As the holiday season approaches, Wilmington and the Brandywine Valley is once again transformed into a winter wonderland filled with twinkling lights, festive cheer, and historic charm. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or looking to enhance holiday traditions with your family, these five spectacular displays will surely inspire your holiday spirit. From dazzling gardens to grand estates, there’s something magical in every corner of the region this holiday season.

Have yourself a Very Merry Wilmington Holiday! 


1. A Longwood Christmas  

Step into a world of wonder at Longwood Gardens during A Longwood Christmas season, where the season shines as brightly as the jewels that inspired it. Indoors, towering trees sparkle in sapphire, ruby, and emerald hues beneath shimmering crystals and golden fabrics, while the grand Music Room steals the show with a jewel-encrusted tree rising from a giant jewelry box. Outside, more than half a million lights illuminate the Gardens, guiding visitors past glowing lakes, ribbon-lit paths, and the always-charming Garden Railway. From the glittering Conservatories to the Open Air Theatre’s dancing fountains, every corner glows with the magic of the holidays—making Longwood Gardens an absolute must-see this Christmas season.

A Longwood Christmas: November 21, 2025 - January 11, 2026

 

2. Yuletide at Winterthur Museum, Garden and Library  

Step into the pages of classic literature during Yuletide at Winterthur, where timeless stories come to life through enchanting décor and dazzling displays. Inside the grand du Pont mansion, discover beautifully trimmed trees, an elaborate large-scale gingerbread “house,” and an exquisite 18-room dollhouse that captures the imagination of all ages. Outdoors, twinkling lights and festive touches transform the gardens into a magical winter landscape. With new Holiday Nights extending hours on Fridays and Saturdays, guests can experience even more of Winterthur’s seasonal splendor under the glow of evening lights. This is a must-see stop on your holiday tour through Wilmington & the Brandywine Valley.

Yuletide at Winterthur: November 22, 2025 - January 4, 2026

 

3. Holidays at Hagley 

Experience the magic at Hagley Museum and Library when Delaware’s holiday history comes to life during their Holidays at Hagley season. Throughout the season, the du Pont family’s first American home, Eleutherian Mills, sparkles with festive décor and glowing lights during special Holiday Home and Garden Tours and Holiday Nights. Step inside to see how generations of the du Pont family celebrated the season, then wander the grounds to explore the Gingerbread House Contest inside the Barn, where creative confections crafted by local bakers are proudly on display. Don’t miss Santa Day on December 6. The perfect time to capture a merry holiday photo and soak in the charm of this estate wrapped in nostalgia, twinkling lights, and timeless cheer.

Holidays at Hagley: November 28, 2025 - January 1, 2026
 


4. NOËL at Nemours Estate  

Step into elegance and grandeur this season at NOËL at Nemours Estate, where the opulent mansion of Alfred I. du Pont shimmers with timeless holiday splendor. Each room dazzles with lavish decorations, glowing lights, and fresh greenery, while the soaring Christmas tree in the Great Hall, adorned with a new theme each year, takes center stage. Wander through the grand halls and manicured gardens on a self-guided visit or join a guided tour to learn about the du Pont family’s cherished traditions. On Saturdays in December, the estate comes alive with live music performances during extended evening hours, making Nemours a radiant celebration of the holidays and one of the Brandywine Valley’s most breathtaking seasonal experiences.

NOËL at Nemours Estate:  November 18 - December 30, 2025

 

5. The Brandywine Railroad  

All aboard for one of the region’s most beloved holiday traditions, Holidays at Brandywine at the Brandywine Museum of Art! Beginning November 15, 2025, through January 4, 2026, the museum transforms into a festive wonderland filled with twinkling trees, intricate dollhouses, and the iconic Brandywine Railroad display. Since 1972, this expansive O-gauge model train exhibit, featuring more than 1,000 pieces traveling across 2,000 feet of track, has delighted visitors young and old as miniature locomotives chug past snowy villages, farms, and even a carnival. Kids will love the interactive push buttons and whimsical details like Santa’s workshop, while the museum’s galleries sparkle with holiday décor and handmade “Critter” ornaments adorning the towering trees. It’s the perfect blend of art, nostalgia, and Christmas magic, an experience that promises joy for the whole family year after year. In addition to the returning favorites on view, visitors are also invited to check out Home for the Holidays: Cards and Hearths from the Collection, a new exhibition that will be on view in the Brandywine's Strawbridge Family Gallery. Celebrate what connects us this holiday season. 

The Brandywine Railroad: November 15, 2025 - January 4, 2026

 

Sparkle. Stroll. Stay.   

If you're looking for more this holiday season, you've come to the right place. These incredible displays are only the beginning of what our region has to offer. More holiday fun can be found at visitwilmingtonde.com/holidaymagic. 

We look forward to seeing you!