The holiday season is here, and the area is packed with exciting events to get you in the festive spirit.
By Amy Watson Bish
The holiday season is here, and the area is packed with exciting events to get you in the festive spirit. From dazzling light shows and holiday markets to live performances and family-friendly activities, following is a look at your options.
Holiday Traditions
Yuletide at Winterthur
Now through Jan. 5 | Winterthur Museum & Gardens
Celebrate the season with Winterthur’s unique Yuletide tour, showcasing holiday decor in Henry Francis du Pont’s former home. Enjoy specialty trees and festive displays, along with select evening events featuring live jazz, caroling, workshops, wine tastings, family events, and a one-man performance of A Christmas Carol Live. More at Winterthur.org.
A Longwood Christmas
Now – Jan. 12| Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square
Experience the magic of A Longwood Christmas with the new Longwood Reimagined. Explore breathtaking new spaces, brilliant lights, and festive landscapes, creating unforgettable holiday memories in Longwood’s most enchanting season yet. Timed admission tickets are required. More at LongwoodGardens.org.
Noël at Nemours Estate
Now through Dec. 29, 10am-5pm | Nemours Estate, Wilmington
Be transported back to the early 20th century as you tour the festive displays of the Versailles-inspired estate, including the 77-room mansion, chauffeur’s garage and gardens. Live music performances will also be held throughout the season. More at NemoursEstate.org.
Holidays at Hagley
Nov. 29 through Jan. 1 | Hagley Museum & Library, Greenville
Celebrate the season at Hagley’s Eleutherian Mills, adorned in holiday charm with a “White Christmas” theme inspired by the du Pont family’s winter traditions. Additionally, enjoy festive gingerbread displays, sparkling twilight tours (Dec. 10, 12, 17 & 19, 4-7pm), and a visit from Santa (Dec. 7, 11am-2:30pm). More at Hagley.org.
60th Annual Christmas in Odessa
Saturday, Dec. 7, 10am-5pm | High Street, Odessa
Take a self-guided tour of private homes and public buildings in one of Delaware’s most historic towns. Throughout the day enjoy Christmas concerts, refreshments, and visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Additionally, visit the Corbit-Sharp House, celebrating its 250th anniversary, as it transforms its interior into scenes inspired by J.M. Barrie’s classic novel, Peter and Wendy, on view to guests through Dec. 29. More at ChristmasInOdessa.org.
Shining Bright
Festival of Lights
Friday & Saturdays, Nov. 29 – Dec. 21, 4-10pm | Delaware Park Casino, Wilmington
Things get merry and bright at Delaware Park with a free, family-friendly outdoor light display and holiday market featuring tasty specials, a variety of vendors, and chance to take a photo with Santa. LightsAtDelPark.com.
Holiday Magic at Riverbright Wilmington
Nov. 29 to Jan 5 | Wilmington Riverfront
The Christiana Riverwalk once again turns into a whimsical winter wonderland with a walk-through light display and twinkling tree lights, visable each day at dusk. Plus, on select afternoons and evenings enjoy mini golf, meet & greets with Santa, Little Farm Petting Zoo, and more. More at RiverfrontWilm.com/Holiday-Magic.
Light Up the Square
Tuesday, Dec. 3, 5:30pm-7pm | Rodney Square, Wilmington
The City of Wilmington’s popular tree-lighting celebration returns, featuring live performances, face painting, hot chocolate, and a visit by Santa and Rudolph. DE.CO Food Hall, at 111 West 10th Street, will also host a holiday pre-party beginning at 4:30pm and an after-party until 9pm. More at CityFestWilm.com/Light-Up-The-Square.
Festive Family Fun
Schellville Enchanted Winter Celebration
Select dates Dec. 1 – Dec. 31, 1pm-4pm and 5pm-9pm | Tanger Seaside, Rehoboth
With dazzling decorations, live music, food trucks, holiday-themed activities, train rides, roller skating and more, Schellville’s annual celebration is fun for the whole family. New this year: no ticket reservations needed! More at Schellbrothers.com/Promotions/Schellville.
