Sure, the hustle and bustle can get a little overwhelming and it’s easy to get lost in the shuffle of the holidays. But we think, with just a little bit of INspiration, you can reignite the power and passion of the season and spend a little time under the mistletoe with that special someone after sharing an experience #inWilm.
1. Take a lap around the Riverfront Rink. Daily
It’s cold out, there’s no denying that. But a lap or two around the Riverfront Rink will have you working up a sweat in no time at all. Plus, what’s not romantic about two little wobbly love birds helping each other get back on their feet?
2. Settle IN for a delicious Ho! Ho! Holiday Drag Diva Brunch. December 8, 15, 22
Mimi Imfurst—of RuPaul’s Drag Race—leads this troupe of drag divas who “sing,” dance and read each other and the audience for filth. Your ticket includes an entrée and your first drink, and while technically all-ages, this brunch is unsurprisingly naughty in nature. Nothing is sexier than seeing your partner laugh, so point your sleigh toward Market Street (parking is free for the holidays!) and have a blue Christmas.
3. Spread the Yuletide cheer with Jazz & Wine at Winterthur. December 11 & 18
Groove to the Tony Smith Trio or the Sharon Sable Quartet on Wednesdays in December, while sampling Stateside Vodka cocktails. Plan an afternoon date with your sweetie to take in Winterthur’s dazzling, house-wide decoration extravaganza (runs until 5:30pm) and cap the night with jazz and wine, or for just $10, meet up straight from work at the Visitor Center for the party. App samples offered from 6-6:30, but the Pavilion Restaurant offers a menu for purchase.
4. Experience the true MAGIC of the holidays with The Illusionists. December 13-15
Nothing is more magical than love, and seeing a look of wonder on the face of your beloved is priceless. The New York Times calls this a “a high tech magic extravaganza” and The Illusionists have pumped up the spectacle in line with the enthusiasm for the season. Prestidigitize some tickets right into your sweetie’s hands and “deck” the halls for some sleigh-t of hand; a romantic evening will surely be in the cards for you.
5. #ShopSmall for the holidays and show your loved ones how much you really care…
to fight the man, support starving artists, give your local economy a boost or simply find them that perfect gift. There are a ton of reasons why you can get behind #5 on our list, but no matter which is yours, the recipient is likely going to find your thoughtful choice pretty sexy. And if they don’t, WE do. There are also a ton of ways to do this: tickets to a theater show, symphony, ballet or concert; restaurant, salon or retail gift certificates; purchasing directly from a local artist (or musician!)… Check out our top 15 Ways to #ShopSmall for the Holidays #inWilm.
6. Enjoy a romantic Twilight Tour of du Pont’s first American home. thru December 26
Softly glowing lights. Lace. Flowers. Hagley Museum is already set up with the elements of an amorous tête-à-tête on Wednesday and Thursday evenings in December. Like a proper date, this one requires planning: Hagley has already added a 7:30 tour of Eleutherian Mills on December 12 to the normal 4:30 to 7pm schedule, with tours departing every half hour. Book your tour in advance (required), before they sell out.
7. Relive your childhood favorites in a whole new way.
Whether it’s choosing which version of The Nutcracker you’ll see (First State Ballet Theatre or Wilmington Ballet) or choosing Disney classics (Beauty & The Beast) versus the nostalgia of Sunday morning cartoons (Cartoon Christmas Trio and Eric Mintel’s Charlie Brown Christmas), there are a plethora of ways to relive the magic of your childhood. And when you discover a common love for the arts or pop culture with a new special friend, the joy is INfectious!
8. Cuddle up on the Holiday Light Express of the Wilmington & Western Railroad and get lost IN the glistening sights of the season. thru December 29
You can imagine you’re on the way to Vermont for a White Christmas with Bing Crosby when you take a 45-minute evening ride aboard a heated 100-year-old train car…except these coaches are covered in thousands of holiday lights. Many neighbors along the WWRR tracks decorate their homes and yards just for these drive-bys. BYO blanket-for-two, and outside food and drink are welcome (plus food items available for purchase inside Greenbank Station).
9. Ugly Sweater Crawl All Around Town December 13
When do you ever get the chance to tell your honey-bunny to ugly up? Dig out that acrylic monstrosity, fluff up that sequined grandma cardigan. Or simply don a Santa hat to take part in the fun. Letting your hair down is dead sexy, so play up the ugly part and watch that sweater drop to the floor at the end of the night.
10. On the topic of holiday cheer… Get blitzed at Blitzen.
Part lodge, part piano bar (singalongs are known to happen), this fleeing venue will make every night feel like Christmas Eve at home. Of course, much like a first date, it’s all about the cocktails: try the Resting Blitz Face or an adult hot cocoa. Round your visit out with pork belly poutine or a blackened chicken quesadilla. Mark your amorous night out with a selfie in front of this pop-up holiday bar’s reindeer antlers (among other fantastic decor—you need to SEE this place—it was designed by Dallas Shaw, the owner and designer of Faerie).