You’d probably imagine that summer beach towns like Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, get pretty quiet this time of year. Not so: this weekend a magical Christmas village appears in Rehoboth. Inspired by Whoville from Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas!, it’s called Schellville, and it’s not quite like any other holiday event.
Schellville is a holiday attraction dreamed by the home building company Schell Brothers. What began as a few decorated miniature model homes is now a vast winter wonderland with train rides, snowball fights, an ice-like roller skating rink and trail, a maze of lights and holiday cheer around every corner.
From Nov. 18 until Dec. 31, visitors to Schellville can throw snowballs in the “snow zone”, shop in the Candy Cane Artisan Lane, take a ride down the tubing hill, play a round of mini-golf, and then head to the outdoor bar for drinks and dancing to live music. The miniature village now has 20 themed houses for guests to tour and many include special activities inside. Of course, Santa and Mrs. Claus will be welcoming children every night at Santa’s Chalet until they return to the North Pole Dec. 23.
Schellville spread goodwill to more than 163,000 visitors last year and served over 29,000 cups of hot cocoa.
“We’re working hard to make Schellville bigger and better than ever every year. With our new activities, visitors are going to want to come back every night,” said Alyssa Titus, director of marketing at Schell Brothers.
Titus says that two new little houses, Kamp Kudos and The Coffee House, have been added to the village as well as cozy Alpenglobes for private gatherings. The Alpenglobes are individually heated domed clear gazebos and are available to rent for special events, birthday parties, or date nights.
Visit Schellville Thursdays through Sundays behind Tanger Outlets Seaside in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, 5-9 pm, with early bird hours for seniors and young children (closed Nov. 24, Dec. 24 and 25). Schellville is open daily the week before and after Christmas.
While many of Schellville’s attractions are free, roller skate rentals are $5 (or you can bring your own). Skating times are available online with reservations.