Holiday Open House at Rockwood
Friday, Dec. 6 and Saturday, Dec. 7, 5pm | Rockwood Park & Museum, Wilmington
Rockwood’s annual free, family event features dazzling light displays throughout the park, museum tours, photos with Santa, and performances from local choirs, dance companies, and more. More at NewCastleDE.gov/Events.
Santa at the Zoo
Saturday, Dec. 7 and Sunday, Dec. 8, 10am-12:30pm | Brandywine Zoo, Wilmington
Kids can meet and take a photo with Santa and enjoy fun holiday activities at this winter wonderland tradition at the Zoo. Registration required at BrandywineZoo.org.
Sankta Lucia Celebration
Sunday, Dec. 8, 1pm | Old Swedes Church, Wilmington
St. Lucia, the bringer of light, is celebrated with song and ceremony in the candlelit church. A beloved Swedish tradition, it marks the beginning of the holiday season. The Delaware Swedish Colonial Society welcomes guests to attend and share in this age-old Swedish Christmas tradition. Tickets required. More at DelawareSwedes.org.
Magical Cirque Christmas: A Holiday Variety Show
Sunday, Dec. 8, 3pm | The Playhouse on Rodney Square, Wilmington
Embrace the holiday spirit with this dazzling variety show full of awe-inspiring performances for all ages. More at TheGrandWilmington.org.
Spirit of Christmas
Saturday, Dec. 14, 10am-5pm | Historic New Castle
Delight in tours of beautifully decorated private homes and museums, enjoy musical performances throughout town, and find the perfect gifts at the indoor and outdoor winter market. Savor a variety of festive fare from the local restaurants and finish your day watching the tree lighting in Market Square. More at SpiritOfChristmasDe.com.
Krampus Festival & Yuletide Market
Saturday, Dec. 14, 2pm-9pm | Liquid Alchemy, Wilmington
For a Yuletide celebration with a spooky Scandinavian twist, Liquid Alchemy hosts its annual family-friendly Krampus Fest featuring meads and Glogg for sipping (hot cocoa for the little ones), axe-throwing, tarot card readings, photos with actors dressed in authentic German Krampus costumes, and more. More at LiquidAlchemyBeverages.com.
Choo-Choo Cheer
Holidays at Brandywine
Now through Jan. 5, 9:30am-5pm | Brandywine Museum of Art, Chadds Ford
A holiday tradition returns to the Brandywine Museum of Art with model trains, dollhouses, and other miniature wonders. A holiday favorite since 1972, the Brandywine Railroad features model trains running on 2,000 feet of track and contains more than a thousand pieces plus interactive displays. More at Brandywine.org.
Holiday Light Express
Dec. 6 – Dec. 30 | Wilmington & Western Railroad, Wilmington
Ride aboard a festively trimmed, historic locomotive with heated coaches, and admire the decorated trackside homes and yards along this trip through the Red Clay Valley. More at WWRR.com.
Holiday Trains at Auburn Heights
Saturday, Dec. 7, 4-7pm | Marshall Steam Museum at Auburn Heights, Yorklyn
All aboard for holiday cheer! View operating model train layouts, take a ride on the Auburn Valley Railroad, enjoy caroling by UD a cappella group Vocal Point, and take a photo with Santa. More at AuburnHeights.org.
“Twelve Days of Christmas” Toy Train Display
Dec. 21 – Jan. 1, 10am-5pm | Winterthur Museum & Garden, Greenville
Enjoy a festive toy train display operated by local collectors within Winterthur’s Brown Horticulture Learning Center. Featuring the large, all-metal toy trains that were popular during the roaring ‘20s, visitors can easily imagine the joy these toys brought to children during the holidays a century ago. More at Winterthur.org
Theatrical Treats
Holiday Inn
Now–Saturday, Dec. 22 | The Candlelight Theatre, Arden
Inspired by the Academy Award-winning film of the same name, this joyous musical features thrilling dance numbers, laugh-out-loud comedy, and more than 20 Irving Berlin classics. More at CandlelightTheatreDelaware.org.
