Over 20 Festive Holiday Events Happening Around Delaware This Season
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Seasonal events might look a little different this year, but these traditions carry on—with a few adjustments.
*Check the events’ websites to stay up to date on cancellations, reschedules and COVID-19-related guidelines.
QVC West Chester Christmas Parade
In its 41st year, this parade brings enough Christmas cheer to last the entirety of the holiday season and then some with marching bands, floats and antique vehicles.
12/4 • Downtown West Chester, Pennsylvania; greaterwestchester.com
An Inside Out Christmas in Odessa
You might not be able to go inside the homes this year, but you can still stroll through the town of Odessa on a self-guided tour and enjoy the decked-out doors of 18th- and 19th-century houses.
12/5 • Odessa, Delaware; eventbrite.com/e/an-inside-out-christmas-in-odessa-2020-tickets-116459297895
Lewes Christmas Parade
The 89th annual parade begins at 5 p.m., followed by a tree-lighting and caroling in Zwaanendael Park.
12/5 • Downtown Lewes, Delaware; leweschamber.com
Christmas Tour of Lewes
Get into the holiday spirit in the first town in the first state with this holiday tour. Homeowners open their doors to the community virtually and Historical Society properties are open and decorated for the season. Pop into the Holiday Village for a greens sale, located at the Historical Society’s main campus on Shipcarpenter Street.
12/5 • Lewes, Delaware; historiclewes.org
Kennett Square Holiday Village Market
Shop for handcrafted gifts at this open-air market taking place throughout two weekends at The Creamery.
12/5–6, 12/13–14 • Kennett Square, Pennsylvania; kennettholidayvillage.com
Winter Festival
The Delaware Arts Museum festival takes place outdoors and promises to enliven your holiday senses with carolers and artisan Christmas decorations.
12/12 • Wilmington, Delaware; delart.org
Santa Cause 5K
Throw on your best ugly sweater and run for a good cause at this 5K. All proceeds go toward the Friends of Fusion Foundation, providing assistance and support for children and first responders throughout the state. The race is also offered virtually, where participants can run or walk the 5K at any time and place. Each runner receives an ornament and a pint glass.
12/12 • Newark, Delaware
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Philadelphia Orchestra’s Favorites from The Nutcracker
Presented on The Philadelphia Orchestra’s digital stage, this performance provides selections from Tchaikovsky’s timeless ballet, led by the orchestra’s assistant conductor, Erina Yashima.
12/17 • Virtual; philorch.org
Delaware Theatre Company Presents Merry & Bright
Can you hear those sleigh bells jingling? Delaware Theatre Company presents fun, festive, free evening outdoors complete with a live band, holiday light show, visits from Santa and more. Each night has three performances, be sure to reserve your spot before they fill up.
12/17-20 • Wilmington; delawaretheatre.org
Holly-day Hike at Cape Henlopen State Park
Start your morning early and look for holly, mistletoe and pines across this state park. Discover what the local wildlife is up to this time of year. Pre-registration is required for this family-friendly event by calling 645-6852. $2 per person with a limit of 10 per group.
12/19 • Lewes, Delaware; destateparks.com
Santa’s Mailbox at The Courtyard by Marriott Newark – University of Delaware
Got a request for Santa? Letters to the North Pole will be collected in a special mailbox at the Courtyard by Marriott Newark – University of Delaware, and local children and hotel guests are encouraged to participate in this annual tradition. With the help of hotel employees, Santa will be writing personal notes back to everyone that drops off a letter before Dec. 19.
Through 12/19 • Newark; marriott.com/ilgud
Cut Your Own Christmas Tree at Linvilla Orchards
Bring the whole family to the farm and celebrate the holiday season with Cut Your Own Christmas Tree. On Saturdays and Sundays, you can also get a chance to secure a spot on the nice list during a visit with Santa. The Philly Waffle Cabin food truck is on hand to serve warm, delicious Belgian sugar waffles.
