The Wilmington, DE area has 9 Christmas events for kids we could confirm for the 2026 season, from Yuletide at Winterthur in Winterthur on November 21 to Holidays at Hagley in Wilmington, which runs through January 3. 1 of them is free, and every listing links straight to the host. It is one stop on our guide to Christmas events for kids in Delaware, part of our guide for every state.
The short version
- 9 kids’ Christmas events confirmed in Wilmington, DE for 2026, in Wilmington, Claymont, Delaware City, Townsend and Winterthur
- First: Yuletide at Winterthur, Winterthur, November 21. Runs latest: Yuletide at Winterthur, Winterthur, through January 3
- Free: A Visit (and Pics) With St. Nick
- Checked on each host’s own page; each listing links straight to it
Below is every event we could confirm, grouped by city, with the date, time, cost and the small things parents ask about (sign-ups, ages, what is included). Looking for a Santa train instead? Those are on our Delaware Christmas train rides page.
Wilmington, DE Christmas events for kids at a glance
- Kids’ Christmas events
- 9 confirmed for 2026
- Cities
- Wilmington, Claymont, Delaware City, Townsend and Winterthur
- Season
- November 21, 2026 to January 3, 2027
- Free events
- 1
- Kinds of events
- holiday lights, story time with Santa, Santa visit and holiday crafts
- Last checked
Plan your December
When each Wilmington, DE Christmas event for kids happens
The first is Yuletide at Winterthur in Winterthur on November 21; the last runs to January 3. Each bar spans an event’s dates, not every hour in them, so check the host’s page for times.
- Yuletide at WinterthurWinterthur · Nov 21 to Jan 3
- Zoo Lights and Christmas NightsTownsend · Nov 27 to Dec 26
- Holidays at HagleyWilmington · Nov 27 to Jan 3
- A Visit (and Pics) With St. NickWilmington · Nov 30
- Meet Santa at Claymont LibraryClaymont · Dec 5
- Santa at HagleyWilmington · Dec 5
- Winter Wonderland at the Brandywine ZooWilmington · Dec 5
- Santa at the ZooWilmington · Dec 5 to Dec 6
- Pajama Storytime: The Night Before ChristmasDelaware City · Dec 22
Look inside the book
Story time with Santa in Wilmington, DE? Bring Rally home.
Rally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi’s first train ride, hand-painted in real watercolor. It makes a cozy bedtime story after a big day with Santa. Turn a few pages here.
Rally Takes the Train
Eight pages from the book
Turn the page
That's 8 of 25 pages
See who’s waiting at the station
Grandmommy and Papa are at the last stop. Get the full hand-painted book, $16.99 on Amazon.
See the full bookPage 1 of 8
Like it so far? See the full book
25 hand-painted pages, paperback, $16.99 with fast shipping from Amazon.
Every page is real watercolor on paper, painted by hand by Leslie Dunn. Nothing in this book was made with AI.
Christmas events for kids in Wilmington
5 confirmed events for kids in Wilmington, soonest first.
Wilmington: Holidays at Hagley
Holiday craftsHagley Museum and Library · Wilmington
- Host
- Hagley Museum and Library (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Hagley Museum, Workers' Hill, 200 Hagley Creek Rd, Wilmington, DE 19807
- When
- Friday, November 27, 2026 to Sunday, January 3, 2027 (closes 2 pm Dec 24, closed Dec 25), 10 am to 4 pm
- Cost
- Included with admission; kids 14 and under free
- Ages
- Kids 14 and under free
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Holidays at Hagley brings Victorian era Christmas customs to the museum's historic Workers' Hill village. Families can take holiday tours, join festive programs and try hands-on activities, including making Victorian Christmas cards and ornaments to take home.
Gingerbread cookies are baked on a wood-burning stove, and some days add science themed programs, such as Science Saturday: Frosty Forces on December 12. Hours are 10 am to 4 pm, with an early 2 pm close on December 24 and no hours on December 25. It is included with admission, and children 14 and under are free. Hagley is at 200 Hagley Creek Road in Wilmington, and it is open on New Year's week.
Parent tip: Pair a visit with Santa at Hagley on December 5 or the Frosty Forces science day on December 12.
