A Weekend Getaway to the Brandywine Valley

Located just a couple hours north of the Washington metropolitan area, the Brandywine Valley is the perfect destination for a festive December getaway. The natural beauty of the area was captured by renowned artist Andrew Wyeth, who highlighted its distinctive color palette. With attractions in and around Wilmington, Delaware and Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania, the area is well known for the historic houses and gardens of the du Pont family, which are beautifully decorated for the holiday season. Weekends do get busy, so we suggest buying tickets ahead of your visit. Or, maybe plan a mid-week trip to ignite your holiday spirit.

du Pont Family Historic Homes & Gardens

Photo courtesy of Hagley Museum

Hagley Museum and Library

Through January 1, 2023

This holiday season, Eleutherian Mills, the 1803 du Pont ancestral home built by E. I. du Pont, will feature “Holidays at Hagley: All Creatures Great and Small” celebrating stories of pets and wildlife who settled at Hagley over the last 200 years. Vote for the best gingerbread house, visit with Santa, or take a Twilight Tour of the home.

Photo courtesy of Winterthur

Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library

Through January 8, 2023

Annually, Yuletide at Winterthur showcases the holiday traditions and festivities of Henry Francis du Pont’s family in seasonal splendor both indoors and out. This year’s tour includes trees inspired by those seen at the White House in conjunction with the exhibition – Jacqueline Kennedy and H.F. du Pont: From Winterthur to the White House.

Photo courtesy of Nemours Estate

Nemours Estate

Through December 30, 2022

Experience the grandeur of Alfred I. du Pont’s Nemours estate dressed in its holiday splendor. The decorations are inspired by the mansion’s grand architecture, and the European influences are reflected throughout, including a German creche which dates from the late 19th century.

Photo courtesy of Longwood Gardens

Longwood Gardens

Through January 8, 2023

Longwood Gardens is the legacy of Pierre S. du Pont. Beautiful in any season, the Conservatory and gardens are truly splendid during the holiday season. Inside the Conservatory, tour a wonderland of festive trees, floating floral creations, and an extravagant floral shop display. Outdoors, stroll among illuminated trees, cozy fire pits, and an amazing tunnel of light. Additional events include musical performances. If you plan to stay into the evening, book a reservation at 1906 or dine à la carte at The Café.

Art Museums

Photo courtesy of Brandywine River Museum of Art

Brandywine River Museum of Art

Renowned for its holdings of the Wyeth family of artists, the Brandywine River Museum of Art features galleries dedicated to the work of N. C. Wyeth, Andrew Wyeth, and Jamie Wyeth. The Museum’s outstanding Heritage Collection is a cross section of American art, with a special focus on artistic practice in the Brandywine valley.

Special Holiday Events include:

Holiday Critter Sale – December 1-4 at the Chadds Ford Historical Society, 1736 Creek Rd, Chadds Ford, PA. These delightful, distinctive ornaments are handmade of natural materials such as pine cones, acorns, seed pods, and the like. Critters come in all kinds of forms from dogs, bears, and reindeer to angels and stars.
Brandywine Railroad – Through January 8, 2023. A holiday favorite since 1972, the Brandywine Railroad features trains running on 2,000 feet of track and contains more than 1,000 pieces, including locomotives, passenger and freight trains, and trolleys that pass through a small village, a farm, factories, a drive-in movie theater, and even a carnival.

Delaware Art Museum

The Delaware Art Museum is best known for its large collection of British Pre-Raphaelite art, illustrations by Wilmington native Howard Pyle, urban landscapes by John Sloan, and a locally significant collection of American art spanning the 18th to 21st centuries. Current exhibitions include: Forgotten Pre-Raphaelites and A Marriage of Arts & Crafts: Evelyn & William De Morgan.

Shopping & Dining

Photo Shutterstock

What weekend getaway would be complete without a bit of shopping and dining? The towns of the Brandywine Valley deliver on charm and sophistication. You can shop and eat local all weekend!

Kennett Square, PA

Known as the Mushroom Capital of the World, Kennett Square, Pennsylvania is a charming borough close to Longwood Gardens. The downtown is part of the National Register of Historic Places with 507 protected buildings built between 1875 and 1924 and in a variety of popular architectural styles including Colonial Revival, Victorian, and Federal. As you stroll the shops of the main street, stop in at Talula’s Table gourmet market for a tasty lunch.

During the first two weekends of December, the Kennett Collaborative presents the Kennett Square Holiday Village Market at The Creamery of Kennett Square (December 3, 4, 10 & 11, 11AM-5PM). Reminiscent of a German Christkindlmarkt, the holiday village features dozens of artisan and vintage vendors, live music, ice sculpture demonstrations, fire pits, s’mores, Santa Claus, food trucks, handcrafted and warming festive drinks.

West Chester, PA

Winner of the 2017 Great American Main Street Award from Main Street America, West Chester, Pennsylvania, offers the perfect mix of historical charm and small-town allure with the excitement of a busy nightlife and dining. Iron Hill is a true local favorite for dinner and, if you happen to be in town on December 2, don’t miss the West Chester Christmas Parade.