Looking for a relaxing getaway this holiday season? There is no better place to come than Greater Wilmington DE. Now, for most reading this we realize that this wouldn't be very apparent (unless you're a local of course), and we're used to this. We are trained ambassadors of obscurity and we are good at what we do! Prepare to become our next believer! Without further ado here are 10 GREAT reasons to visit Greater Wilmington DE this holiday season. (* Find out more about the events listed below by clicking on the name!)

1. It's the epitome of the country Christmas

 
  From Historic Odessa on up through Kennet Square PA, you will feel as though you are traveling through  a Currier and Ives print. If you want the classic holiday setting then the rolling hills of the Brandywine  Valley is where you should be. This picture shows the main gates to Nemours Mansion and Gardens after a snowstorm. Now, we can't promise the snow of course but we can promise the sights. 

2.  You have to get your shopping done sometime

   No sales tax, need I say more?

3.   "A Longwood Christmas" at Longwood Gardens

   Walk around in the comfort of a 4.5 acre heated indoor Conservatory decked out in holiday floral displays.    Next bundle up and head outside to take in a dancing fountain show which is set to holiday music. Check    out this video:

4. "Holiday Tours" at the Historic Houses of Odessa 

   Tour these nationally recognized historic landmarks as they are decorated for the season. This year, The    Historic Odessa Foundation is celebrating the season through interpretive scenes of the merry world of    Mary Poppins!

5. "A Brandywine Christmas" at the Brandywine River Museum 

   This might just be the best attraction for families as children will love this one! Experience the museum's    vast model train collection including 150 locomotives, 300 freight cars and 2,000 feet of track.

6.  "Yuletide" at Winterthur 

   Step back in time and experience the Du Pont estate as it would have been decorated in the mid-1800s.  You can't come to Greater Wilmington without an authentic Du Pont experience. Click here to view a short amateur video of what you can expect to experience on your guided tour of the estate. You'll find a description of this year's tours by clicking here.



7. "Christmas at Hagley"

   Visit the museum which sits on the site of the original DuPont powder mills. This year's focus is "Winter    Pastimes" where you'll find displays for the winter pastimes of family entertaining and holiday    celebrations as well as cooking, sewing, reading and drawing. New this year to the Workers' Hill area is    the sound of holiday music. Sixteen community and school choirs will be performing on weekends

8. Dutch House/Amstel House's "Holiday Tours" 

   Speaking of stepping back in time, head to Historic New Castle to experience two of the area's  most    revered colonial establishments as they would have appeared during the holidays.

9.  Brandywine Valley Wine Trail's "Holiday Open House" December 4&5

   Each winery along the Brandywine Valley Wine Trail will be decked out in holiday finery. Visit our wineries    to do "one-stop" shopping this year. Carolers, holiday sweets, mulled wines, special tastings and more!

10.  EVE 2011 

Sure, most people head to New York City or Philadelphia for New Year's Eve but this year you should    head to Wilmington DE! This is the first New Year's Eve Celebration on the revitalized Wilmington    Riverfront headquartered at the Chase Center! With Planning Factory International at the helm you are    sure to have a great time!



So, there is AT LEAST 10 good reasons to visit our area this holiday season.I would suggest that most of these events and activities would be best paired with a stay at one of the many bed and breakfasts that dot the countryside. If you have questions about accommodations or want to talk more about what's happening in Greater Wilmington DE this holiday season call 1-800-489-6664 and be sure to check out our calendar of events!

Don't forget, if you "like" our facebook page you could win in our 25 Day Giveaway. We're giving away tickets to many of the events listed above. Click here for more details.

 Note: If we forgot your event, comment below and we will be sure to make mention of it!