Through 12/23 • Media, Pennsylvania; linvilla.com
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Hedgerow Theatre’s A Christmas Carol
This Rose Valley, Pennsylvania, theater performs their rendition of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol annually. This year, the show must go on—virtually.
Through December • Virtual; hedgerowtheatre.org
Philadelphia’s German Christmas Village
The Christmas Village once again brings the charm of an authentic German Christmas market to the City of Brotherly Love with 110 vendors selling authentic European food, ornaments, and arts and crafts from all over the world. Held at Philadelphia City Hall.
Through 12/24 • Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; philachristmas.com
Christmas at Colonial
On select weekends throughout December, take a walk through Phoenixville’s Colonial Gardens and experience holiday nostalgia at Christmas at Colonial. There’s even a light show synchronized to classic holiday songs.
Through 12/27 • Phoenixville, Pennsylvania; colonialgardenspa.com
Wilmington & Western Railroad’s Holiday Lights Express
Improved for 2020 with more seating and more lights, the Holiday Lights Express takes you on a 45-minute ride inside of heated vintage coaches. En route, you’ll see homes that have gotten into the Christmas spirit.
Through 12/30 • Wilmington, Delaware; wwrr.com
Winter WonderFEST
As the region’s leading philanthropic cultural celebration, this event brings several holiday attractions to the area that helps raise money for various charity organizations. The VisitDelaware.com Ice Rink, Christmas Village and Light Spectacular are just some of the highlights of its family-friendly programming.
Through 12/31 • Milton, Delaware; wonderfestde.org
Winter in Wilmington Drive-Thru Holiday Light Show
Celebrate the holidays with this socially distanced event presented by The Grand. Drive your car through the Wilmington Riverfront and view thousands of lights taking the shape of holiday memories like Santa and his reindeer. The show includes animated installations, interactive music, and of course, holiday cheer. Running Thursdays through Sundays. Through 1/3 • Wilmington, Delaware; TheGrandWilmington.org
Holidays at Hagley, running through Jan. 3, includes a gingerbread house contest and more./Courtesy of Greater Wilmington Convention & Visitors Bureau
Holidays at Hagley
The Hagley Museum and Library gets decked out in holiday cheer for Holidays at Hagley—a monthlong celebration featuring a gingerbread house contest, a socially distanced visit with Mr. and Mrs. Claus, and a selfie station at Santa’s workshop.
Through 1/3 • Wilmington, Delaware; hagley.org
Brandywine Christmas
The Brandywine River Museum of Art’s annual Christmas celebration includes a gallery filled with an expansive model train display, trees decorated with eccentric ornaments, and a wide selection of holiday events and programs for the whole family.
Through 1/3 • Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania; brandywine.org
Rose Tree Park’s Festival of Lights
Following a tradition that dates back more than 30 years, Media’s Rose Tree Park transforms into a twinkly Christmas dream each night from 5:30 to 10 p.m.
Through 1/3 • Media, Pennsylvania; delcopa.gov
Watch Winterthur transform with its Yuletide programming running through Jan. 3./Courtesy of Greater Wilmington Convention & Visitors Bureau
Yuletide at Winterthur
One of the Brandywine Valley’s most spectacular holiday showcases is providing a variety of jolly programs this season. Different events take place throughout the Winterthur grounds and indoors, including brunch with Santa, holiday craft workshops and a 3D lightshow displayed on the outside of the historic Du Pont mansion.
Through 1/3 • Winterthur, Delaware; winterthur.org
A Longwood Christmas
Revel in tall trees laden with one-of-a-kind ornaments and bask in the horticultural artistry at A Longwood Christmas. The Iconic holiday attraction transforms the 1,000-plus-acre garden and conservatory into a sparkling winter wonderland complete with an outdoor model train display.
Through 1/10 • Kennett Square, Pennsylvania; longwoodgardens.org