Home for the Holidays in the 302
Dec. 4–Dec. 22 | Delaware Theatre Company, Wilmington Riverfront
White Christmas meets The Ed Sullivan Show in this heartwarming celebration of the season featuring a variety of first-rate First State talent, plus special appearances by local celebrities. More at DelawareTheatre.org.
A Charlie Brown Christmas Live on Stage
Sunday, Dec. 22, 2pm & 6pm | The Playhouse on Rodney Square, Wilmington
The Peanuts’ timeless holiday television special comes to life on stage in a Broadway-styled production featuring the music of Vince Guaraldi along with traditional Christmas songs and carols. More at TheGrandWilmington.org.
Dancing Delights
Christina Cultural Arts Center’s Carols in Color
Sunday, Dec. 1, 4 pm | The Grand Opera House, Wilmington
Christina Cultural Arts Center’s holiday tradition retells the story of Christ’s birth according to the gospel of St. Matthew by using contemporary music, exuberant dance, and powerful narration, featuring some of Philadelphia’s premier vocalists and the movements of Eleone Dance Theatre and Eleone Connection of Philadelphia. More at TheGrandWilmington.org.
The Wilmington Ballet presents The Nutcracker
Friday, Dec. 13, 7:30pm; Saturday, Dec. 14, 2pm and 7:30pm; and Sunday, Dec. 15, 2pm | The Playhouse on Rodney Square, Wilmington
This holiday treat that celebrates cultural diversity stars Brazilian dancers Ingrid Silva and Luis Fernando of The Dance Theatre of Harlem as The Sugar Plum Fairy and The Nutcracker, respectively. Tchaikovsky’s score is brought to to life by the Wilmington Ballet Orchestra, conducted by Maestro Allan Scott. More WilmingtonBallet.org.
Delaware Arts Conservatory presents The Snow Queen
Saturday, Dec. 14, 12pm & 5pm; Sunday, Dec. 15, 2pm | Laird Performing Arts Center at Tatnall School, Greenville
A holiday tradition since 2012, this production is a feast for the eyes told through various forms of dance. Based on the fairy tale by Hans Christian Anderson, this 1844 story was also the inspiration for Disney’s Frozen. More at DelArts.com/SnowQueen.
First State Ballet Theatre presents The Nutcracker
Saturdays, Dec. 14 and Dec. 21, 2pm & 7pm; Sundays, Dec.15 and Dec. 22, 2pm | The Grand Opera House, Wilmington
Join Delaware’s professional ballet company on a magical journey through the Land of Sweets in this lavish production that has become a favorite holiday tradition. More at FirstStateBallet.org.
Very Merry Music
The Choir School of Delaware’s Sounds of the Season
Saturday, Dec. 7, 4pm | Grace United Methodist Church, Wilmington
Featuring the music of Ola Gjeilo, Robert Frost, John Rutter, and songs of wintertime festivities, this choral concert bridges the past and present of the holiday season. More at ChoirSchoolOfDelaware.org.
The Blind Boys of Alabama Christmas Tour
Saturday, Dec. 7, 8pm | The Queen, Wilmington
These living legends of gospel music will lift your spirits with holiday standards and selections from their Grammy-winning holiday classic album, Go Tell It On The Mountain and the spirited Talkin’ Christmas album. More at TheQueenWilmington.com.
Delaware Symphony Orchestra’s Holidays at the Hotel
Tuesday, Dec. 10, 7:30pm | Hotel du Pont, Wilmington
The Delaware Symphony returns to the glamorous Gold Ballroom at the Hotel du Pont for an evening of festive melodies by Bach and Dvo?ák, featuring DSO concertmaster David Southern and Delaware’s own 13-year-old violin virtuoso, Maxwell Brown. This special experience includes a dessert and wine reception at intermission. More at DelawareSymphony.org.
Center City Chorale: Candles and Carols
Thursday, Dec. 12, 12:30pm | First & Central Presbyterian Church, Wilmington
Take a break from the hustle and bustle of the season with Wilmington’s favorite “downtown choir” as they perform beloved carols and lively songs from around the world. The concert is free, but donations are gratefully accepted. More at MarketStreetMusicDe.org.
