Light Up Dover Plans to Expand Holiday Display to 90 Buildings in 2026

Dover aims to triple holiday light display for 2026

Organizers behind the Light Up Dover initiative are planning a massive expansion of the downtown holiday lighting display this year, aiming to triple the number of illuminated buildings in the city center, 97.5 WOKQ reported.

The project, which began as a small-scale community effort, is scaling up significantly for the 2026 season. While last year’s display featured lights on 30 downtown buildings, the current goal is to reach a total of 90 buildings.

The expansion includes more than just rooftop outlines. Organizers also intend to decorate 65 downtown light poles with seasonal lighting to better connect the various sections of the downtown area.

Local engagement drives civic goals and foot traffic

Stephanie Bolduc of Communitively, the organization managing the project, noted that the initiative was driven by a strong sense of local engagement from its earliest stages.

“I had a feeling this was going to be something special from the very first committee meeting,” Bolduc said. “I looked around the room and saw how much everyone cared about Dover and how willing they were to put in the work to make it happen.”

Beyond the visual impact, the project serves a specific civic purpose. Bolduc explained that the lights are intended to encourage foot traffic, prompting visitors to stay for dinner or browse local shops and restaurants.

The initiative seeks to foster a sense of belonging for all residents, whether they are lifelong locals or visitors from out of state or even abroad.

Community donations and municipal support fuel display growth

The growth of the display involves a coordinated effort between volunteer organizers and municipal support. While the City of Dover has provided some financial assistance for this year’s expansion, the project remains heavily dependent on community donations.

These contributions are used to purchase and install the additional lighting required to meet the new targets. The following table outlines the planned growth of the display compared to the previous year:

Feature	2025 Display	2026 Target
Illuminated Buildings	30	90
Decorated Light Poles	Not specified	65

Some observers might question the allocation of resources toward seasonal decorations, but supporters argue the economic stimulus provided by increased downtown activity outweighs the costs. By creating a “Hallmark” style atmosphere, organizers hope to turn downtown Dover into a destination that sustains local businesses throughout the dark winter months.

Key dates for the holiday season

The official launch of the expanded display is currently tied to local holiday traditions. Organizers are targeting Saturday, November 28, 2026, to switch on the downtown lights.

This date is intended to coincide with the Dover Christmas tree lighting ceremony. However, Bolduc noted that the November 28 date remains a goal rather than a confirmed announcement, and residents should watch for official updates from the organizers.

The project continues to rely on the volunteer-led efforts of Communitively to manage the logistics of the rollout and the collection of community funds.

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