Join us for a magical Yuletide at Winterthur and delight in special displays that explore Christmas traditions and winter celebrations from the 1700s to today. Sponsored by Glenmede, Yuletide will be open November 23, 2013, through January 5, 2014.

This year’s Yuletide tour celebrates a variety of lighting traditions early Americans brought with them from their European homelands and various devices used to safely illuminate Christmas trees in pre-electricity days. Festive color wheels and bubble lights of the mid-20th century will provide a snapshot of how holiday lighting evolved over time.

Learn about the Swedish tradition of the ljuskrona, an iron candelabra ornately wrapped in paper and used as a table display on Christmas Eve. Marvel at the ingenuity of the German weihnachtspyramide, a towering array of wooden tiers centered on a pillar and decorated with religious and secular figures and candles. Children would delight as the carousal spun around the weihnachtspyramide’s central axis, its wooden propeller powered by rising air heated by the candles.

Historically, farming-based communities enjoyed rare “down time” during the cold winter months, and the season quickly became a popular time for weddings. Yuletide will feature a holiday wedding of the mid-1800s complete with a candlelit ballroom and an elegant chalked floor to welcome visitors to rooms never before seen at Yuletide.

As the former country home of Henry Francis du Pont, Winterthur would be elaborately decorated for the holidays, its many rooms sparkling with decorations and filled with the laughter and gaiety of guests. H. F. du Pont’s tradition of celebrating the Christmas season in style and generosity of spirit is one that Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library continues today. See Mr. du Pont’s house at its enchanting best during Yuletide and enjoy the elegance of du Pont family entertaining during the holidays.

Beautiful trees inspired by the Winterthur Garden will be featured throughout the tour, including the famous dried-flower tree. An exciting array of holiday programming will include floral design workshops, live theatrical and musical performances, special brunches with Santa, and more.

Yuletide is free to Members. $20 per nonmember. Reservations are recommended.

For more information, visit winterthur.org, e-mail your questions or requests to tourinfo@winterthur.org, or call 800.448.3883.