The Rainbow Chorale’s Silver Celebration
Saturday, Dec. 14, 7pm| Grace United Methodist Church, Wilmington
Delaware’s oldest LGBTQ+ and allies community chorus celebrates its 25th anniversary with a special concert featuring a selection of holiday favorites, accompanied by a small instrumental ensemble. More at TheRainbowChorale.org.
Celtic Woman White Christmas Symphony Tour
Tuesday, Dec. 17, 7:30pm | The Playhouse on Rodney Square, Wilmington
Celebrate the holiday season with the celestial voices of Grammy-nominated multi-platinum Irish singing sensation Celtic Woman. The all-female ensemble performs a program of Yuletide favorites, accompanied by a full symphony. More at TheGrandWilmington.org.
A Jazzy Christmas with “The Big Cat” Smith
Thursday, Dec. 19, 7pm | Theatre N, Wilmington
Swing through the holiday season with a live performance by renowned trumpeter Tony “The Big Cat” Smith as he explores holiday music with his own ‘special sauce’. More at TheatreN.com.
DelArt Nights: A Jazz Before Christmas
Friday, Dec. 20, 5pm | Delaware Art Museum, Wilmington
Explore the Museum’s galleries while sipping on winter-themed beverages and enjoying the smooth sounds of the John Maurice Restrepo Quartet performing jazzy holiday classics. More at DelArt.org.
A Little Bit of Christmas
Saturday, Dec. 21, 4pm | Westminster Presbyterian Church, Wilmington
Wilmington Handbell Ensemble performs a holiday program of favorites such as “Jingle Bell Boogie,” “The First Noel,” “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” and more. More at WilmingtonHandbellEnsemble.org.
Deck Those Halls
Winter Wreath & Centerpiece Workshop
Wednesday, Dec. 4, 5:30pm-8pm | Delaware Center for Horticulture, Wilmington
Expert flower arrangers and wreath makers will demonstrate and guide you on crafting a festive wreath or centerpiece using fresh, locally sourced greenery and an assortment of other natural materials and bows. All materials and light refreshments will be provided. Registration required. More at TheDCH.org/Events.
Annual Wreath Sale
Friday, Dec. 6, 4pm-7pm and Saturday, Dec. 7, 9am | Church of the Holy City, Wilmington
If you’re not into crafting your own wreath, Wilmington’s historic Church of the Holy City offers fresh, ready-made balsam wreaths from Maine at its annual sale. Three sizes are available, and you can choose from plain, traditional, or custom-decorated. More at ChurchOfTheHolyCity.org/Wreath-Sale.
Holiday Arrangement
Saturday, Dec. 14, 10am-12pm | Mt. Cuba Center, Hockessin
Led by Mt. Cuba’s Education Specialist Serah Pesce, you’ll create a beautiful container arrangement using a collection of evergreens and natural delights. Registration is required. More at MtCubaCenter.org.
Holiday Markets
Local is Better: Craft and Vintage Market
Tuesday, Dec. 3, 6pm | Wilmington Brew Works, Wilmington
Browse local vendors at this craft and vintage market presented by Lucky Shot Coffee, while enjoying a beer or cider from Wilmington Brew Works. More at WilmingtonBrewWorks.com.
Kennett Square’s Holiday Village Market
Saturdays & Sundays, Dec. 7, 8, 14 & 15, 11am-5pm | The Creamery of Kennett Square
This shopping and dining experience boasts a rotating selection of more than 40 artisan vendors, exclusive beverages & hot drinks, food trucks, and family activities. More at KennettCollaborative.org/HolidayVillageMarket.
Dew Point Brewing Co.’s Christmas Fair
Saturday, Dec. 14, 2-6pm | Dew Point Brewing Co., Yorklyn
Sip a pint and peruse gifts by local vendors while the Stargazer Brass Quintet plays seasonal tunes, then stay for Dew Point’s tree lighting at 5pm. More at DewPointBrewing.com.
