Skip to main content

Chester County Press

Savoring the last of the Christmas decorations

12/20/2018 01:32PM ● By J. Chambless

Winterthur is decorated for a lavish holiday of the past through Jan. 6.

While the glow of Christmas is still bright, the region continues to mark the holidays with lavish light displays and activities through the first week of January. So if you haven't seen your share of Christmas lights and decorations, you still have some time to check out the following places, perhaps with the crowds at a more manageable size.

Through Jan. 6

Yuletide at Winterthur

Yuletide at Winterthur runs until Jan. 6, with a yuletide tour of the du Pont mansion decked out for the holidays. Each delightful room tells a story reflecting the ways in which Americans have celebrated the winter holiday season from the 1800s to the present. Other highlights include: a magical Christmas tree inspired by Winterthur’s Enchanted Woods children’s garden; more trees celebrating the season throughout the mansion; an 18-room dollhouse mansion filled with nearly 1,000 miniatures and fully decorated for Christmas; and a display of antique Santas and figures of the mischievous Belsnickel. Timed tickets for the tour are available at www.winterthur.org, or by calling 800-448-3883. Tickets are $22 for non-members, $20 for seniors and students, $6 for children, and free for infants.


Through Jan. 6

'A Longwood Christmas'

Longwood Gardens (Route 1, Kennett Square) hosts “A Longwood Christmas” through Jan. 6.

There will be decorated trees and greens throughout the Conservatory, and millions of lights on the trees and topiary outdoors. There will be outdoor fire pits, strolling carolers and live music all season long. Admission is by advance purchase of a timed ticket. Tickets are $23 for adults, $20 for seniors and college students with ID, $12 for ages 5 to 18, free for ages 4 and younger. Visit www.longwoodgardens.org for tickets and more information.


Through Jan. 6

'A Brandywine Christmas'

The Brandywine River Museum of Art (Route 1, Chadds Ford) holds its holiday display through Jan. 6. There will be a landscaped, operating O-gauge model train display, decorated trees and more. The museum is open from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. (closed Christmas day). Admission is $18 for adults, $15 for seniors, $6 for students with ID and ages 6 to 18, free for children under 5 and members. Visit www.brandywinemuseum.org for more information.


Through Jan. 1

Holidays at Hagley

Hagley Museum in Wilmington will celebrate the holidays with exhibitions, a gingerbread house display, and rooms throughout the residence featuring decorations reminiscent of Christmases past of the du Pont family. New this year is “The Magic of Miniatures,” with a dollhouse owned by Mrs. E. Paul du Pont, who lived next to Hagley. Visit www.hagley.org for more information.