12 Must Do Holiday Events Near Wilmington

It’s that time of year again, where we are all looking for fun holiday things to do, to get out and spend time with family and friends.  There’s nothing quite like the holiday season here in Delaware.  Sure, summer is fun and we look forward to the beautiful weather at our beaches, but there’s just something about the Christmas music, lights and decorations that warm the heart.

And we can’t forget how much excitement the Philadelphia Eagles bring to the season.  Especially this year!  Go Birds!

So, we decided to put together a list 12 Must Do Holiday Events Near Wilmington, so you can put them on your list.  These are some wonderful activities you might want to visit throughout the season.  We’re sure there are many more exciting events around our great state, this is just a sampling of some of the events that are closest to us right here in Wilmington. We’re are very fortunate to have places like Longwood Gardens and Wintherthur so close to home.

We certainly couldn’t call ourselves Delaware’s Christmas Station without providing you with all things Christmas.

We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

• 1. Longwood Gardens Christmas

  November 18, 2022 – January 8, 2023

  This holiday season, wrap yourself up in the warmth—and the chill—of A Longwood Christmas as we showcase the dramatically beautiful contrast of fire and ice.

  More Info

   

• 2. Holiday Lights Express at Wilmington & Western Railroad

  Select nights December 9, 2022 – December 30, 2022

  Enjoy a peaceful interlude at the end of the year with a 1-hour evening ride aboard our vintage train, which is covered in thousands of holiday lights.  Reservations suggested.  This excursion does not feature Santa Claus.

  More Info

• 3. Santa Claus Express at Wilmington & Western Railroad

  Select dates November 25, 2022 – December 23, 2022

  Why stand in line at the mall and wait to see Santa, when you can ride our train and have Santa come to you? The Jolly Old Elf rides the train and greets everyone on board, and gives all children a chocolate treat. Be sure to bring your camera and have Santa pose for pictures with your child during this 1½-hour round-trip to Ashland.  Reservations suggested.

  More Info

• 4. Christmas in Odessa

  December 3, 2022 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

  Christmas in Odessa is a self-guided walking tour of private homes and public buildings, many dating from the 18th and 19th centuries, decorated for the holidays.

  Learn More

• 5. Holiday Season at Nemours Estate

  Ever since 1910, when Mr. and Mrs. duPont began living in their newly built mansion, the holiday season has been a festive time at Nemours. The Christmas decorations at the Nemours Mansion are often inspired by the architecture of the home, the customs of the duPonts or the French influence.

  Learn More

• 6. Holidays at Hagley

  November 25, 2022 – January 1, 2023

  This year, “home” may have taken on a different, more poignant, meaning, especially around the holidays, when family gathers. It is in this spirit that Hagley celebrates the holiday season with the theme, “Home for the Holidays: A Celebration of Family.”

  Learn More

• 7. Wilmington Christmas Parade

  Saturday, November 26, 2022

  This year’s Parade will again feature:

  • Local celebrities and dignitaries
  • Marching and String Bands
  • Community organizations
  • Floats and attractions
  • Your Favorite Cartoon Characters
  • Santa Clause
  • Letters to Santa – Elves will be accepting Christmas wish lists from children for Santa. Children who provide their name and address will receive a response from Santa in December.

  Learn More

• 8. Yuletide House Tours at Winterthur

  November 19, 2022 – January 8, 2023

  Featuring two distinctly designed and equally breathtaking trees showcasing exquisitely dried flowers, this year’s Yuletide Tour explores the traditions and festivities of the season enjoyed by the family during Henry Francis du Pont’s lifetime. See decorations that emphasize his lifelong love of nature and the Winterthur Garden and an homage to the upcoming exhibition Jacqueline Kennedy and Henry Francis du Pont: From Winterthur to the White House.

  Learn More

   

• 9. The First State Ballet Presents The Nutcracker at Copeland Hall at The Grand

  December 16, 2022 at 7pm

  Join Delaware’s only professional ballet company for Wilmington’s favorite holiday tradition! Experience the magical journey through the land of sweets in FSBT’s lavish production of The Nutcracker on the main stage at The Grand Opera House.

  Learn More

• 10. Santa at The Brandywine Zoo

  Saturday, December 3, 2022 & Sunday, December 4, 2022 10am – 12:30pm

  Get your photos with Santa at this Winter Wonderland event! Enjoy a holiday treat, free hot chocolate and fun holiday activities!.

  Learn More

• 11. New Castle County Festival of Trees

  Friday, November 18, 2021- Sunday, November 20, 2022

  In its 35th year, Festival of Trees features a beautiful display of decorated trees and wreaths – all are sponsored and decorated by local businesses and individuals. This year’s event will include a Marketplace, Bake Shop, Musical entertainment and specialty trees such as the Remembrance Tree, Memorial Tree and New Hope Tree. You don’t want to miss out!

  Learn More

   

• 12. Luminature at The Philadelphia Zoo

  November 17, 2022 – January 7, 2023

  LumiNature returns to Philadelphia Zoo this November! The biggest and brightest holiday light show yet, LumiNature features more than a million twinkling lights across 14 illuminated zones. Tickets are now on sale—reserve yours today!

  More Info

Sign me up for the WJBR email newsletter!

You love WJBR, so join the Insiders Club! Be the first to know about local events, concerts and contests, and get the latest updates with your favorite artists, and more delivered right to your inbox.

First Name *

Last Name

Email *

Subscribe

By clicking "Subscribe" I agree to the website's terms of Service and Privacy Policy. I understand I can unsubscribe at any time.