Embrace the Warmth and Wonder of the Season
Friday, November 28, 2025–Saturday, January 3, 2026
Yuletide charm meets contemporary creativity in the historic mansion, and woodland whimsy awaits outdoors. There is so much to see and do throughout the season—delight in beautifully decorated trees and marvel at a large-scale gingerbread “house” and a magical 18-room dollhouse. Enjoy enchanting decorations and outdoor lighting inspired by the woodlands of Winterthur.
Included with admission. Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Early closure on Christmas Eve. Open New Year’s Day. See hours.
Purchase tickets online or call 800.448.3883. Advance reservations strongly recommended.
Special Programs and Events
Special programs throughout the season include evening events that feature live jazz performances, caroling, and workshops. Visitors can also enjoy a live one-man performance of A Christmas Carol by Gerald Charles Dickens, a great-great-grandson of Charles Dickens, wine and cocktail tastings, and Brunch with Santa.
Make Your Visit Merrier
Winterthur sparkles with holiday cheer! Marvel at the dazzling outdoor lights and festive displays throughout the estate. Delight in a giant gingerbread display, and a charming three-story dollhouse filled with thousands of miniatures. Enjoy a toy train display, “The Twelve Days of Christmas,” featuring Lionel Standard Gauge trains. Make your visit a magical experience your family will remember for years to come. All activities included with admission unless otherwise noted.
Yuletide Tour
Tuesday–Sunday
Curl up with the classics at Winterthur this Yuletide season as timeless tales come to life throughout the historic home. Artful displays celebrate beloved works, including A Christmas Carol, Alice in Wonderland, Moby Dick, and A Visit from St. Nicholas. Each installation uniquely connects these stories to Winterthur through displays of rarely seen collection objects and tributes to the estate’s rich history. Celebrate the season in this storybook setting where literature, history, and holiday magic meet.
Extended Evening Hours
Fridays & Saturdays, until 8:00 pm
Soak in the evening glow of the house decked in its holiday glory or toast marshmallows by the outdoor fire pits. Tap your toes to the sounds of Wilmington’s best jazz, savor a seasonal cocktail, and see our magical gingerbread and doll houses. Excludes December 26.
Gingerbread Display
Tuesday-Sunday, 10:00 am–5:00 pm | Fridays & Saturdays, until 8:00 pm
This year’s magical gingerbread creation will feature Winterthur’s Dairy Barn and a few of its once-famous cows. See it in the Galleries.
Dollhouse
Tuesday-Sunday, 10:00 am–5:00 pm | Fridays & Saturdays, until 8:00 pm
This miniature masterpiece features 18 rooms decorated for the season. See it in the Galleries.
Toy Train Display
The du Pont children loved Christmas and the toys they received each year. A popular toy of their era was the Lionel Standard Gauge toy train. Join us to enjoy the “Twelve Days of Christmas,” a festive toy train display, on view in the Brown Horticulture Learning Center.
Holiday Shopping
Tuesday-Sunday, 10:00 am–5:00 pm | Fridays & Saturdays, until 8:00 pm
From seasonal décor to unique gifts and more, Yuletide splendor awaits at the Winterthur Museum Store.
Holiday Card Making
Tuesday-Sunday, 10:00 am–5:00 pm | Fridays & Saturdays, until 8:00 pm
Since 1900, Winterthur has had its own post office! Today, the office is located behind the Museum Store and can be used by anyone.
Make a card and leave it in the mail bin for Winterthur’s Post Mistress to send it!
Activity located in the Galleries.
More Magic Awaits
From a carefully curated playlist full of Yuletide cheer to a behind-the-scenes look at the creation of our signature Dried-Flower Tree, there’s even more to explore this season at Winterthur.
More magic awaits @WinterthurMuse! Follow along on Facebook and Instagram.
