Winterthur Brings Storybook Magic to Life Through January 4th
Delaware's Winterthur estate is aglow with holiday magic as its Yuletide celebration continues through January 4. The event brings beloved storybook characters and classic tales to life, transforming into vibrant scenes that transport visitors to enchanting worlds.
Upon entering the historic mansion, guests are greeted by intricately decorated rooms showcasing an array of literary treasures. The festive displays feature iconic works such as "Alice in Wonderland," "A Visit from Saint Nicholas," and "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe." Each room is carefully crafted with a mix of theatrical props, vintage objects, and historic toys to create immersive experiences that invite visitors to step into the world of these timeless stories.
One of the main attractions at Winterthur's Yuletide is the Conservatory, where a long-standing tradition takes center stage. The Dried-Flower Tree has been an annual highlight since 1985, showcasing over 60 varieties of dried flowers collected from the estate throughout the year. Visitors can also marvel at a life-sized gingerbread replica of Winterthur's 1890 train station, lovingly crafted by Bredenbeck's Bakery in Philadelphia.
Beyond the mansion, the picturesque grounds are transformed into winter wonderlands with festive lights, antique sleighs, and trees suspended above the Reflecting Pool and front pond. Outdoor scenes inspired by "The Secret Garden" add to the enchantment of the estate, inviting visitors to explore its tranquil beauty during the holiday season.
Winterthur's programming is a veritable feast for all ages, featuring an array of concerts, performances, workshops, and family activities that celebrate the magic of the Yuletide. Highlights include special guest appearances by renowned performers like Gerald Charles Dickens, OperaDelaware, and local artisans. Visitors can also participate in hands-on activities such as crepe paper orchids-making, brunch with Santa, and toy train displays.
Throughout its hours of operation (Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with select evenings open until 8 p.m.), the estate invites visitors to immerse themselves in the whimsical world of Yuletide at Winterthur. To plan your visit, head to winterthur.org for full schedule details and more information.
Admission prices range from $9 for children aged 3-12 to $30 for adults, with special discounts available for seniors, students, and teens.
Delaware's Winterthur estate is aglow with holiday magic as its Yuletide celebration continues through January 4. The event brings beloved storybook characters and classic tales to life, transforming into vibrant scenes that transport visitors to enchanting worlds.
Upon entering the historic mansion, guests are greeted by intricately decorated rooms showcasing an array of literary treasures. The festive displays feature iconic works such as "Alice in Wonderland," "A Visit from Saint Nicholas," and "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe." Each room is carefully crafted with a mix of theatrical props, vintage objects, and historic toys to create immersive experiences that invite visitors to step into the world of these timeless stories.
One of the main attractions at Winterthur's Yuletide is the Conservatory, where a long-standing tradition takes center stage. The Dried-Flower Tree has been an annual highlight since 1985, showcasing over 60 varieties of dried flowers collected from the estate throughout the year. Visitors can also marvel at a life-sized gingerbread replica of Winterthur's 1890 train station, lovingly crafted by Bredenbeck's Bakery in Philadelphia.
Beyond the mansion, the picturesque grounds are transformed into winter wonderlands with festive lights, antique sleighs, and trees suspended above the Reflecting Pool and front pond. Outdoor scenes inspired by "The Secret Garden" add to the enchantment of the estate, inviting visitors to explore its tranquil beauty during the holiday season.
Winterthur's programming is a veritable feast for all ages, featuring an array of concerts, performances, workshops, and family activities that celebrate the magic of the Yuletide. Highlights include special guest appearances by renowned performers like Gerald Charles Dickens, OperaDelaware, and local artisans. Visitors can also participate in hands-on activities such as crepe paper orchids-making, brunch with Santa, and toy train displays.
Throughout its hours of operation (Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with select evenings open until 8 p.m.), the estate invites visitors to immerse themselves in the whimsical world of Yuletide at Winterthur. To plan your visit, head to winterthur.org for full schedule details and more information.
Admission prices range from $9 for children aged 3-12 to $30 for adults, with special discounts available for seniors, students, and teens.
!! the way they transform the historic mansion into a storybook wonderland is absolute perfection 
every year i make it a point to visit during the holidays and it never fails to put me in a festive mood 
️ the dried-flower tree in the conservatory is literally my favorite part 
and can we talk about the gingerbread train station replica 
? i mean, who needs regular ol' christmas cookies when you have life-sized gingerbread landmarks?! 
also, i love how they incorporate outdoor scenes inspired by classic tales like "the secret garden" 
& the dried flower tree is insane! been waiting to see it since 1985 lol. plus its not just for kids there are so many concerts & workshops u can do with ur fam. gotta try that crepe paper orchid thingy 
& brunch w santa sounds like a total mood 
who else is gonna be there? 
. Don't get me wrong, it sounds like a really fun event, especially for kids 
, but $30 is kinda steep for most people's budgets 
. And have you seen the prices of those crepe paper orchids? Whoa! 
Plus, I think some of those activities might be kinda commercialized 
. I mean, what about free or low-cost options? Maybe they could include more community events or fundraisers for local charities 
.
they got this entire mansion decorated like a storybook come true! alice in wonderland, the lion the witch & the wardrobe... it's like stepping into a fairytale! 
and the conservatory is insane - dried flower tree since 1985? that's some dedication to holiday magic 
plus they got all these other cool exhibits like the life-sized gingerbread train station