1. Holidays at Nemours Estate
Wilmington’s own version of the French “Versailles”, Nemours Estate, is an original du Pont mansion Alfred I. du Pont gifted to his lovely wife. Today it remains a 3,000-acre French inspired formal garden, reputedly known as the largest of its kind in North America. Each year the estate celebrates the holiday season with a blend of authentic period decorations mixed with modern design, multiple Christmas trees, garland, wreaths and so much more. Nemours Estate puts on its holiday best starting November 15th and will go through December 30, 2022. Learn More.
2. Yuletide at Winterthur
This 175-room estate set in the rolling hills of the Brandywine Valley is another example of the du Pont family’s legacy in Wilmington. During Yuletide at Winterthur, the premier museum of American decorative arts will tell a story of how the du Pont family and Americans across the country celebrated the holiday season throughout history. A toy train display, a large-scale gingerbread house, Christmas trees of the First Ladies, and an incredible line up of holiday programs and activities are just the beginning at Winterthur. If you’ve never been, don’t miss the iconic Dried Flower Tree in the greenhouse, a tradition standing proud since 1985. Winterthur’s wonderland through the ages will begin November 19th and go through January 8, 2023. Learn More.
Make it a Weekend Getaway
3. A Longwood Christmas
Longwood Gardens, the Brandywine Valley’s renowned botanical garden celebrates the season with their annual A Longwood Christmas this year bringing to life the art of Christmas in their "Botanical Splendor" display November 18th through January 8, 2023. Visit the 4-arce Conservatory for its grand display of decorated trees, hundreds of poinsettia, indoor fountains, horticultural displays and sing along to music played on the 10,010 pipe Aeolian organ. Outside more than 500,000 sparkling lights bring cheer while carolers stroll, a toy train display delights the children and plenty of hot chocolate flows. Timed entry tickets are required, learn more here. Learn More.
4. Holidays at Hagley Museum
Hagley Museum is home to 235-acres of beautiful landscape featuring the du Pont family’s first U.S. home and the original powder mills, which made the family a household name. During the holiday season, the renowned home is transformed to celebrate and honor the French holiday traditions the famous Wilmington family would have enjoyed during their days in France. Holidays at Hagley focuses on family and provides insight into the traditions of a holiday at home. The beautiful transformation takes place November 25th through January 1, 2023. Learn More.
Don't forget to check out the 5th annual gingerbread house competition in the Hagley Barn - be sure to vote for your favorites.
5. A Brandywine Christmas
The Brandywine Museum of Art located on the banks of the Brandywine River, fills with holiday cheer beginning November 19th through January 8, 2023. The museum, known for its renowned work by three generations of Wyeth artists, celebrates the season with trees of all sizes gorgeously decorated with hand-made ornaments by volunteer staff. But the centerpiece of the season is the remarkable Brandywine Railroad, celebrating its 50th year! The O-gauge model train and its nearly 2,000 feet of track wrapped around a miniature town alight with holiday magic. Don’t miss this magical holiday adventure for all ages! Learn More.