Brandywine Holiday Festival of the Arts
Saturday, Dec. 21, 10am-6pm and Sunday, Dec. 22, 11am-4pm | Chase Center on the Riverfront, Wilmington
Find unique and meaningful gifts for your family and friends at this event featuring 150 local artists and artisans. More at BrandywineHoliday.com.
Eat, Drink & Be Merry
Blitzen Bar
Now through Dec. 24 | 220 W 9th Street, Wilmington
Wilmington’s holiday pop-up invites you to cozy up by the fireplace for a pre-dinner cocktail or stay all night for the reindeer games. Christmas attire is welcomed, but not required. More at BlitzenWilmington.com.
The Sleigh Bar at Klondike Kate’s
Now through January 12 | Main Street, Newark
Drink up, Grinches! Steer your sleigh over to Klondike Kate’s and enjoy “Who-bliations” and “Mock-Ville Tails,” along with a special menu featuring “Max & His Friends” (little smokies in puff pastry) and “Who-Hash Goo” (spinach & artichoke dip). More at KlondikeKates.com/TheSleighBar.
Santa Claws at Starboard Claw
Now through Dec. 31, 4pm-11pm (M-F), noon-11pm (weekends) | Starboard Claws, Dewey Beach
If you’re headed to the beach, stop by the Starboard Claw, which has rebranded itself for the season as “Santa Claws.” They’re serving up a holiday-inspired menu of cocktails, including Sugar Cookie Martini & Santa Clós Crush, as well as sweet and savory nibbles. More at StarboardClaw.com.
Movies on Tap: National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation and Elf
Friday, Dec. 6 and Dec. 13 | Penn Cinema, Wilmington Riverfront
It’s going to be the “hap-hap-happiest Christmas” when Movies on Tap brings back its ever-popular showing of National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (Dec. 6) with beers by Dogfish Head and benefiting Delaware Restaurant Association. As a bonus, they’ll also show the modern Christmas classic Elf a week later (Dec. 13) with beers by Tröegs and benefiting Urban Promise. Don’t be a cotton-headed ninnymuggins, get your tickets before they sell out. More at Wilmington.PennCinema.com/Movies-On-Tap.
Ugly Sweater Santa Crawl
Saturday, Dec. 14, 8pm | 10 locations throughout Wilmington
Don your tackiest apparel for Out & About’s annual bar crawl! One $5 cover gains admission gets you into all the venues and benefits the Ronald McDonald House. Toy donations are accepted at all venues. For a list of participating spots visit OutAndAboutNow.com/events.
Bellefonte Brewing’s Annual Ugly Sweater Party
Saturday, Dec. 21, 7pm | Old Capitol Trail, Wilmington
Throw on your most outrageous holiday outfit and get ready for night of craft beers and holiday cheer with live music by Zipline Lily to get you rockin’ around the Christmas tree. More at BellefonteBrewingCompany.com.
New Year’s Cheer
Confetti Countdown
Tuesday, Dec. 31, 11am, 12pm & 1pm | Delaware Children’s Museum, Wilmington Riverfront
The Museum rings in the New Year early with three separate hourly countdowns featuring a big confetti release, plus educational activities, and live performances. More at DelawareChildrensMuseum.org.
STOMPing into the New Year
Tuesday, Dec. 31, 10am | Delaware Museum of Nature & Science, Greenville
Families can also enjoy an early countdown at the Delaware Museum of Nature & Science with live bird presentations and celebratory activities including a very special science-related ball drop. Pre-registration requested. More at DelMNH.org.
Zoo Year’s Eve
Tuesday, Dec. 31, 10am & 12pm | Brandywine Zoo, Wilmington
Party with the animals at this countdown celebration. Due to popularity, there are two time slots available. Tickets required. More at BrandywineZoo.org.
New Year’s Eve Drone Light Show
Tuesday, Dec. 31, 6pm | Wilmington Riverfront
Ooh and ahh at this artistic light show that promises to be a mesmerizing and memorable experience. More at
RiverfrontWilm.com/Holiday-Magic.
Above: A Charlie Brown Christmas Live on Stage comes to The Playhouse on Dec. 22. Photo provided.