In 2017, Schell Brothers had a simple but heartfelt idea: create a magical Christmas village that would bring happiness, wonder, and community connection to Coastal Delaware during the holiday season.
What started as a small collection of nine miniature holiday houses and decorated Christmas trees would quickly grow into one of Delaware’s most beloved holiday traditions: Schellville.
Created by Schell Brothers a homebuilder known for its mission to maximize happiness rather than profit Schellville was never intended to be just another seasonal attraction. It was designed to create memories, inspire childlike wonder, and give families a place to gather, slow down, and experience joy together.
The first version of Schellville debuted in 2017 and immediately captured the hearts of the local community. Families wandered through tiny, decorated homes, children explored whimsical displays, and visitors embraced the nostalgic feeling of a classic Christmas village brought to life.
As attendance and enthusiasm grew, Schellville evolved year after year.
By 2019, the experience had expanded significantly, featuring themed miniature houses, train rides, snowfall effects, ice skating (provided by Winter Wonderfest), Santa experiences, and interactive activities for children and families. During this time, Schellville partnered with Winter WonderFest, helping expand the event’s reach and charitable impact throughout Delaware.
Even during periods of uncertainty and rapid change in the world, Schellville continued to serve as a place where the community could gather, celebrate, and reconnect through shared experiences and traditions.
As the vision continued to grow, Schell Brothers announced a major expansion in 2022. Schellville transformed from a charming seasonal village into a 5.5-acre immersive holiday destination in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware.
The expanded Schellville introduced:
One of the defining characteristics of Schellville has always been accessibility. Unlike many large holiday attractions, Schellville has remained free to attend during the Christmas season, allowing families of all backgrounds to experience the magic of the holidays together. Community support, volunteers, sponsors, and the Schell Brothers Foundation have helped make that mission possible.
Volunteers have also become an essential part of the Schellville story. Employees, homeowners, local families, and community members donate countless hours each season to help operate attractions, greet guests, create experiences, and spread holiday cheer. The event has become as much about the people behind the scenes as the lights and decorations themselves.
Over time, Schellville evolved beyond Christmas and began hosting year-round community events, charitable initiatives, concerts, festivals, family activities, and fundraising opportunities. The space became a reflection of Schell Brothers’ broader mission:
Today, Schellville stands as one of the region’s most recognized holiday and community destinations, welcoming visitors from throughout Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and beyond. What began as a simple idea rooted in happiness and community has grown into a large-scale experience that continues to evolve each year while staying true to its original purpose: bringing people together.
At its core, Schellville represents something bigger than lights, attractions, or entertainment. It represents connection, generosity, nostalgia, and community — values that have always been central to Schell Brothers and its mission to create happiness in every neighborhood it touches.
As Schellville continues to grow, one thing remains unchanged: the belief that some of life’s best moments happen when people come together to celebrate, connect, and create memories that last for generations.
Guests Welcomed
Train Rides
Volunteer Elves
Skate Rentals
Big Tree Stood
Christmas Trees
of Lights Installed
Hot Cocoa Served