See dates and details from Hagley Museum and Library (opens in a new tab)Wilmington: A Visit (and Pics) With St. Nick
Story time with SantaFreeDelaware Libraries · Wilmington
- Host
- Delaware Libraries (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Brandywine Hundred Library, 1300 Foulk Rd, Wilmington, DE 19803
- When
- Monday, November 30, 2026, 10:15 to 11:30 am
- Cost
- Free, tickets given out 15 minutes before
- Ages
- Birth to 12 with adults
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Brandywine Hundred Library offers a Monday morning visit with St. Nick on November 30. While children wait for their turn to meet the man from the North Pole, library staff keep them busy with stories, songs, and crafts.
Parents are welcome to take pictures of their children on Santa's lap with their own phone or camera. The program is open to children from birth to age 12 with adults. No registration is needed, but free tickets are handed out fifteen minutes before the event starts, so plan to arrive a little early, especially with a group. The program takes place in the library's program room from 10:15 to 11:30 am, so it fits in a morning outing before nap time for younger siblings.
Parent tip: Arrive early to pick up your free ticket. Bring your own camera.
See dates and details from Delaware Libraries (opens in a new tab)Wilmington: Santa at Hagley
Santa visitHagley Museum and Library · Wilmington
- Host
- Hagley Museum and Library (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Hagley Museum, Visitor Center, 200 Hagley Creek Rd, Wilmington, DE 19807
- When
- Saturday, December 5, 2026, 11 am to 2 pm
- Cost
- Included with admission; free for kids 14 and under and members
- Ages
- Kids 14 and under free
- Sign-up
- Recommended
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Santa comes to Hagley Museum on Saturday, December 5, from 11 am to 2 pm. Families meet him at the Visitor Center and take their own pictures with Santa in front of a holiday scene, so bring a phone or camera.
The visit is included with general admission, and admission is free for children 14 and under and for Hagley members. Advance tickets are available through the museum. The same day falls during Holidays at Hagley, so families can also explore the Victorian Christmas activities on Workers' Hill. Hagley is at 200 Hagley Creek Road in Wilmington, and the visit runs for three hours.
Parent tip: Bring your own camera or phone for the Santa photo. Kids 14 and under get in free.
See dates and details from Hagley Museum and Library (opens in a new tab)Wilmington: Santa at the Zoo
Santa visitBrandywine Zoo · Wilmington
- Host
- Brandywine Zoo (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Brandywine Zoo, 1001 N Park Dr, Wilmington, DE 19802
- When
- Sat December 5 and Sun December 6, 2026, 10 am to 12:30 pm
- Cost
- $8 non-members, $4 members, free under 3
- Ages
- All ages
- Sign-up
- Required ahead of time
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The Brandywine Zoo hosts Santa at the Zoo on Saturday, December 5 and Sunday, December 6, from 10 am to 12:30 pm. Families can meet Santa, share their wishes, and take photos with their own cameras, and there are holiday activities, educational tables, and vendors on site. On December 5, the Wilbur Choir performs at the Wildlife Amphitheater.
Two time slots are available. Tickets are $8 for non-members, $4 for members, and free for children under 3, and members must register. Online purchase is recommended. Library passes, guest passes, and other promotions are not accepted for this event. All guests arriving before 12:30 pm must be registered, and the zoo stays open with free admission after the Santa event from 12:30 to 4 pm on December 5, with last admission at 3:30 pm.
Parent tip: Buy tickets online. Library and guest passes are not accepted for this event.
See dates and details from Brandywine Zoo (opens in a new tab)Wilmington: Winter Wonderland at the Brandywine Zoo
Holiday eventBrandywine Zoo · Wilmington
- Host
- Brandywine Zoo (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Brandywine Zoo, 1001 N Park Dr, Wilmington, DE 19802
- When
- Saturday, December 5, 2026, 12:30 to 4 pm
- Cost
- $5 non-members, free for members and ages 2 and under
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Winter Wonderland at the Brandywine Zoo takes place on Saturday, December 5, from 12:30 to 4 pm, right after the morning Santa at the Zoo event. Visitors enjoy specialty food and drinks, hands on activities, and shopping with local vendors in a festive holiday atmosphere.
Bryan Scar performs holiday classics and original tunes at the Wildlife Amphitheater. Admission is $5 for non-members, free for members, and free for children 2 and under. Tickets are available at the ticket window after 12:30 pm. The zoo notes that its events are free with paid admission unless otherwise noted. Because the animals and the amphitheater are outdoors, dress warmly and expect to walk around the zoo grounds.
