New Castle County Executive Thomas P. Gordon was pleased to host about 10,000 people at the 15th annual Holiday Open House at Rockwood this past weekend.
The host of attendees enjoyed the annual Christmas tree lighting, the plethora of holiday lights on the Rockwood grounds, free photos with Santa Claus, music and dancing by local youth groups at the Carriage House, and hot chocolate and other refreshments.
County Executive Gordon congratulations the hard working men and women of the departments of Community Services and Special Services and all the county volunteers for a doing a spectacular job of running this event, as always.
Original press release:
New Castle County Executive Thomas P. Gordon and New Castle County Council invite everyone to share the magic of the 15th annual Holiday Open House and Tree Lighting this Friday night at historic Rockwood Museum.
The event runs 6-9 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 1-4 p.m. on Sunday, with free admission, parking, Santa photos and hot chocolate provided. The tree lighting is at 6 p.m. Friday.
“The open house is a beautiful throwback to what you would have seen at Christmas across America in the mid-1800s, when the mansion was built,” Gordon said. “Thousands turn out, rain or shine, to enjoy the old-fashioned traditions.”
In a popular children’s feature, Gordon will read Clement Clarke Moore’s classic “’Twas the Night Before Christmas” at 7 p.m. Friday. Readings at 7 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday feature council members John Cartier and Robert S. Weiner. Other entertainers include costumed characters and musical groups.
Gardens around the mansion will have a massive light display and the Youth Entrepreneurs Secret Santa Shoppe will sell gifts.
Donations of canned food or new mittens, hats and scarves will be collected for the needy.
Just outside the city, Rockwood may be located by GPS at 4651 Washington St. Extension, Wilmington, DE 19809. For more information, visit www.nccde.org/specialevents. NCCTV’s Spotlight on the Holiday Open House – featuring Gordon, Weiner and Cartier with host Melody A. Kitchen – may be viewed on YouTube and nccde.org/NCCTV.