Step Into Holiday Magic: My First Visit to the Schellville Enchanted Winter Celebration

REHOBOTH BEACH - As the festive season ended, somehow, I just didn’t feel like I had the holiday spirit. Still, I wasn’t quite ready for it to be over.

I decided to do something I hadn’t done in years. I drove down to the Cape May Lewes Ferry to see what was happening for the holidays on the other side of the Delaware Bay. I found myself in the heart of Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, captivated by one of the best celebrations I’ve ever experienced: the Schellville Enchanted Winter Celebration. It’s hard to imagine a more joyful way to embrace the season’s spirit.

For those who haven’t yet discovered this gem, Schellville is not just an event – it’s an immersive wonderland experience. It has become a beacon of joy for families, friends, and anyone seeking a little enchantment during the winter months.

Schellville began as a humble idea from the Schell Brothers, a local building company known for their commitment to creating vibrant communities and giving back. What started as a small gathering with a few festive activities has bloomed into a sprawling holiday village, complete with an impressive lineup of attractions that rival the best winter festivals in the region.

The moment I stepped foot in Schellville, my spirit was lifted. One of the first things to catch my eye was the life-sized Santa’s sleigh setup, complete with Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer.

It also had a mini-village of life-sized cottages, each meticulously decorated.

Children darted in and out. Their laughter filled the crisp winter air as they explored the charming little houses, and their parents looked on. Meanwhile, the aroma of fresh-baked cookies and spiced cider wafted from the nearby food stalls, drawing me further into the festive ambiance. Most were local food vendors who got an opportunity to introduce their products to a new audience. I bought Butter Pecan brittle from Clare Shockley, of claresnuttyconcoctions.com. She was friendly and generous with samples to make people got just the flavor they wanted.

She also had Cashew brittle, Golden brittle, a peanut brittle jazzed up with cashews and almonds, and a flavor called “Comin in Hot.” I usually go for anything. Next time perhaps.

For thrill-seekers, the outdoor skating rink was a major highlight. Watching families glide across the ice, some more gracefully than others, showed the universal appeal of this timeless winter activity.

I thought it would be ice skating and since I never learned how, I decided I wouldn’t dare chance it. However, to my surprise, it was a winter decorated roller skating rink. I haven’t skated in decades, so I opted not to give it a try. Still, the rink, surrounded by twinkling lights and festive décor, felt like a scene out of a holiday movie.

I did, however, snow tube down the Whoville Sled Hill. That was a lot of fun and even the young at heart had no trouble managing it. The tube ride was fast, and I wondered if I would hit the wall hard on the way down. Fortunately, the imitation snow at the bottom slowed the tube to a smooth stop.

Another standout feature was the train ride — the Schellville Express. I saw families and couples as they chugged along a whimsical track that wove through a magical forest of lights. The attention to detail in every display was incredible, from animated holiday characters to dazzling light sculptures that transformed the surroundings into a kaleidoscope of color. There were plenty of places to take photos to commemorate the holiday season.

For those with little ones, the Children’s Snow Zone was a huge hit. Kids frolicked in artificial snow, tossing snowballs. It was heartwarming to see their faces light up as they played, especially for families who might not often experience snow. Live entertainment punctuated the evening. I didn’t catch the band’s name. But they were good. The event also included cozy firepits throughout where visitors could warm up.

Reflecting on the experience, I couldn’t help but marvel at how much Schellville embodies the spirit of community. It’s clear that the Schell Brothers’ vision extends beyond building houses — they’re creating spaces for memories, connection, and joy. And did I mention, this whole celebration was free — courtesy of the Schell Brothers. 

Their dedication to making Schellville a place where everyone feels welcome seemed evident in every detail, from the inclusive activities to the cheerful volunteers who ensured everything ran smoothly.

Schellville is more than just an event; it’s an example of what can happen when a community comes together to celebrate the season. Whether you’re a local, a visitor, or someone looking for a new holiday tradition, Schellville is an enchanting experience you won’t want to miss. If you’re from the Atlantic City area, take a ride on the ferry to see what’s happening on the other side of the water. I know I’ll be back next year, ready to immerse myself once again in the magic that Schellville had to offer.

(My Journey with Mark Tyler is a column about the joys and complexities of life as seen through the eyes of Mark Tyler, the founder and publisher of atlanticcityfocus.com. Mark can be reached at marktyler@atlanticcityfocus.com)

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