Holidays at the Amstel and Dutch Houses
Thru Dec. 30 The Amstel House in New Castle is decorated for a traditional holiday celebration in Colonial times, and the Dutch House celebrates St. Nichols’ Eve, a tribute to Saint Nicholas, Dutch patron saint. 322-2794, newcastlehistory.org
editor’s pick Historic Odessa Holiday Tours
Thru Dec. 31 The Historic Houses of Odessa feature Christmas trees decorated by local families, schools and organizations, reflecting books and works of children’s literature. historicodessa.org
Holidays at the John Dickinson Plantation
Thru Jan. 1 At the plantation near Dover, find an 18th-century holiday celebration including a decorative dessert table display. 739-3277, history.delaware.gov/museums
Christmas at Hagley Thru Jan. 1 Bask in holiday decor and take in music, family activities and special sales days at Hagley Museum in Wilmington. 658-2400, hagley.org
Yuletide at Winterthur
Thru Jan. 8 Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library dresses for the holidays, featuring the signature dried-flower tree. Special events, performances and workshops fill the
season. winterthur.org
editor’s pick Longwood Gardens Christmas
Thru Jan. 8 Gingerbread is the word at this year’s display. You’ll see it everywhere, along with the usual 500,000 outdoor lights, plus holiday trees, fountains and concerts.
Tickets must be purchased in advance this season. (610) 388-1000, longwoodgardens.org
A Brandywine Christmas
Thru Jan. 8 Holiday displays include an extensive O-gauge model railroad, antique dolls, and thousands of critter ornaments on trees at the Brandywine River Museum. (610) 388-2700, www.brandywinemuseum.org
editor’s pick Christmas Weekend in Lewes
Dec. 1-4 The weekend includes a celebration of lights; hospitality night; the Lewes
Historical Society House Tour; a parade, tree lighting and caroling; and the Children’s Beach House art show and sale. 645-8073, leweschamber.com
Milford Holiday Stroll
Dec. 2 Take a stroll along the Downtown Milford historic business district and enjoy horse-drawn wagon rides, carolers and Santa’s House. downtownmilford.org
editor’s pick Alternatives Holiday Craft Show
Dec. 2 Meet the artisans and shop for contemporary handmade craft items at the Delaware Center for the Contemporary Arts. 656-6466, thedcca.org
Winterfest
Dec. 2 Downtown Newark celebrates the season with holiday entertainment, roasted chestnuts, caroling, and a tree lighting at Academy and Main streets. 366-7060, cityofnewarkde.us
Christmas in Odessa
Dec. 3 Enjoy this self-guided tour of private homes and public buildings decorated for the holidays, along with several
special events. 378-4900, christmasinodessa.com
Bridgeville Craft Show
Dec. 3 Held at Woodbridge High School, the Bridgeville Historical Society’s 36th annual Christmas in Bridgeville Craft Show features more than 60 vendors selling a large assortment of handmade holiday gift items. 337-7784
Christ Church Green
Show Dec. 3 Find holiday arrangements, wreaths, gifts and displays at Christ Church in Greenville. 655-3379, christchurchde.org
Seaford Christmas Parade
Dec. 3 Seaford re-creates an “Olde Towne Christmas” during the largest Christmas parade on the Delmarva Peninsula. 628-2828, mychristmasparade.com
A Swedish Christmas
Dec. 3-31 Visit the Hendrickson House to enjoy traditional decorations and tours that focus on how the settlers of New Sweden would have celebrated the holidays. 652-5629, oldswedes.org
Community Unity Spaghetti Dinner
Dec. 4 Partake of a spaghetti dinner and enjoy music and a visit with Santa at the Rehoboth Beach Convention Center. 227-2772, downtownrehoboth.com
Rehoboth Christmas Parade
Dec. 5 Join in the local tradition on Monday night along Rehoboth Avenue. Prizes, refreshments and Santa complete the evening. 227-2772, downtownrehoboth.com
Seaford’s Victorian Christmas
Dec. 9-11 All kinds of holiday activities, sounds and sights enliven Ross Mansion. 628-2984, seafordhistoricalsociety.com
Spirit of Christmas in New Castle
Dec. 10 This town-wide event offers tours of decorated historic houses and churches, music, and admission to the Amstel and Dutch houses during the day. Nighttime candlelight tours include music, food and drink. 328-3279, newcastlehistory.org
Holiday House Tour
Dec. 10 Sponsored by the Delaware Art Museum Council, this tour features decorated studios and homes, along with music, shopping and holiday fare in the museum. 571-9590, delart.org
Delaware City Holiday Parade
Dec. 10 The celebration on Clinton Street starts at town hall and ends at the Delaware City Hotel. Look for a parade of lights, carolers and a festival of trees. (443) 867-6062
Figure Skating Show
Dec. 10-11 Take in a Christmas show at the State Fair Ice Rink in Harrington. 398-5900, skateatthefair.com
Elsmere Christmas Parade
Dec. 11 Elsmere rings in the holidays with a parade starting at New Road and ending at the Veterans Administration Hospital. 999-0183
Sankta Lucia Celebration
Dec. 11 Enjoy a traditional celebration of light at Old Swedes Church in Wilmington, followed by refreshments and a tour of the Hendrickson House Museum decorated for a Swedish Christmas. 652-5629, oldswedes.org
Yuletide Reunion
Dec. 12 Join the Young Friends of the Brandywine Conservancy and enjoy the sights and sounds of “A Brandywine Christmas.” Brandywine River Museum, U.S. 1, Chadds Ford, Pa., (610) 388-2700, www.brandywinemuseum.org
Alumni Art Exhibition
Thru Dec. 21 The first Cab Calloway School of the Arts Alumni Art Exhibition is a juried show featuring works by graduates of classes ranging from 2001 to 2010. 651-2700, cabcallowayschool.org
editor’s pick New Year’s Eve at Longwood
Dec. 31 Longwood Gardens offers fun for the whole family including a G-gauge Christmas train, musical performances and fireworks. (610) 388-1000, longwoodgardens.org
