Last week we spotlighted several Christmas holiday events happening at that time, primarily in Sussex County. Next week we’ll feature public celebrations of Hanukkah along with more holiday happenings around this state. Wherever you live, there’s a great chance you’ll find ways to celebrate the season close to home. Here are some top picks for this week:
Celebrate at the Milton Christmas Parade – December 7th
We love Milton, with its quaint historic downtown and nearby neighborhoods being developed with so many fresh housing choices! There’s a tremendous amount of civic pride that’s on display during the winter holidays, anchored by the annual Christmas Parade. It happens from 4 to 8 p.m. this Wednesday . The best gathering point will be the Milton Theatre right downtown, where you’ll find lots of great food, floats, beer and the cast of The Wizard of Oz, which is playing at the theatre until December 11.
Dash Through Dover – December 9th
If you live mid-state Dover’s the place to be on Friday, December 9th. The Dashing Through Dover event starts at 6:30 p.m. at Loockerman Street and features all kinds of floats, including one with Santa! This is a great way to experience the historic downtown of our state capital when it’s decorated with its festive finest!
Visit Santa in Milford – Weekends Through December 23rd
Every year Santa goes out of his way to spend several weekends in downtown Milford. This year he’ll be entertaining kids and adults at his pied-a-terre located at 1 Walnut Street. It’s a bright and welcoming addition to Milford’s festive streetscape and a fun stop on your way to local restaurants and other attractions.
Or in Smyrna – On December 11th
This dude really gets around! He’ll bring more of his indefatigable cheer to Smyrna’s Opera House, located at 7 West South Street, from 1 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, December 11.
Plan Another Visit to the Opera House the Night Before – December 10th
If you’re a person of a certain age (or maybe just hang out with someone of that age) you might be a big Frankie Valli fan. If so, visit the Smyrna Opera House for a Lights Out production of “It’s a Valli Christmas” happening on Saturday, December 10th at 7 p.m.
Experience A Longwood Christmas in Kennett Square – Until January 8th
Kennett Square is one of the most beautiful small towns in the Wilmington area – especially during the winter holidays when its historic downtown is decked out with all kinds of holiday finery. For decades one of the most treasured attractions has been Longwood Gardens, where you can experience A Longwood Christmas with trees filled with unique ornaments and dazzling light displays. While you’re there, take a ride on the Garden Railway, stroll through the Tunnel of Light, and warm your hands around one of the cozy fire pits.
Revel in Holiday Décor at The Hagley Mansion – Until January 1st
The Hagley Mansion and grounds are one of the most beloved historic sites and a fascinating venue for learning about the du Pont family and its contributions to industrial evolution. It’s located on 235 forested and pastoral acres in the Brandywine Valley. This year the décor celebrates the pets, wildlife and other animals that have inhabited the area during the last 200 years. Titled “All Creatures Great and Small,” the exhibit features home and garden tours, a Gingerbread House Competition, visits with Santa and much more.
Celebrate History and Decorative Holiday Arts at Winterthur – Through January 8th
The Winterthur estate is one of the most renowned sites for historic holiday décor, and this year features a special exhibit celebrating the collaboration of First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy and Henry Francis du Pont to restore the White House interiors. You can learn about it at the extraordinary Winterthur mansion, which will once again be decked out for the season.
Enjoy A White Christmas in Wilmington via Irving Berlin – Through December 23rd
If you love musicals and are fond of song-and-dance dudes Bob Wallace and Phil Davis, make plans to attend Irving Berlin’s White Christmas at the Candlelight Theatre in Ardentown. Get the details online and make sure you have your Covid vaccination card ready to show at the ticket booth.
And More Holiday Music With Plaid Tidings at Wilmington’s Delaware Theatre Company – Though December 18
Chase away the winter blues with Forever Plaid’s Jinx, Frankie, Smudge and Sparky who are staging a holiday extravaganza with Plaid Tidings, a beloved Off-Broadway musical featuring tunes from the 50s and 60s and lots of comedy too.
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