Winterthur, DE October 7, 2024—Yuletide charm meets contemporary creativity during Yuletide at Winterthur, on view November 23–January 5. Seven contemporary artists whose works are inspired by the collections in the museum, garden, and library are featured amid the traditional festive splendor seen on tours of the historic mansion. Yuletide at Winterthur also includes a large-scale gingerbread “house,” a magical 18-room dollhouse, jazz and cocktails on Wednesday evenings, and enchanting decorations and outdoor lighting inspired by the woodlands on the estate.
Contemporary Artists
The featured artists on the Yuletide tour are part of Transformations: Contemporary Artists at Winterthur.The exhibition, on view through January 5, welcomes visitors to discover how the old influences the new—forging connections across communities, transforming our perspectives about history, and commenting on our lives today. Most of the artists in Transformations took part in the Maker–Creator Research Fellowship program, which invites artists, writers, filmmakers, horticulturists, craftspeople, and other creative professionals to immerse themselves in Winterthur’s collections.
Decorated Trees and Outdoor Whimsy
The Yuletide tour includes several lavishly decorated trees, including the traditional Dried-Flower Tree as well as trees inspired by pop art of the 1960s, a Japanese maple in the garden, and the 48 shades of green paint in the historic mansion. Outside, enjoy a twinkling holiday light display inspired by the woodlands at Winterthur.
Holiday Market and Special Events
The season starts with an outdoor Holiday Market on November 23, with more than 30 artisans offering a variety of handmade crafts, including home décor, jewelry, artisanal and small-batch gourmet goods, original art in a variety of media, garden items, and much more. Other Yuletide events include Wonderful Wednesdays on December 4, 11, and 18, featuring some of the area’s best jazz, seasonal cocktails, and special workshops; one-man performances of “A Christmas Carol” by the great-great-grandson of literary master Charles Dickens; a candlelight concert by OperaDelaware; Brunch with Santa; and more.
Gingerbread “House” and Dollhouse
A large-scale gingerbread recreation of the enormous dairy barn on the estate will be on display, created by Bredenbeck’s Bakery of Germantown, Penn. An 18-room dollhouse, exquisitely furnished with more than 1,000 miniatures, will also be on view.
During Yuletide, Winterthur is open seven days a week with extended hours on select Wednesday evenings. Winterthur is closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Tickets can be purchased on-site or online at Winterthur.org.
The Museum Store is open daily for holiday shopping, featuring unique home décor, gifts, jewelry, and more that celebrate Winterthur’s beauty, indoors and out.
Beyond the Holidays
Winterthur offers a year-round destination for art and culture enthusiasts and scholars. Explore the museum’s unparalleled collection of nearly 90,000 American decorative arts objects displayed in the magnificent 175-room house. The 1,000 acres of protected meadows, woodlands, ponds, and waterways provide stunning views throughout the year. Winterthur is also home to a vibrant array of programs, including lectures, concerts, and live performances, making it a hub for the study of American art and culture.
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ABOUT WINTERTHUR MUSEUM, GARDEN & LIBRARY
Winterthur—known worldwide for its preeminent collection of American decorative arts, naturalistic garden, and research library for the study of American art and material culture— offers a variety of tours, exhibitions, programs, and activities throughout the year.
Winterthur is located on Route 52, six miles northwest of Wilmington, Delaware, and five miles south of U.S. Route 1. Winterthur is committed to accessible programming for all. For information, including special services, call 800.448.3883 or visit winterthur.org.