A Longwood Gardens Christmas

Last updated Thursday, June/06/2019

Their television ads proclaim that Longwood Gardens is "where Winter Wonderlands do exist" and I certainly can't disagree. If there's one place in the Greater Philadelphia / South Jersey area where you can go that will definitely put you in the holiday mood, it's Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, PA.

Running from November 22 through January 6, 2008, Longwood Gardens has become an annual holiday destination for many local families.

Indoors

Thousands of poinsettias accented with amaryllis, narcissus, begonias, cyclamen, and tulips flourish inside the 4.5-acre heated Conservatory. Longwood's gardeners grow the poinsettias in several shapes and sizes: five-foot-wide hanging baskets, single-stem plants, and standards up to four feet tall. Elegantly decorated, snow-kissed trees shimmer and sparkle with festive flair.
The Music Room is transformed into a shimmering winter wonderland of its own. Inside, a stately 16-ft Fraser Fir tree adorned with glistening icicles and ivory ornaments creates an aura of unmatched elegance. Visitors can marvel at an elegant table set for a festive holiday dinner party, including dramatic flower arrangements, fine china and holiday lighting.

The Exhibition Hall Stage features Longwood's signature poinsettia tree, while glimmering icicles fall from the ceiling of the Exhibition Hall. The East Conservatory's giant 26-foot Douglas Fir tree stands proudly in the Patio of Oranges, adorned with a dazzling silver garland and red and snowy white ornaments.

The Palm House features a miniature railway weaving its way through the lush foliage. In Longwood's Estate Fruit House, expert floral designer Jim Showers of Elizabethtown, PA and ceramics artist Sara Meadows of Kennett Square, PA create an arctic playground, featuring icebergs, a snow-frosted tree and frolicking penguins preparing for holiday festivities.

Longwood invites local schools to participate in its holiday festivities by decorating trees for the display. This year 21 schools are participating.

Outdoors

More than 500,000 outdoor lights adorning 88 trees in classical and free-style forms enchant both young and old. Fountains dance day and night to holiday music in the Open Air Theatre (weather permitting) beneath glimmering starry snowflakes.

Daily from Thursday, November 22, 2007 through Sunday, January 06, 2008
10:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., 1:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m., 4:00 p.m., 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Ice skating shows in the day and evening feature professional and up-and-coming skaters performing on Longwood's outdoor ice rink near the historic Chimes Tower. To ensure seating, special tickets ($4 for individuals, $3 for Garden Passholder & Groups) are required to view the skating performances. View ice skating performance schedule.
Natural edible ornaments adorn the Wildlife Tree created especially for Longwood's feathered and furry friends. The Gardener's Tree features ornaments crafted from garden findings, including gourds, seedpods, and cones and topiary reindeer frolic in the geometric beauty of the nearby Topiary Garden.

Concerts, Carolers and More

The sounds of the season fill the gardens indoors and out. Festive afternoon Organ Sing-along concerts return this year to Longwood's Ballroom.

Daily from Saturday, November 24, 2007 through Sunday, December 30, 2007
1:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m.
Monday, December 24, 2007 through Friday, December 28, 2007
7:00 p.m., 8:00 p.m.
Monday, December 31, 2007
1:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m.

Area choral groups and bell choirs share holiday favorites at 7:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. On select days, carolers stroll the gardens playing favorite holiday music. On December 29, 30 and January 1, 5 and 6, New Year's in Old Vienna features festive organ waltzes.
Daytime strollers can also enjoy the sounds of bells emanating from Longwood's historic Chimes Tower. A carillon with 62 cast bells plays holiday music every half hour during daylight hours.

Festive Feasts

Join friends and family at Longwood's sumptuous holiday feasts. The Yuletide Buffet includes a variety of meats, vegetables, soups, rolls, desserts and beverages. Served from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on December 22, 23, 26, 27, 28, 28 & 30. Reservations are required, call 610-388-1000 ext. 100.
Children will delight with Breakfast with Santa on December 15, 16, 22 & 23. Seatings are at 8:00 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. Reservations are required, call 610-388-1000 ext. 100.

New Year's Eve Festivities

On New Year's Eve, Longwood will remain open until 10:00 p.m. with special festive activities for the entire family. Find fun around very corner with strolling performances by carolers, and a barbershop quartet, enjoy face painting, a balloon artist and more.
Make your reservations today for a special buffet at The Terrace Restaurant or enjoy a la carte hot chocolate and other refreshments throughout the Gardens. A spectacular 5-minute fireworks display tops off the fun at 9:15 p.m.

About Longwood Gardens

The outdoor gardens and conservatory open at 9:00 a.m. and close at 9:00 p.m. during the holiday season. General admission prices are $16 for adults; $14 for seniors (age 62+), $6 for students (ages 5-22); free age 4 and under. Tickets to view the ice skating performances are an additional fee of $4 ($3 for Garden Passholders and groups of 15 or more.) To avoid crowds during the display, it is best to visit early in the season and on weekdays. Weekends and the week between Christmas and New Year's are traditionally very busy.
Longwood Gardens is located on US Route 1, three miles northeast of Kennett Square and 30 miles west of Philadelphia in the historic Brandywine Valley.