Delaware’s grand du Pont family mansions are spectacular every month of the year, but they have an extra glimmer of cozy charm during the holidays. Lights twinkle and glow with festive cheer in the ornate rooms, and beautifully decorated Christmas trees add to a warm, family-oriented feel.
HAGLEY MUSEUM & LIBRARY : Nov. 29 – Jan. 1
This holiday season, Hagley Museum will feature home and garden tours. View the expansive du Pont family home with its many holiday decorations and traditions of multiple generations of the du Pont family. This year’s theme, “White Christmas,” reminisces upon the outdoor and indoor activities that the family relished as glittering snow fell along the Brandywine.
Hagley Museum and Library will also feature special holiday events. Mark your calendars for the following events...
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Gingerbread House Contest (All Season) : Held annually in the Hagley Barn, this event allows you to view festive entries to the 7th annual contest.
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Santa at Hagley (Various Dates during the Season) : Receive a festive holiday photo with Santa in front of beautiful decorations.
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Holiday Nights at Hagley (Select Days in December) : Experience Hagley in the night as you take in its soft illumination in the holiday lights and glow. After a tour, you can also enjoy light refreshments and discounts on holiday merchandise.
For more, visit the Holidays at Hagley event page.
NEMOURS ESTATE : Nov. 19 – Dec. 29
Celebrate Noël at Nemours Estate by touring the 77-room mansion and gardens and take in all of their beautiful and festive decorations. On select evenings, live music performances will grace the mansion. As you stroll the grounds, delight in the holiday spirit as you enjoy the decorated trees of the gardens and the warm glow of the mansion.
For more, visit the Nemours’ event page.
WINTERTHUR MUSEUM GARDEN AND LIBRARY : Nov. 23 – Jan. 5
“Yuletide charm meets contemporary creativity” at Winterthur Museum, Garden and Library. Embrace Yuletide at this historic mansion and whimsical garden. With decorated Christmas trees, a large-scale gingerbread house and a magical 18-room dollhouse, the enchanting decorations and lighting of Winterthur will fill you with holiday cheer. Be sure to check out “Wonderful Wednesdays” for evening hours.
More holiday cheer can be found at Winterthur’s additional events held throughout the season...
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Holiday Market (Nov. 23) : View the works of local artisans and vendors and get some holiday shopping done while you still can!
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Brunch with Santa (Select Days in December) : Join Winterthur for a holiday-themed brunch with the one and only Santa Claus! After brunch, enjoy activities perfect for the whole family, such as crafts, entertainment and marshmallow roasting.
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A Christmas Carol Live! (Select Days in December) : Watch a captivating rendition of the timeless holiday classic performed by Gerald Charles Dickens, the great-great-grandson of literary master Charles Dickens.
For more, visit the Yuletide at Winterthur events page.