grille

11:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Warm up with a WinterFest-themed brunch at Grey Fox Grille. Enjoy a festive brunch menu with seasonal specials and unique offerings created for the weekend. Additional menu details will be announced soon.

DJ @ Santa House Loockerman Way Plaza | 126 W Loockerman Street

12:00 PM – 6:30 PM

A live DJ will be spinning music at the Santa House in the Main Plaza on Loockerman Street. As visitors explore the large ice sculptures, enjoy s’mores, and stroll through the heart of WinterFest, festive music will keep the energy going and add to the overall experience

Train Rides | Wattman Elite Railway

2:00 PM – 6:30 PM

All aboard the Wattman Elite Railway! The train will be running during WinterFest, offering a fun and festive ride for guests of all ages. This family-friendly attraction adds a little extra magic to the event and is a great way for kids (and kids at heart) to enjoy the sights and energy of WinterFest while cruising through the event area.

Children's Crafts at the Dover Public Library

2:00 PM – 3:00 PM

The Dover Public Library will host children’s craft activities. Families are invited to stop by and enjoy a creative, hands-on activity designed especially for kids as part of the WinterFest celebration.

Live Ice Carving | Location Noted on Map

1:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Feel the excitement as chainsaws buzz and sculptures take shape before your eyes. Glacial Ice Works brings live ice carving to WinterFest, creating incredible ice sculptures in real time. Fast-paced, exciting, and unforgettable…AND don’t forget your camera/phone.

Rail Haus Activities & Specials

4:00 PM – Close

Beginning at 4:00 PM on Saturday, Rail Haus will be hosting WinterFest-themed activities along with great food and drinks. Visitors are encouraged to stop in, warm up, and enjoy everything Rail Haus has to offer as part of the WinterFest experience.

Event Conclusion

6:30 PM

Sponsorships are tax-deductible for eligible organizations for donations to Main Street Dover. Those who wish to donate to the Downtown Dover Partnership may do so. We recommend checking with your tax advisor to determine if your donation is tax-deductible as an expense.

ABOUT US

The Downtown Dover Partnership (DDP) is a dedicated non-profit focused on revitalizing Dover’s downtown area, creating a thriving community hub that benefits residents, visitors, and businesses. With a mission to foster sustainable development and economic growth, DDP supports local businesses, enhances public spaces, and hosts events celebrating Dover’s unique history and charm. 

By working closely with local businesses, government, and community leaders, DDP drives impactful projects and engaging experiences that attract foot traffic and enrich the local economy. 

Our commitment to beautification and community engagement helps position downtown Dover as an appealing destination for art, culture, and commerce.