Tax-Free Shopping, Seven Miles Away
Christiana Mall is the shopping trip most people in Bear end up making at some point. There are more than 130 stores, all situated on one level, with free parking and zero sales tax for the ultimate shopping experience.
Here’s what to know about Christiana Mall before you go.
How far is Christiana Mall from Bear, DE?
7.2 miles from St. Andrews, along the same stretch as the Route 40 retail corridor. The mall sits right off I-95 between Baltimore and Philadelphia, so it is an easy trip whether you are coming from home or getting off the highway.
What is actually at Christiana Mall?
It’s the largest mall in Delaware, and it’s laid out on one main level, so you can cover it without a map.
- Over 130 stores, anchored by Target, JCPenney and Macy’s, with Barnes & Noble and Cabela’s on the property.
- Apple, H&M and Urban Outfitters sit among the national tenants, along with the usual apparel, accessories and home goods.
- A Cinemark theater with all-stadium seating and self-service ticketing kiosks.
- A full food court plus sit-down restaurants, several with outdoor seating when the weather holds.
What services does Christiana Mall offer?
More than most people realize, and it’s the difference between a quick errand and a long afternoon.
- Single strollers are available to rent at entrance 4, between Target and JCPenney.
- A children’s play area sits in the Target court, which is the spot to aim for with little kids.
- Mobile phone charging stations are placed throughout the mall.
- ATMs are in Macy’s Court, the food court, and near entrance 4.
- Electric vehicle charging is available in the parking lots.
- Bike racks are at every mall entrance.
Where do you get picked up at Christiana Mall?
- Rideshare drop-off and pickup is in front of the food court. Uber and Lyft drivers know it, and it saves circling the lot.
- Mall security can be reached at 302-731-7252, at loading dock A between JCPenney and Target.
- There is no FedEx, UPS or USPS drop-off at the mall, so don’t plan a shipping errand around it.
Where can you eat outside at Christiana Mall?
- The Cheesecake Factory: the one with something to eat for everyone, and the one with the longest wait on a Saturday. Put your name in and shop while you wait.
- Tommy’s Tavern+Tap: a tavern menu and a bar, perfect for a casual stop in-between shopping.
- Tio’s Taco+Tequila: tacos and a tequila list, perfect for the patio when the weather is good.
- Brio Italian Grille: northern Italian, with oven-roasted steaks, chops, seafood and handmade pasta for a sit-down experience for the whole family.
Why is everything at Christiana Mall tax-free?
Delaware does not charge sales tax, and that includes the mall. Every purchase is tax-free, every day, with no paperwork and no minimum.
What else should I know about Christiana Mall?
- Parking is free, including accessible spaces. No garage ticket, no validation.
- Teens need an adult on weekend evenings. Friday and Saturday after 3PM, anyone 17 or younger has to be with a supervising adult. Worth knowing before you drop someone off.
- No smoking within 30 feet of the building, per state law.
- No currency exchange, and no sales tax refund service for international visitors. The tax-free part is automatic for everyone.
Living Near It All
St. Andrews in Bear, DE puts Christiana Mall about seven miles out, with the Route 40 shops even closer.
The new Terrace Apartments are available now, in one, two and three-bedroom floor plans, each with an assigned spot in the private garage.
*Store lineups, hours and policies change. Check with the mall website before you go.
