Schellville, a Christmas extravaganza, opens Saturday in Rehoboth Beach. What to know
The hugely popular Christmas extravaganza that is Schellville opens this weekend in Rehoboth Beach.
Schell Brothers, a homebuilding company ubiquitous to the Delaware beaches, is in its sixth year of hosting Schellville. It's a 5.5-acre Christmas village full of everything anyone looking to indulge in the Christmas spirit could hope for - and it's free.
"It's like a Christmas playground for everyone," Schell Brothers' spokesperson Alyssa Titus says in a promotional video.
There's a skating rink, a playground, faux snow, a "sledding" slide, a miniature Christmas village, mini-golf, a ride-on miniature train, a maze, a beer garden, fire pits, Santa and Mrs. Claus themselves, over 1,000 Christmas trees, live music, bars, over 30 vendors and food trucks.
Take a moment to catch your breath.
It all starts this weekend, with Schellville officially opening for the season Saturday, Nov. 18. Here's everything you need to know.
Where to go
Schellville is located behind Tanger Outlets Seaside, at 36470 Seaside Outlet Drive, but you'll want to put the below parking lot locations in your GPS.
Where to park
Schellville organizers ask that visitors use the parking lot at Epworth United Methodist Church, next door at 19285 Holland Glade Road. If the church lot is full, you can also park at the League Field a little further east at 18900 Holland Glade Road. Free shuttles run between the parking lots and Schellville all night.
Schellville organizers say parking at Tanger Outlets should be a last resort. There is first-come, first-serve handicapped parking between the outlets and Schellville.
Arrive early to allow time for parking and to ride the shuttle.
Get your free tickets
Last year, Schellville saw over 168,000 people. Get your free tickets as soon as possible, available here, for either 5-7 p.m. or 7-9 p.m. You can walk in to Schellville, but without tickets, there's no guarantee you'll get in. If tickets are sold out for the date you want, check social media for people giving them away.
When to go
Schellville is open from 5-9 p.m. this year on the dates below. "Early bird hours" for seniors and small children are 1-4 p.m., but not all attractions will be open.
Hang out in a snow globe
New this year are "Alpenglobes," available to rent for a fee.
The wood and polycarbonate globes are perfect for "a romantic date night, a small gathering with friends, or a family outing," according to the Schellville website, and fit up to eight people. Alpenglobes are heated, lit and "rigorously sanitized" between reservations," the website says.
Alpenglobe reservations are $250 and are good for an entire night, from 5-9 p.m. Your reservation doubles as a ticket. For $200, you can reserve an Alpenglobe for the 1-4 p.m. time period, when limited attractions are open. Package upgrades, like champagne, birthday cakes and catering, are also available.
The Schellville website shows many Alpenglobe spots have already been reserved, so book now.
How to volunteer
Schellville is run entirely by volunteers and generally needs about 100 each night. Volunteers act as greeters and monitors throughout the village, as well as train drivers, slide attendants and question-answerers.
"They just make sure we have a safe environment for everyone," Titus said.
More: Here's how to get your house on Delaware Online and the food bank's new holiday light map
New this year, anyone who volunteers for five shifts or more will be entered into a raffle to win a Moke.
Other things to know about Schellville
No pets.
No smoking.
Schellville is open rain or shine unless there is severe weather. Any closures will be announced on Facebook, and ticketholders will receive emails. Tickets are not transferable to another night.
Rollerskate rentals are $5, or you can bring your own. The rink closes when it rains.
You can bring strollers, but it's recommended you leave them at home.
Live music begins at 7 every night.
Santa and Mrs. Claus "go back to the North Pole" after Dec. 23.
Shannon Marvel McNaught reports on Sussex County and beyond. Reach her at smcnaught@gannett.com or on Twitter @MarvelMcNaught.
This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: What to know about Schellville, opening in Rehoboth Beach
