You've found the ultimate holiday guide for Wilmington! Let us show you the best festive activities and events. For Wilmington locals and curious visitors alike, our guide illuminates the path to holiday joy.
Immerse yourself in a winter wonderland at the Longwood Gardens Christmas Lights Display, where the dazzling decorations illuminate the stunning botanical gardens. Experience classic yuletide charm, showcased in all its splendor, during the Winterthur Yuletide Tour. And don't forget, the Hagley Museum's Christmas Experience brings history to life with festive exhibits and activities. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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The Top Christmas Events in Wilmington
- Hagley Museum's Christmas Experience
- Wilmington Christmas Parade
- Nemours Estate Holiday Tours
- A Christmas Carol at Delaware Theatre Company
- The Nutcracker by First State Ballet
- Santa Claus Express Train Ride
Wilmington Holiday Shows and Entertainment
A Christmas Carol at Delaware Theatre Company
What to Expect:
Unique adaptation of Dickens' classic with local touches
Description:
Delaware Theatre Company breathes new life into Charles Dickens' timeless tale with a fresh adaptation of "A Christmas Carol." This production incorporates local historical elements and Delaware-specific references, creating a unique connection to the community. The intimate theater setting allows for immersive staging, bringing Scrooge's transformation to life before your eyes. Witness the talented cast deliver powerful performances that capture the essence of redemption and generosity. Founded in 1979, the Delaware Theatre Company has been a cornerstone of Wilmington's cultural scene, consistently delivering high-quality productions.
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A Christmas Carol at Delaware Theatre Company
The Nutcracker by First State Ballet
What to Expect:
Professional ballet company performing with local youth dancers
Description:
First State Ballet's production of "The Nutcracker" combines the talents of professional dancers with aspiring local youth performers. This collaboration creates a unique energy on stage, blending seasoned expertise with youthful enthusiasm. Watch as the dancers bring Tchaikovsky's iconic score to life through graceful movements and stunning choreography. The Grand Opera House, a historic theater dating back to 1871, provides an elegant backdrop for this beloved holiday classic. First State Ballet, Delaware's only professional ballet company, continues to nurture local talent while delivering world-class performances.
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The Nutcracker by First State Ballet
Wilmington Other Holiday Activities
Hagley Museum's Christmas Experience
What to Expect:
19th-century holiday celebrations in a historic industrial setting
Description:
Hagley Museum's Christmas Experience transports visitors to a 19th-century holiday celebration amidst the backdrop of America's early industrial revolution. The former gunpowder works, founded by E.I. du Pont in 1802, comes alive with period-accurate decorations and reenactments. Explore the Workers' Hill community, where you can craft Victorian-inspired ornaments and sample traditional holiday treats. The juxtaposition of festive cheer against the industrial landscape creates a unique atmosphere that sets this experience apart from typical holiday events.
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Hagley Museum's Christmas Experience
Wilmington Christmas Parade
What to Expect:
Showcasing local community groups and businesses in a festive procession
Description:
Wilmington's Christmas Parade brings the community together in a vibrant procession through the heart of the city. Local businesses, schools, and organizations showcase their creativity with elaborately decorated floats and spirited performances. The parade route, winding through historic downtown Wilmington, offers spectators a chance to experience the city's rich architectural heritage. Listen to the lively sounds of marching bands as they fill the air with holiday tunes. This annual tradition, dating back several decades, highlights the strong community spirit of Delaware's largest city.
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Nemours Estate Holiday Tours
What to Expect:
Opulent French-inspired mansion decorated for the holidays
Description:
Nemours Estate Holiday Tours offer a glimpse into the lavish lifestyle of the du Pont family during the festive season. The 77-room mansion, modeled after Versailles, sparkles with elegant decorations that complement its French-inspired architecture. Marvel at the grand rooms adorned with priceless artworks and antiques, now embellished with holiday finery. You can explore the formal gardens, designed in the style of Louis XIV, which provide a serene winter backdrop. Built in 1909, Nemours Estate stands as a testament to the Gilded Age's opulence, now preserved for public enjoyment.
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Santa Claus Express Train Ride
What to Expect:
Vintage train ride with Santa through scenic Wilmington landscapes
Description:
The Santa Claus Express Train Ride whisks passengers away on a journey through Wilmington's picturesque landscapes aboard vintage rail cars. This nostalgic experience harkens back to the golden age of rail travel, complete with festive decorations and onboard entertainment. Children's eyes light up as Santa makes his way through the train, greeting each passenger. The scenic route showcases Delaware's natural beauty, offering views not typically seen from the road. Wilmington's rich railroad history, dating back to the 1830s, adds an extra layer of significance to this unique holiday adventure.
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Santa Claus Express Train Ride
Nearby Events
Longwood Gardens Christmas Lights Display (Kennett Square)
What to Expect:
Half a million lights illuminating 1,000 acres of gardens
Description:
Longwood Gardens transforms into a dazzling spectacle with half a million lights adorning 1,000 acres of meticulously manicured gardens. Stroll through illuminated fountains and towering trees as the crisp winter air carries the scent of evergreens. You can warm up in the four-acre conservatory, marveling at exotic plants and festive decorations. Founded in 1906 by industrialist Pierre du Pont, Longwood Gardens continues to captivate visitors with its horticultural excellence and seasonal displays.
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Longwood Gardens Christmas Lights Display
Winterthur Yuletide Tour (Winterthur)
What to Expect:
Themed rooms showcasing holiday traditions from different eras
Description:
Step back in time at Winterthur's Yuletide Tour, where each room unveils holiday traditions from various historical periods. The former du Pont family estate boasts 175 rooms, each meticulously decorated to reflect a specific era's festive customs. Admire the intricate details of vintage ornaments and period-appropriate decorations as you traverse through centuries of holiday celebrations. Winterthur, established in 1951 as a museum, houses an unparalleled collection of American decorative arts, providing a unique backdrop for this seasonal journey.
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Christmas in Odessa House Tour (Odessa)
What to Expect:
Self-guided tour of historic homes decorated for the holidays
Description:
Christmas in Odessa House Tour invites visitors to explore privately-owned historic homes, each decked out in holiday splendor. This self-guided experience offers a rare glimpse into Odessa's well-preserved 18th and 19th-century architecture. Admire the period-appropriate decorations that complement each home's unique character and history. You can engage with knowledgeable docents who share fascinating stories about the town's rich past. Odessa, founded in the 18th century as a vital grain shipping port, now stands as a living museum of early American architecture and holiday traditions.
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Christmas in Odessa House Tour
Historic New Castle Holiday House Tour (New Castle)
What to Expect:
Colonial-era homes decorated for the holidays in America's oldest continuously occupied street
Description:
Historic New Castle's Holiday House Tour unveils the seasonal charm of colonial-era homes along The Strand, America's oldest continuously occupied street. Each participating residence, some dating back to the 17th century, opens its doors to showcase period-appropriate holiday decorations. Explore the well-preserved architecture and learn about New Castle's significant role in early American history. You can admire the intricate details of handcrafted wreaths and garlands adorning these historic facades. Founded in 1651, New Castle offers a unique glimpse into colonial holiday traditions set against the backdrop of authentic early American architecture.
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Historic New Castle Holiday House Tour