Parent tip: Tickets are sold at the ticket window after 12:30 pm. Dress warmly.
See dates and details from Brandywine Zoo (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Claymont
1 confirmed event for kids in Claymont, soonest first.
Claymont: Meet Santa at Claymont Library
Holiday paradeDelaware Libraries · Claymont
- Host
- Delaware Libraries (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Claymont Library, 3920 Naamans Rd, Claymont, DE 19703 (near Wilmington)
- When
- Saturday, December 5, 2026, 12:45 to 1:30 pm
- Cost
- No fee listed
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Santa visits the Claymont Library lobby on Saturday, December 5, after the Claymont Christmas Parade. He arrives about 45 minutes after the parade ends, escorted by the Claymont Fire Company, and the library lists the visit from 12:45 to 1:30 pm.
If the parade is canceled, the Santa visit moves to 12:30 pm. The event is listed for all ages and does not require registration, so families can pair the parade with a stop at the library. The calendar does not list a fee. Because the timing depends on the parade, check the library or the parade organizers on the day if the weather looks uncertain. The lobby setting is indoors, which makes it a warm place to wait after watching the parade outside.
Parent tip: Timing depends on the parade. If the parade is canceled, Santa comes at 12:30 pm.
See dates and details from Delaware Libraries (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Delaware City
1 confirmed event for kids in Delaware City, soonest first.
Delaware City: Pajama Storytime: The Night Before Christmas
Story time with SantaDelaware Libraries · Delaware City
- Host
- Delaware Libraries (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Delaware City Public Library, 250 5th St, Delaware City, DE 19706 (near Wilmington)
- When
- Tuesday, December 22, 2026, 6:30 to 7:30 pm
- Cost
- No fee listed
- Ages
- Babies, toddlers, children and families
- Sign-up
- Recommended
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Delaware City Public Library holds a pajama story time on the evening of December 22 built around The Night Before Christmas. Children are invited to slip into their comfiest pajamas, bring a favorite stuffed friend, and settle in for stories.
Santa Claus is the special guest reader, and hot cocoa and sweet treats are waiting after the stories. Registration is requested, so sign up on the library calendar to help staff plan for seating and snacks. The program is listed for babies, toddlers, children, and families, and it runs from 6:30 to 7:30 pm in the children's area. It is a calm last minute activity just before Christmas, a few days after most school breaks begin.
Parent tip: Registration is requested. Wear pajamas and bring a stuffed animal.
See dates and details from Delaware Libraries (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Townsend
1 confirmed event for kids in Townsend, soonest first.
Townsend: Zoo Lights and Christmas Nights
Holiday lights3 Palms Zoo · Townsend
- Host
- 3 Palms Zoo (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- 3 Palms Zoo, 1060 Vandyke Greenspring Rd, Townsend, DE 19734 (near Wilmington)
- When
- Fri November 27, Sat November 28, Fri December 4, Sat December 5, Fri December 11, Sat December 12, Fri December 18, Sat December 19 and Sat December 26, 2026, 6 to 8 pm
- Cost
- $6 cash at the gate, $7 online or by card
- Sign-up
- Recommended
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The sanctuary zoo is decorated with thousands of lights and vintage blow molds set to holiday music. Santa visits in a living room inside a large gingerbread house, and photos are free, so bring your own camera. Hot chocolate and marshmallows to roast over outdoor fire pits are included with admission.
Nocturnal residents such as screech owls and foxes are awake and active at night. Entry times begin at 6 pm, with last entry at 7:30 pm. Admission is $6 in cash at the gate or $7 online or by card, and infants under 12 months are free. Dates are Fridays and Saturdays only, from November 27 to December 26.
Parent tip: Cash is cheaper at the gate and needs no reservation, while online tickets let you pick an entry time. Last entry is 7:30 pm.
See dates and details from 3 Palms Zoo (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Winterthur
1 confirmed event for kids in Winterthur, soonest first.
Winterthur: Yuletide at Winterthur
Holiday lightsWinterthur Museum, Garden & Library · Winterthur
- Host
- Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library, 5105 Kennett Pike, Winterthur, DE 19735 (near Wilmington)
- When
- Saturday, November 21, 2026 to Sunday, January 3, 2027 (Tuesday to Sunday; Holiday Nights until 8 pm Fridays and Saturdays from Nov 27; closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day), 10 am to 5 pm
- Cost
- Included with admission; reservations strongly recommended
- Ages
- All ages
- Sign-up
- Recommended
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Yuletide at Winterthur fills the former du Pont home with holiday decor, including a gingerbread version of the house on Christmas Eve, an Enchanted Woods tree and a Nutcracker ballet tree. Kids tend to love the 18-room dollhouse, decorated for the season.
