Last updated: November 11, 2024
Your ultimate holiday resource for Wilmington is here! Explore our comprehensive guide for all the top festive events and activities. Whether Wilmington is your backyard or a new adventure, our guide highlights the best holiday events.
Popular events include A Longwood Christmas, where breathtaking light displays transform the gardens into a winter wonderland. Additionally, Holiday Nights at Hagley invites you to enjoy a picturesque experience of candlelit paths and seasonal cheer. And don't forget Yuletide at Devon, which showcases beautifully decorated interiors and festive activities throughout the historic estate. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Wilmington Holiday Light Displays
A Longwood Christmas
- What to Expect
- Spectacular holiday light displays and horticultural feats.
- Description
- A Longwood Christmas features hundreds of thousands of lights, stunning horticultural displays, and festive fountain shows in newly revitalized spaces, including the West Conservatory and Main Fountain Garden.
- Where
- Kennett Square | More Info : A Longwood Christmas
Carols in Color
- What to Expect
- A dazzling light show synchronized to classic holiday carols
- Description
- A vibrant illumination of the holiday season, featuring an array of light displays that dance in harmony with traditional carols. This event captivates visitors with its stunning visuals and festive atmosphere, creating a community celebration that brings people together. Attendees can stroll through the beautifully decorated areas and immerse themselves in the cheerful ambiance that fills the air.
- Where
- Wilmington | More Info : Carols in Color
Wilmington Holiday Markets and Shopping
Yuletide at Devon
- What to Expect
- High-end shopping and ice skating in an enchanted forest setting.
- Description
- Yuletide at Liberty Hill is a holiday celebration featuring over 30 high-end market shops, ice skating, free rides, and photos with Santa. The event offers a variety of food and beverage options, including themed bars and restaurants. It takes place at Union League Liberty Hill in Lafayette Hill, Pennsylvania, from November 22 to January 5.
- Where
- Devon | More Info : Yuletide at Devon
Artisan Market at Hagley
- What to Expect
- Unique shopping experience with local artisans and gourmet items.
- Description
- The Hagley Craft Fair is a premier marketplace featuring talented artisans from the Mid-Atlantic area, showcasing fine arts, crafts, and gourmet items. The event includes works in wood, leather, pottery, jewelry, fibers, metal, and other media, along with a specialty food market. Vendors are situated throughout Hagley’s beautiful upper property and inside the Soda House building. The event also includes admission to the du Pont Family home and garden, with refreshments available from local food trucks.
- Where
- Wilmington | More Info : Artisan Market at Hagley
Wilmington Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Holiday Showcase
- What to Expect
- Diverse artistic exhibitions and interactive activities.
- Description
- The Brandywine Holiday Festival of the Arts is a vibrant gathering of local and regional artists showcasing diverse masterpieces, including paintings, sculptures, and installations. The event features interactive activities, live music, and children's events, making it a weekend filled with inspiration and creativity.
- Where
- Wilmington | More Info : Holiday Showcase
Brandywine Festival of the Arts
- What to Expect
- Annual celebration of art and culture with over 200 artisans.
- Description
- The Brandywine Festival of the Arts is an annual arts festival in Wilmington, Delaware, featuring hundreds of juried artists exhibiting one-of-a-kind art. The event includes live music performances, children’s activities, and a selection of local food vendors.
- Where
- Wilmington | More Info : Brandywine Festival of the Arts
The Nutcracker
- What to Expect
- World-class ballet performance with elaborate sets and costumes.
- Description
- Delaware's professional ballet company presents a lavish production of The Nutcracker, featuring a magical journey through a swirling snow storm to the Land of Sweets.
- Where
- Wilmington | More Info : The Nutcracker
Annual Wilmington Jaycees Christmas Parade
- What to Expect
- Local celebrities and festive community participation.
- Description
- The Annual Wilmington Jaycees Christmas Parade features local celebrities, marching and string bands, community organizations, floats, and cartoon characters. Santa Claus is the star of the show, and elves will accept Christmas wish lists from children.
- Where
- Wilmington | More Info : Annual Wilmington Jaycees Christmas Parade
Wilmington Other Holiday Activities
Holiday Nights at Hagley
- What to Expect
- Holiday home tour with historical decorations and gingerbread house contest.
- Description
- Explore Eleutherian Mills, the first du Pont family home in America, decorated for the holidays with softly glowing lights and holiday decorations. Encounter the traditions of multiple generations of the du Pont family and view the wonderful entries of Hagley's Gingerbread House Contest in the Hagley Barn.
- Where
- Wilmington | More Info : Holiday Nights at Hagley
Holidays at the Hotel
- What to Expect
- Elegant holiday celebration in a historic luxury hotel setting.
- Description
- Celebrate the holiday season at the Hotel Du Pont, where rich history and elegant ambiance come together to create a memorable experience. Enjoy luxurious amenities, exquisite dining, and festive atmosphere.
- Where
- Wilmington | More Info : Holidays at the Hotel
Holidays in Odessa
- What to Expect
- Historic home and public building holiday decorations.
- Description
- A self-guided walking tour of historic homes and public buildings in Odessa, Delaware, decorated for the holidays, featuring special events and activities.
- Where
- Odessa | More Info : Holidays in Odessa
Cannon Firing at Hagley
- What to Expect
- Historical cannon demonstration in a historic setting.
- Description
- At Hagley, witness a demonstration of the signal cannon, which packs a significant punch despite its small size. The cannon firings take place next to the Millwright Shop in the historic powder yard at 1, 2, and 3 p.m. Included with admission and free for Hagley members, these events are weather-dependent.
- Where
- Wilmington | More Info : Cannon Firing at Hagley
Optical Illusions at Hagley
- What to Expect
- Interactive optical illusions challenge perception.
- Description
- Explore optical illusions and mind tricks at Hagley, where you can test your perception and create a spinning disc picture.
- Where
- Wilmington | More Info : Optical Illusions at Hagley