This year, the Historic Odessa Foundation invites all to celebrate the season in a way unlike any other. From November 11 through December 31, 2025, Odessa’s historic homes and streets will sparkle with holiday charm during the Foundation’s 37th Annual Holiday Tours and Exhibits. And for the first time ever, visitors can experience the debut of Twinklefest, a brand-new community tradition.
The spotlight exhibition for 2025, A Jane Austen Christmas at 250, will transform the Wilson-Warner House (c.1769) into a Georgian-era holiday celebration inspired by Austen’s novels. Visitors will step into parlor games, candlelit balls, festive evergreen decorations, and scenes that reflect Austen’s world, from Christmas Eve and Boxing Day to Twelfth Night revelry. This immersive experience offers a glimpse of how Austen’s characters might have marked the season, celebrating the beloved author’s 250th birthday in unforgettable style.
Visit the village of Odessa, Delaware and admire examples of 18th- and 19th-century architecture, and tour the Historic Odessa Foundation's five historic houses.
Twinklefest: A NEW Holiday Tradition
Mark your calendars for Saturday, November 22 (1–5:30 p.m.) when Odessa debuts Twinklefest at the Corbit-Sharp House grounds. This festive winter village has something for everyone:
Tours of A Jane Austen Christmas at 250
Santa’s Workshop & Sleigh Photos
Over 30 Storybook Trees decorated by local families and schools
Performances by the Dover English Country Dancers
Hands-on activities like ornament-making and colonial crafts
Freedom Seekers: The Odessa Story with hayrides along Appoquinimink Creek
Marketplace & artisan booths
Ugly Sweater Contest for a playful touch of holiday fun
Cantwell’s Twinklefest Cantina, serving hot drinks, s’mores, and seasonal bites by the fire
The day culminates in the Twinklefest Lighting Countdown, when Odessa’s historic town center glows with thousands of white lights, an unforgettable kickoff to the holiday season.
In addition to Twinklefest, Odessa’s holiday calendar is brimming with tradition:
Candlelight Walking Tours (Tuesdays & Thursdays in December)
Storybook Trees Exhibition (20th year!)
Jane Austen’s Birthday Party on December 16
Collins-Sharp House open hearth cooking demonstrations
Regular holiday tours of Odessa’s historic homes, adorned in festive décor
Tickets for Twinklefest are available now at historicodessa.org. Proceeds support the Foundation’s preservation and educational programs, which serve thousands of Delaware students annually.
Non-member family package (2 adults + 2 children): $45
Member family package: $35
Adult admission: $15
Children under 12: $10
The Historic Odessa Foundation is open March through December for tours, exhibitions, and special events. Come celebrate this year’s holiday season where history, literature, and community spirit come alive.
Author
Jessica Horstmann
Digital Marketing Manager of the Greater Wilmington Convention and Visitors Bureau
About Jessica:
Hi, I'm Jessica, the Digital Marketing Manager at the Greater Wilmington CVB and a passionate advocate for all things Delaware. When I moved to Delaware at ten, I discovered a state that perfectly balanced the energy of city life with the serenity of the countryside—all just a short drive apart. Delaware may be small, but it’s packed with vibrant attractions, hidden gems, and unforgettable experiences that make every day an adventure. As a traveler and storyteller, I’m passionate about uncovering and sharing the First State’s best-kept secrets. Through my blogs, I invite you to join me in exploring why Delaware is small but mighty—there’s always something new and exciting to discover!
