If you want to get in the holiday spirit this winter, you should go to Delaware.

Delaware is a great place for a weekend or day trip because it is close to so many big cities. New York City, Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington, D.C., are all less than 3 hours away.

You might not think there is much to do in Delaware in the winter, but this list will show you otherwise. We've put together a list of some of Delaware's most popular Christmas activities and events for you to enjoy.

From early November to early January, you can find activities all over the state that have to do with winter and Christmas. In New Castle County, you can visit historic homes that have been decorated for the holidays, have a drink at a bar with a Christmas theme, and take a train through some of the most beautiful scenery.

So, here are the best New Castle County, Delaware, Christmas activities this winter!

1. Join The Wilmington Christmas Parade.

Image Source: Wdel

Taking part in the Wilmington Christmas Parade has been a longtime tradition.

On the Saturday after Thanksgiving, you can watch local dance groups, marching bands, floats, vintage cars, and other festive vehicles get ready for Santa Claus's first appearance of the holiday season.

The parade usually starts at the corner of 5th Street and Market Street in downtown Wilmington.

2. Take the Holiday Tours of Nemours Estate

Image Source: Delaware Online

Alfred I. duPont built "America's Versailles" for his wife on a 3,000-acre piece of land in Wilmington at the beginning of the 20th century. The DuPonts started having people over for the holidays the year they moved in. This became a tradition for them. 

Today, the estate is decorated for the holidays with a mix of traditional and modern pieces, such as a German crèche from the 1800s. There is room for 17 Christmas trees, 19 wreaths, and garlands all over the Nemours Estate.

Visit Wilmington during the holiday season to see how the "American Versailles" is lit up at Nemours. Take a tour of the French-style estate while you're there and see if you can count all 17 Christmas trees on display.

3. Visit the old Odessa House and look around.

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Image Source: Historic Odessa

In Historic Odessa, Christmas and the rich history of the United States go together like peanut butter and jelly (201 Main Street).

Visit the old house that has been turned into an exhibition of well-known children's books.

There will be tours by candlelight, demos of holiday foods and decorations, and chances for the whole family to make holiday cards.

4. Enjoy the Holidays at Hagley.

Image Source: Pinterest

You won't forget a trip to Hagley's Library and Museum (298 Buck Road), whether you're looking for something special to do in Delaware during the Christmas season or just want to learn more about the history of the holiday.

Every year, the Holidays at Hagley event in Wilmington, Delaware, chooses a new theme that drives all of the Christmas-themed activities. Some of these things to do are making gingerbread houses, going on tours of the DuPont family home, meeting Santa Claus, and going on tours at night.

5. Experience The Sleigh Bar.

Image Source: USA Today

Klondike Kate's in Newark transforms into The Sleigh Bar from the beginning of November until the beginning of January. During this time, everything about the place, from the decorations to the food and drinks, is a Christmas dream come true. It's a great place for a date night with a holiday theme.

Final Thoughts

Winter is one of the most exciting seasons in Delaware. You can't go wrong with any of these locations for your next Christmas getaway. 

We are just scratching the surface! If you liked this post, check out the eight best places to visit in Delaware this winter. Also, if you are preparing to sell your home during the winter, make sure not to miss this checklist.