Christiana Mall
4.5(18K)google
3.9(166)yelp
DowntownIndoorFamilyLocal Life
Overview
Christiana Mall is a shopping mall located in Christiana, Delaware between the cities of Newark and Wilmington. The one-level, enclosed super-regional mall is situated at the intersection of Interstate 95 (exit 4A) and Delaware Route 1/Delaware Route 7 (DE 1 exit 164) near the center of the Northeast megalopolis. Christiana Mall has three anchor stores - Macy's, JCPenney, and Target - along with Barnes & Noble as a junior anchor and Cabela's and Cinemark Theatres as outparcels.
Practical Info
Mon10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Tue10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Wed10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Thu10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Fri10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Sat10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Sun11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Suggested Duration3-6 hours
Best TimeAs Delaware's tax-free shopping haven, this indoor mall is a year-round destination. The best time to visit is on weekdays (Monday through Thursday) right at opening at 10:00 AM, when the Apple Store and other anchor tenants are least crowded, ensuring no lines for fitting rooms or checkout.
Getting ThereAccess is highly convenient. By car, take I-95 and take exit 4A-4B, following signs for Christiana Mall Road into the massive free parking lot. For public transit, take DART Route 005, 015, or 033 from downtown Wilmington, which terminates directly at the mall's dedicated transit center.
Travel Tips
- Delaware boasts a 0% state sales tax rate. Because the mall directly intersects I-95, out-of-state shoppers from PA, NJ, and MD swarm the venue on weekends, generating over 30-minute delays to enter primary parking lots between 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM on Saturdays and Sundays. Schedule visits for Tuesday through Thursday mornings.
- Peripheral ring roads near major anchor stores like Target and Macy's enforce absolute zero-tolerance towing rules. Zones designated for Target Drive Up or active loading are monitored 24/7 by private security; unattended vehicles idling past 15 minutes are instantly towed away at owner's expense.
- During Black Friday and major winter holiday shopping matrixes, state route SR-1 and Mall Road become gridlocked. Oversized vehicles, full-size dually trucks, and towed trailers cannot clear the multi-level parking garage clearances; driver must park strictly in the northern open-air flat lots near Cabela's.
Reviews
Positive
- The biggest advantage here is Delaware's tax-free shopping! It saves you a ton of money on high-end brands.
- The mall is massive and highly modern, packed with top brands like the Apple Store, Macy's, and mainstream fashion lines.
- The food court is huge and well-organized, offering quality sit-down options like The Cheesecake Factory alongside fast food.
- Even though it gets incredibly busy, stores are well-staffed enough to handle checkouts and inquiries efficiently.
Heads up
- On weekends or holidays like Black Friday, the traffic surrounding the mall and the parking lot become an absolute nightmare.
- If you aren't planning to spend a large sum, it's just an average American shopping mall lacking local uniqueness.
- Due to the heavy foot traffic, the public restrooms can get messy and less clean in the afternoons and evenings.
- The mall lacks traditional cozy diners for breakfast or late-night spots, as most eateries close early with the mall.