Carlos Alejandro’s photo
There are plenty of holiday events to enjoy around Delaware this year, including light displays, theater performances and more.
Here’s what’s happening in December as reported by the listed organizations. For schedules and other information, please check the venue’s website.
Hagley Museum and Library
Through Jan. 1, Wilmington, Del.
For the past five seasons, Hagley has hosted a popular gingerbread house competition and exhibition. It’s late to enter this year, but houses built around a theme All Creatures Great and Small They are on display until New Year’s Day. December 3 and 10, white beard Hagley is featured on Instagram in front of the fireplace for souvenirs. Finally, don’t miss a rare viewing opportunity Eleutherian Millsdu Pont family’s first home in America, on Tuesday and Thursday evening tours starting December 13th. Visit hagley.org.
Entries from Hagley Museum and Library’s popular gingerbread competition will be on display on New Year’s Day. Photo by Hagley Museum and Library.
Longwood Christmas
Through Jan. 8, Kennett Square, Pa.
What would a holiday look like without passing through Longwood’s entrance at dusk along Route 1 east of Kennett Square to see its grove of perimeter trees ablaze with colored lights? This year Longwood Christmas walks visitors inside amid floating floral designs, gold-garlanded festive trees and vibrant poinsettias. Outside, there are botanically themed light displays and enchanting treehouses. Visit longwoodgardens.org.
Trim your Christmas tree at Linvilla Gardens
During December, Media, Pa.
Don’t mind getting your hands a little dirty? Why not trim your Christmas tree? This year, stop by Linvilla Orchards’ Garden Center to make your selection; they transform their space into a Winter Wonderland Santa and his goblins. If cutting down a tree isn’t your speed, you can always buy it pre-cut. The garden center sells a variety of seasonal decorations, such as handmade wreaths and ornaments, children’s toys and collectibles. Don’t forget to check out the poinsettia garden while you’re there. Visit linvilla.com.
Presentations by Clear Space Theater Company goblin
Through Dec. 18, Rehoboth Beach, Del.
Clear Space Theater Company of Rehoboth Beach presents a holiday play goblinBased on the popular film of the same name about a young orphan who is taken to the North Pole with Santa’s magic bag. Visit clearspacetheatre.org.
Schellville
Through December, Rehoboth Beach, Del.
Enjoy family fun and holiday shopping every day in Schellville on Route One in Rehoboth at Tanger Outlets Seaside. It is annual Enchanted Winter Celebration It features 18 miniature houses filled with decorations, toys, activities and rides on two Schellville Express trains. Visitors can also slide on the roller rink and the skate path (skates can be rented), have a ball in the Snow Zone or get lost in the Magical Labyrinth of Joy. Visit schellbrothers.com.
Winterthur Museum, Garden and Library
December 1–January 8, Winterthur, Del.
Christmas in Winterthur It features holiday trees inspired by the Christmas displays of the first ladies of the White House, as well as traditional inspiration from the Henry Francis du Pont family. Traditional toy train shows are held on Saturdays and Sundays throughout the month, as well as Wednesday evenings. don’t lose A Christmas Carol live performances on December 7th and 8th, a one-man show by the author’s great-grandson Gerald Charles Dickens, using only a table, a chair and a hat stand. Swiss violinist Noelle Gruebler and pianist Olivia Geiser perform a Candlelight Concert December 10 Visit winterthur.org.
Milton’s Annual Christmas Parade
December 7, Milton, Del.
Experience floats, music, food and more at Milton’s annual holiday event Christmas parade Visit milton.delaware.gov.
Victorian Christmas Traditions
December 7, Dover, Del.
Exhibition of period costumes Victorian Christmas Traditions Young Victoria and her German cousin Albert are celebrated at the Kent County Library. Visit co.kent.de.us.
Glasgow Park Holiday Celebration and Market
December 9-10, Newark, Del.
The festivities move to Glasgow Park for a holiday celebration and market with trains, crafts, music and more. Guests are encouraged to bring cameras and additional costumed figures for selfies with Santa. visit newcastlede.gov
Milton Annual Holly Festival
December 10, Milton, Del.
A holiday event featuring arts, crafts, holiday treats, wreaths, fresh plants and a visit from Santa. visit historicmilton.com
Hayrides
December 11, Greenville, Del.
The Delaware Nature Society offers tours for adults through its Coverdale Farm Preserve. Visit delnature.org
The Philadelphia Orchestra plays Glorious Christmas Sound
December 21 to 23, Philadelphia
Follow and listen to a tradition that has been standing since 1962 Glorious Christmas Sound conducted this year by William Eddins, with the Mendelssohn Chorus of Philadelphia. This show is at 19:00 Visit philorch.org
The night before Christmas celebration
December 22, Dover, Del.
Kent County Libraries Mrs. Claus keeps company with a morning The night before Christmas holiday event with a party singing a reading of the classic and an expected “attitude” guest. Visit co.kent.de.us.
Visitors can marvel at the Brandywine Railroad miniatures at the Brandywine River Museum of Art. Carlos Alejandro’s photo.
Brandywine River Art Museum
Through Jan 8, Chadds Ford, PA
The Brandywine Railroad has been a longstanding tradition at the museum since 1972. Comprised of over 1,000 pieces and spanning 2,000 feet, this is an incredible display of toy and model trains. The train makes its way through various landscapes, including a town, a farm, a carnival and a drive-in theater. Visit brandywine.org.
Related: Visit These Delaware Eateries for Festive Holiday Food and Drink