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Photo by Adobe Stock / deagreez
From seasonal shows to festive marketplaces, there are plenty of ways to get into the holiday spirit across the Brandywine Valley.
Looking for holiday fun? Whether you cross the border into Delaware for some seasonal events or head into Philadelphia for a festive performance, you’re sure to find a way to celebrate across the Brandywine Valley.
Hagley Museum & Library
Through January 1
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For the past five seasons, Hagley has featured a popular gingerbread house contest and display. It’s too late to enter this year, but the houses built around a theme of All Creatures Great and Small are on display through New Year’s Day. On December 10, Santa Claus appears at Hagley for Instagram mementos in front of the fireplace. Finally, don’t miss a rare chance to see Eleutherian Mills, the du Pont family’s first home in America, on twilight tours Tuesdays and Thursdays beginning December 13.
200 Hagley Creek Road, Wilmington, DE
A Longwood Christmas
Through January 8
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What would the holiday season be like without an early evening drive past Longwood’s entrance along Route 1 east of Kennett Square to see its perimeter forest of trees ablaze with colored lights? This year’s display takes visitors on a stroll inside through floating floral designs, festive trees dressed in gilded garlands and vibrant poinsettias. Outside, there are botanically themed light displays and enchanting tree houses.
1001 Longwood Road, Kennett Square, PA
Cut Down Your Own Christmas Tree at Linvilla Orchards
Throughout December
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Don’t mind getting your hands a little dirty? Why not cut down your own Christmas tree? This year, stop in at Linvilla Orchards’ Garden Center to make your selection; they transform their space into a Winter Wonderland complete with Santa and his elves. If chopping down a tree isn’t your speed, you can always buy pre-cut. The garden center also sells a plethora 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.
137 W Knowlton Road, Media, PA
Clear Space Theatre Company Presents Elf
Through December 18
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Clear Space Theatre Company in Rehoboth Beach presents the holiday play Elf, based on the popular film of the same name about a young orphan who gets waylaid to the North Pole in Santa’s magical bag.
20 Baltimore Ave, Rehoboth Beach, DE
Schellville
Through December
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Enjoy family fun and holiday shopping every day at Schellville at the Tanger Outlets Seaside on Route One in Rehoboth. Its annual Enchanted Winter Celebration features 18 miniature houses full of decorations, toys, activities and rides on two Schellville Express trains. Visitors can also glide along the roller rink and skate path (rental skates available), have a ball in the Snow Zone or lose themselves in the Magical Maze of Merriment.
Seaside Outlet Drive, Rehoboth Beach, DE
Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library
December 1–January 8
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Yuletide at Winterthur features festive trees inspired by Christmas displays of first ladies at the White House as well as traditional inspirations from the Henry Francis du Pont family. The traditional toy train displays take place Saturdays and Sundays during the month, as well as Wednesday evenings. Swiss violinist Noelle Gruebler and pianist Olivia Geiser perform a Candlelight Concert December 10.
5105 Kennett Pike, Winterthur, DE
Glasgow Park Holiday Celebration and Market
December 9–10
The festivities move to Glasgow Park for a holiday celebration and market with a train ride, crafts, music and more. Guests are encouraged to bring cameras for selfies with Santa and additional costumed figures.
2275 Pulaski Hwy, Newark, DE
Milton Annual Holly Festival
December 10
A tradition that features artworks, crafts, holiday treats, wreaths, fresh plants and a visit from Santa will surely get you in the spirit of the season.
210 Union St, Milton, DE
The Philadelphia Orchestra Performs The Glorious Sound of Christmas
December 21–23
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Uphold a tradition that has been standing since 1962 and listen to The Glorious Sound of Christmas, this year conducted by William Eddins, who is joined by the Mendelssohn Chorus of Philadelphia. This show takes place at 7 p.m.
1 S Broad St, Philadelphia
Related: 5 Winter Events Happening Throughout the Brandywine Valley
