When you think of visiting Greater Wilmington and the Brandywine Valley, the first thing that may come to mind is “What is there to do?”       

WELL, WE HAVE THE ANSWER FOR YOU!     

Now that the gorgeous colors have peaked in #VisitWilm, we are looking ahead and thinking about the holiday season! That means we have vacation in our sights and days off of school to fill with fun activities. November is a great time to be with the family so, skip the headaches of staying home and venture out on a new adventure.  

Here’s what's in store when you visit Greater Wilmington and the Brandywine Valley this November! 

Chrysanthemum Festival at Longwood Gardens – Through November 13 

Vibrancy and imagination are around every corner of Longwood Garden’s Conservatory during their spectacular Chrysanthemum Festival. The Gardens stretch their horticultural limits by nurturing and training specialty chrysanthemum forms, all bursting with color from start to finish, making for a radiant Conservatory bursting with personality and gorgeous color. 

 

The Annual Delaware Antique Show – November 10-13  

Presented by Winterthur Museum, Garden and Library at the Chase Center on the Riverfront, this annual event is one of the nation’s most highly acclaimed antiques shows. It presents a spectacular showcase of art, antiques and design! Featuring incredible offerings from dozens of distinguished dealers, the Delaware Antiques Show highlights the best of American antiques and decorative arts. 

The Holidays are Coming...

The holidays will soon be taking over #VisitWilm! Look out for these annual holiday events that transform some famed local attractions into spectacular sights of grandeur:  

Holidays at Nemours Estate – November 15 to December 30  
A Longwood Gardens Christmas – November 18 to January 8 
Yuletide at Winterthur – November 19 to January 8  
The Brandywine Railroad presented by the Brandywine River Museum of Art – November 19 to January 8 
Holidays at Hagley Museum and Library – November 25 to January 1

Along with the beginning of the holiday season comes...  

Theatre Performances...  
Irving Berlin’s White Christmas at Candlelight Theatre - Varying dates November 18-December 23

To complete its 2022 season, Candlelight Theatre will end with a classic holiday performance. What better way to celebrate the season than with a White Christmas? Enjoy dinner and a show full of love and laughter.   

Up Front on Market with First State Ballet Theatre - November 18-20

Sit back and relax for this performance of highlights from the repertoire of stellar performers from the First State Ballet Theatre. It’s the perfect way to gear up for their Nutcracker performance in December.  

Holiday Train Rides...  
Santa Claus Express on the Wilmington and Western Railroad - Varying dates November 25-December 23

The big man himself will soon be making his way around #VisitWilm. He starts his holiday adventures by riding the rails with the Wilmington and Western Railroad.  Be sure you have your camera ready for a close up with Santa!  

Where to Book Your Thanksgiving Meal...

Holiday Light Displays...  
Herr’s Snack Factory Holiday Lights Display - November 23-January 2

We love sharing different ideas on how to get in the holiday spirit. Of course, light displays must be top of the list! The Herr’s Snack Factory is back this season with their FREE drive-through display of more than 600,000 dazzling lights.  

Gingerbread Competitions... 
Hagley’s Gingerbread House Competition - November 25-January 1

Back for its 5th year, Hagley Museum and Library’s annual Gingerbread Competition shows off the creative skills and imagination of those who dare to enter. On display beginning November 25th, these houses will be YOURS to vote on. Visit Hagley through the season and choose your favorites in each of the categories.  

Christmas Parade... - November 26

Be sure to #VisitWilm November 26th for the 58th Annual Wilmington Jaycees Christmas Parade through the city. Beginning on 2nd &Market Streets., the parade route travels north on Market, past the reviewing stand at 10th Street, and ends at 11th Street. Join in the fun and holiday festivities and be sure to explore the wonderful small businesses downtown in support of Small Business Saturday.  

Well, would you look at that... a whole month’s worth of events listed here, and there’s still more to explore on our events calendar! Seems to us that this little ol’ city has enough to fill an entire weekend (and more!) And that’s just in the month of November.  Be sure to check back next month for an extensive list of holiday fun in December!    

Plan your next #VisitWilm getaway today, and don’t forget to share your pictures with us by tagging @visitwilmingtonde on Instagram or by sharing your #VisitWilm photos here.