17 events for a Merry Delaware holiday season, Santa and all

‘Tis the season to start thinking about all the fun holiday events you can check out in Delaware this season.

From the rich tradition of “The Nutcracker” to a holiday Cirque, there is something for nearly everyone.

So, before slipping into a turkey coma, check out the options with our guide to a very merry holiday season in Small Wonder. Here’s a roundup of events from all over the state that you can hit up:

Winter Wonderfest in Milton

A tour of shimmering lights are on view for you and your family to slowly drive past. Or you can get an enhanced experience of sights and sounds, paired with hot cocoa and cookies, while riding in an open-air wagon.

Vehicle pricing is $20 to $60, Monday through Friday (before Christmas Day); and $25 to $65, Thursday through Sunday. Winter Wonderfest (29763 Eagle Crest Road, Milton) is currently on view from 5 to 10 p.m. until Saturday, Dec. 31. For more info, visit wonderfestde.org.

Odessa Christmas

Historic Odessa Foundation has a Christmas tradition of turning a historic home into an exhibit inspired by classic children’s literature.

House tours are currently available Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Candlelight walking tours are offered through December at 6 p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday, by reservation.

Tours start at the Visitor’s Center (201 Main St., Odessa); Candlelight tours begin at the firepit in front of the Stone barn, behind the Wilson-Warner House (202 Main St., Odessa).

House Tours start at $8 and are free for children under age 6. Candlelight tours are $15 per person. For more info, visit historicodessa.org or (302) 378-4119.

Yuletide at Winterthur

There’s a large gingerbread replica of the Winterthur mansion on display, made by Bredenbeck’s Bakery of Chestnut Hill, Pennsylvania. 

That’s not the only thing sweet about the Yuletide tour at Winterthur. There are many Christmas trees inspired by trees seen at the White House in this exhibit, according to press materials.

New this year is a toy train display, presented by Standard Gauge Module Association. In December the display is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays, and from 5 to 8 p.m. on Wednesdays.

Winterthur (5105 Kennett Pike, Winterthur) will host Yuletide from Sunday Nov. 19 to Sunday, Jan. 8. Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. During Yuletide, Winterthur’s hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Sunday. Tickets are up to $17. Free for children under age 2. For more info, visit winterthur.org or (302) 888-4600.

‘Forever Plaid’

The Off-Broadway darling “Forever Plaid” will dish popular tunes from the 1950s and 1960s in this holiday spectacular that includes traditional jams from this season.  

Delaware Theatre Company (200 Water St., Wilmington). Show opens at 7 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 30 with performances until Sunday, Dec. 18. Tickets start at $29. For more info, visit delawaretheatre.org or (302) 594-1100.

Rehoboth Beach tree lighting

The community Christmas tree will make its premiere this season, complemented by nostalgic holiday sing-alongs.

Rehoboth Beach Bandstand (Rehoboth Avenue, Rehoboth Beach) from 6:30 to 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 25. For more info, visit rehobothbandstand.com or (302) 644-2288 .

Wilmington Jaycees Christmas Parade

The jolly red man and his green minions from the North Pole will hang out in downtown Wilmington this season.

They’ll be joined by local celebrities, marching and string bands, dignitaries and more. According to organizers, elves will accept Christmas wish lists from children for Santa. Children who provide their name and address will receive a response from Santa in December, they say.