An ongoing card workshop lets visitors make a holiday card and have it mailed with a Winterthur postmark, and a Lionel Standard Gauge toy train display runs December 19 and 20 from 10 am to 5 pm. Hours are 10 am to 5 pm Tuesday through Sunday, with Holiday Nights until 8 pm on Fridays and Saturdays starting November 27. Most activities are included with admission. Winterthur is at 5105 Kennett Pike and is closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
Parent tip: Reserve ahead at my.winterthur.org or 800.448.3883. Plan for December 19 or 20 if your child loves trains.
See dates and details from Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library (opens in a new tab)Looking further afield? Our Delaware Christmas events for kids guide lists every confirmed event in the state. The national search sorts every event by distance from your town.
A story for the drive home
A morning with Santa or an evening of holiday stories tends to end the same way: tired kids, a long drive and one more book before bed. Our picture book follows Rally the corgi on his first train ride to see his grand-paw-rents, and every page is painted by hand. If your family is spending December missing someone, it was written for that too. For the car, print our free corgi and train coloring pages.
A bedtime story after seeing SantaRally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi’s first train ride, hand-painted in real watercolor by Leslie Dunn. $16.99 on Amazon, ages 0 to 8.
Buy on AmazonWilmington, DE Christmas events for kids: questions parents ask
What Christmas events for kids are in Wilmington, DE in 2026?
We confirmed 9 Christmas events for kids in Wilmington, DE for 2026 on each host’s own page: Yuletide at Winterthur in Winterthur (November 21), Holidays at Hagley in Wilmington (November 27), Zoo Lights and Christmas Nights in Townsend (November 27), A Visit (and Pics) With St. Nick in Wilmington (November 30), Meet Santa at Claymont Library in Claymont (December 5), Santa at Hagley in Wilmington (December 5), Santa at the Zoo in Wilmington (December 5), Winter Wonderland at the Brandywine Zoo in Wilmington (December 5) and Pajama Storytime: The Night Before Christmas in Delaware City (December 22). Every one is listed below with times, cost and a link to the host.
What Christmas events for kids are in Wilmington, Delaware?
For families in and around Wilmington, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Holidays at Hagley (Daily, Nov 27, 2026 to Jan 3, 2027, 10 am to 4 pm, included with admission; kids 14 and under free); A Visit (and Pics) With St. Nick (Mon, Nov 30, 10:15 to 11:30 am, free, tickets given out 15 minutes before); Santa at Hagley (Sat, Dec 5, 11 am to 2 pm, included with admission; free for kids 14 and under and members); Santa at the Zoo (Sat and Sun, Dec 5 and 6, 10 am to 12:30 pm, $8 non-members, $4 members, free under 3); Winter Wonderland at the Brandywine Zoo (Sat, Dec 5, 12:30 to 4 pm, $5 non-members, free for members and ages 2 and under). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Wilmington section of this page.
What Christmas events for kids are in Claymont, Delaware?
For families in and around Claymont, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Meet Santa at Claymont Library (Sat, Dec 5, 12:45 to 1:30 pm, no fee listed). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Claymont section of this page.
What Christmas events for kids are in Delaware City, Delaware?
For families in and around Delaware City, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Pajama Storytime: The Night Before Christmas (Tue, Dec 22, 6:30 to 7:30 pm, no fee listed). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Delaware City section of this page.
What Christmas events for kids are in Townsend, Delaware?
For families in and around Townsend, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Zoo Lights and Christmas Nights (Fri and Sat evenings, Nov 27 to Dec 26, 6 to 8 pm, $6 cash at the gate, $7 online or by card). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Townsend section of this page.
What Christmas events for kids are in Winterthur, Delaware?
For families in and around Winterthur, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Yuletide at Winterthur (Tue to Sun, Nov 21, 2026 to Jan 3, 2027; Fri and Sat until 8 pm from Nov 27, included with admission; reservations strongly recommended). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Winterthur section of this page.
Are there free Christmas events for kids in Wilmington, DE?
