DelawareTourism

The Delaware Tourism Office announced today its new passport, “Delaware’s Hidden Holiday Gems,” highlighting nine unique attractions in the state celebrating the holidays this season. The passport will run from Nov. 22 to Jan. 6.

“Delaware’s Hidden Holiday Gems is our office’s first short-term passport to be released,” said Jessica Welch, Director of the Delaware Tourism Office. “In light of the holiday season, we hope to attract tourists to each of Delaware’s three counties and experience what they have to offer during this special time of year.”

The mobile passport, also known as a trail, will bring Delaware’s holiday magic to life as it takes travelers throughout the state with three specific destinations to stop at in each of the state’s three regions. From intricately decorated museums to festive light displays, the passport provides an itinerary for holiday travelers to find off-the-beaten-path attractions.

In northern Delaware, the passport will highlight Holidays at Hagley at Hagley Museum and Library, Noël at Nemours Estate, and Holiday Magic at Riverbright Wilmington. Zoo Lights and Christmas Nights at 3 Palms Zoo, Gift of Lights at Dover Motor Speedway, and Ice Skating at Tre Sorelle Dolce will be featured in central Delaware. In southern Delaware, Santa’s House on Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk, Schellville’s Enchanted Winter Celebration, and Lewes Lights will also have stops along the trail.

Once participants using the passport check in at three locations within a region, they will receive one of three randomly selected prizes. The prizes will encourage users to visit all of the locations throughout Delaware to win the three prizes available.

Participants can sign up at VisitDelaware.com and gain access to the digital passport. Using location-based technology, users can “check-in” at and track locations they have visited using their phones.

Delaware’s Hidden Holiday Gems passport is one of three trails currently offered by the Delaware Tourism Office. The Delaware On Tap trail takes users throughout the state to visit over 30 craft beverage locations in Delaware. Similarly, the Delaware History Trail takes users to each of Delaware’s counties with stops at historically significant locations in Delaware.

“The goal of these trails is to not only promote local businesses but encourage travel to new places in Delaware that may be overlooked at first glance,” said Welch. “On the way to these attractions, tourists will see all that Delaware has to offer and explore someplace new.”

The Delaware Tourism Office, a division of the Delaware Division of Small Business, promotes tourism and economic growth in Delaware. For more information, visit the official Delaware Tourism website at www.visitdelaware.com or call toll-free at 866-284-7483.

Delaware On Tap offers just that. This digital passport can guide you through visits to 35 nationally recognized breweries and hidden gems distilling unique spirits and brewing sweet meads. Taste delicious flavors, explore new places and make lasting memories while you check in to participating locations and collect points to earn prizes!

By signing up online, you can take advantage of the mobile Delaware On Tap benefits. Once signed up, check in to participating craft beverage locations you visit, and Delaware On Tap will keep track of which locations you’ve checked in to in your travels. Earn points for each location you visit and turn in your points for prizes.

Each check in earns you 100 points. For 500 points, or 5 check ins, you can earn a themed deck of cards. If you earn 1,000 points, or 10 check ins, you will receive a cute pom beanie. Finally, for 2,000 points, or 20 check ins, you will win a handy Delaware On Tap backpack cooler! Not only can you use the trail to earn points and win prizes, but you can discover exciting opportunities that you might not experience otherwise.

The Delaware On Tap Trail is just one of Visit Delaware’s three Trails of Discovery, and each trail offers tourists a unique way to see the state. The Delaware History Trail leads visitors through echoes of Delaware’s rich past, including regal homes, historic monuments, museums and more hidden gems. The Delaware Discoveries Trail highlights arts and culture in Delaware. You can use the trail to explore 13 Insta-worthy interactive murals throughout the state.

To learn more about Delaware’s Trails of Discovery, visit https://www.visitdelaware.com/things-to-do/trailsofdiscovery.