Step back in time this holiday season with a historic holiday tour! The Philadelphia region is home to some of America’s most magnificent historic estates and mansions, and there’s no better time to see them than when they are dressed in their finest holiday decor.
From the grand du Pont estates in the Brandywine Valley to a unique concrete castle in Bucks County, this guide covers the six best historic holiday tours that will transport you to a bygone era of Christmas magic. Many of these require timed tickets that sell out fast, so let’s get planning!
Holidays at Fonthill Castle
- What it is: Guided tours and “Holiday Lights Meanders” (self-guided) at the historic Mercer house.
- Dates: Nov 15–Dec 31
- Location: Fonthill Castle, Doylestown
- Good for: Unique architecture, a non-traditional tour
- Official Website →
Pearl S. Buck House Holiday Events
- What it is: Festival of Trees, a community holiday party, and a juried craft show at the author’s historic home.
- Dates: Nov 12–Jan 4
- Location: Pearl S. Buck House, Perkasie
- Good for: Seeing global holiday decor, a non-profit cause
- Official Website →
Yuletide at Winterthur
- What it is: Elaborate seasonal displays in the du Pont estate, including a giant gingerbread house and a dollhouse.
- Dates: Nov 22–Jan 4
- Location: Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library, Winterthur
- Good for: The ultimate “grand estate” experience, stunning decor
- Official Website →
Noël at Nemours Estate
- What it is: The stunning mansion and gardens dressed for the holidays with historic decorations.
- Dates: Nov 18–Dec 30
- Location: Nemours Estate, Wilmington
- Good for: French palace elegance, opulent photo-ops
- Official Website →
Holidays at Hagley
- What it is: “Our Storied Past” theme, gingerbread contest, and holiday nights tours at the historic du Pont powder mills.
- Dates: Nov 28–Jan 1
- Location: Hagley Museum, Wilmington
- Good for: A great family option, industrial history
- Official Website →
Christmas in Odessa
- What it is: The one-day event invites visitors for historic holiday tours inside a collection of public and private 18th- and 19th-century buildings decorated festively.
- Dates: Dec 6
- Location: Historic Odessa, DE
- Good for: A full day (one-day-only event), charming small-town feel
- Official Website →
Tips for Your Historic Holiday Tour
- Book Tickets Far in Advance: Tours for Winterthur, Fonthill, and Nemours sell out far in advance, especially for weekends. Book as early as you possibly can.
- Check Photography Rules: Many historic homes (especially the du Pont estates) do not allow flash photography or tripods inside. Check the rules on their website if you’re a serious photographer.
- Christmas in Odessa is One Day Only: Unlike the others, which run for weeks, Odessa’s event is a single-day affair. This means it will be crowded but full of special, one-time-only energy. Plan accordingly!
Looking for More Holiday Fun?
Don’t miss the rest of the 2025 holiday coverage! Head back to the Ultimate Guide to Holiday & Winter Events in Philadelphia to find the best markets, light displays, historic tours, and more.
Photo is my own.
