Historical Elegance Meets Holiday Cheer at Yuletide at Winterthur
In the picturesque Brandywine Valley of Delaware, Winterthur stands as a testament to the beauty of American decorative arts and the vision of collector and horticulturist Henry Francis du Pont. This sprawling estate, encompassing a 175-room mansion and stunning gardens, offers visitors a captivating journey through the early American lifestyle. At Christmastime, Yuletide at Winterthur transforms this already enchanting estate into a winter wonderland. Even though it's in Delaware, Winterthur is just an hour from After Eight Bed and Breakfast in Pennsylvania's Amish Country. It's definitely worth a day trip during your Lancaster County getaway.
Winterthur is an extraordinary museum, garden and library that was once home to Delaware’s industrialist du Pont family. It is known for having curated the most significant collection of American decorative arts in the world, with more than 90,000 objects ranging from the streamlined, functional furniture produced by the Shakers to opulent masterworks of 18th-century craftsmanship. The dedication to preservation that characterizes Winterthur year-round is the same careful attention to detail in the Yuletide decorations.
The heart of Yuletide at Winterthur is undoubtedly the elaborately adorned mansion. Each room comes alive with the spirit of the season, featuring breathtaking displays of holiday decorations. With twinkling lights, festive wreaths and garlands, and beautiful floral arrangements, the mansion tells the story of the duPont family's Christmas traditions. Explore the house decorated in all its finery, including the show-stopping dried-flower tree, the toy train display, a giant gingerbread house, and the artistic Christmas trees that fill each room.
One cannot overlook the outdoor splendor during Yuletide at Winterthur, when the 60-acre naturalistic gardens become a magical landscape with thousands of white lights. The Reflecting Pool is a shimmering centerpiece, reflecting the beauty of the surrounding winter flora. The fantastical Enchanted Woods, now adorned with seasonal decorations, provides a whimsical escape for young and old alike. Hanging alongside walking paths on the 1,000-acre estate, you'll find beautiful ornaments made by a local artist that you can keep as a memento of your visit.
The Yuletide tour is complemented by a series of special holiday events and programs. Wonderful Wednesdays are weekly evening events in December that feature live jazz performances, s'mores by the firepits, caroling and crafting workshops. Visitors also can enjoy a live one-man performance of A Christmas Carol by Gerald Charles Dickens, the great-great-grandson of author Charles Dickens, as well as wine and cocktail tastings, holiday music and dance performances, and Brunch with Santa. Check out Winterthur's event schedule for a complete list of holiday offerings.
As you embark on your cozy holiday retreat at our historic Lancaster County inn, we extend a warm invitation to weave the spirit of Yuletide into your stay with a visit to Winterthur. An easy drive from After Eight Bed and Breakfast, this Delaware landmark is sure to dazzle and delight as it seamlessly blends history, artistry and holiday cheer. Don't miss Yuletide at Winterthur for a captivating journey through the beauty and charm of this joyous season.