Yes. 1 of the 9 events here are free: A Visit (and Pics) With St. Nick in Wilmington. Some free events still ask you to register, so check each listing.
Where can kids see Santa in Wilmington, DE this December?
Santa appears at Zoo Lights and Christmas Nights in Townsend (November 27), A Visit (and Pics) With St. Nick in Wilmington (November 30), Meet Santa at Claymont Library in Claymont (December 5), Santa at Hagley in Wilmington (December 5), Santa at the Zoo in Wilmington (December 5) and Pajama Storytime: The Night Before Christmas in Delaware City (December 22). Times and booking rules are in each event’s listing above.
Where are there Christmas story times for kids in Wilmington, DE?
Holiday story times on this page: A Visit (and Pics) With St. Nick in Wilmington and Pajama Storytime: The Night Before Christmas in Delaware City. Library story times are usually free; story times with a meal or show are ticketed.
Which Wilmington, DE Christmas events are best for toddlers?
These are aimed at babies, toddlers and preschoolers: A Visit (and Pics) With St. Nick in Wilmington (Birth to 12 with adults) and Pajama Storytime: The Night Before Christmas in Delaware City (Babies, toddlers, children and families).
Are there kids' Christmas events in Wilmington, DE on Christmas Eve or after Christmas?
Yes: Yuletide at Winterthur in Winterthur (through January 3), Holidays at Hagley in Wilmington (through January 3) and Zoo Lights and Christmas Nights in Townsend (through December 26).
How much is Yuletide at Winterthur in Winterthur?
Included with admission; reservations strongly recommended. Yuletide at Winterthur is on Saturday, November 21, 2026 to Sunday, January 3, 2027 (Tuesday to Sunday; Holiday Nights until 8 pm Fridays and Saturdays from Nov 27; closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day), 10 am to 5 pm at Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Holidays at Hagley in Wilmington?
Included with admission; kids 14 and under free. Holidays at Hagley is on Friday, November 27, 2026 to Sunday, January 3, 2027 (closes 2 pm Dec 24, closed Dec 25), 10 am to 4 pm at Hagley Museum, Workers' Hill. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Zoo Lights and Christmas Nights in Townsend?
$6 cash at the gate, $7 online or by card. Zoo Lights and Christmas Nights is on Fri November 27, Sat November 28, Fri December 4, Sat December 5, Fri December 11, Sat December 12, Fri December 18, Sat December 19 and Sat December 26, 2026, 6 to 8 pm at 3 Palms Zoo. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is A Visit (and Pics) With St. Nick in Wilmington?
Free, tickets given out 15 minutes before. A Visit (and Pics) With St. Nick is on Monday, November 30, 2026, 10:15 to 11:30 am at Brandywine Hundred Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Meet Santa at Claymont Library in Claymont?
No fee listed. Meet Santa at Claymont Library is on Saturday, December 5, 2026, 12:45 to 1:30 pm at Claymont Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Santa at Hagley in Wilmington?
Included with admission; free for kids 14 and under and members. Santa at Hagley is on Saturday, December 5, 2026, 11 am to 2 pm at Hagley Museum, Visitor Center. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Santa at the Zoo in Wilmington?
$8 non-members, $4 members, free under 3. Santa at the Zoo is on Sat December 5 and Sun December 6, 2026, 10 am to 12:30 pm at Brandywine Zoo. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Winter Wonderland at the Brandywine Zoo in Wilmington?
$5 non-members, free for members and ages 2 and under. Winter Wonderland at the Brandywine Zoo is on Saturday, December 5, 2026, 12:30 to 4 pm at Brandywine Zoo. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Pajama Storytime: The Night Before Christmas in Delaware City?
No fee listed. Pajama Storytime: The Night Before Christmas is on Tuesday, December 22, 2026, 6:30 to 7:30 pm at Delaware City Public Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
Are there Christmas train rides for kids in Wilmington, DE?
Yes, but they have their own guide. Santa trains and holiday train rides are listed in our Wilmington, DE Christmas train rides guide, so this page sticks to story times, Santa visits and other events off the rails.
How do you confirm these events?
We list an event only after we find this season’s date on the host’s own website or an official city or tourism calendar. We last checked every listing on November 2, 2026. Hosts change details, so always confirm on the host’s page before you go.
Event names belong to their hosts. Rally Takes the Train is a family picture book and is not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by any host listed here. Confirm dates, times and prices on each host’s own site before you go.
