Celebrate the winter holidays at Delaware’s historic sites

This mid-December, the Governor’s Mansion at Woodburn will be brightly lit with holiday decor, thanks in part to the hard work of the horticulture staff at the Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs (HCA).

That includes the logistics of lighting and installing a 20-foot tree (thanks to a donation from the Friends of Woodburn) not long after hosting the safe, fun and well-decorated Trick-or-Treating event at the historic property on Kings Highway near downtown Dover. 

Planning is going on behind the scenes at Woodburn all year long, but the weeks leading up to Halloween mean not only focusing on the standard fall garden and landscaping tasks (hello, leaves!) but also the well-thought-out planning and placement of holiday decorations inside and out. That includes more than two dozen poinsettias, 250 feet of green roping, not to mention the wreaths and smaller trees, plus 250 feet of outdoor lights.

Woodburn’s decorations will remain until the first week of January.

First State Heritage Park will also host winter holiday events, so make sure to check out their updated events page at destateparks.com/History/FirstStateHeritage. 

Downstate this December, Zwaanendael Museum will also be decorated for the winter holidays, thanks to the annual efforts of the Sussex Gardeners. To learn more about their dedication and gorgeous handiwork, read HCA’s Q&A with the group that brings the holiday spirit to downtown Lewes every year.

Related Topics:  Delaware, historic sites, Historical & Cultural Affairs, History, holidays, Newsroom, Woodburn