Longwood Gardens, situated in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, USA, stands as a prominent botanical garden and a top tourist destination in the state, renowned for its breathtaking showcases of plants and flowers.
Founded by Pierre S. du Pont, a member of the du Pont family, in 1921, the garden emerged from his vision to create a “living museum of horticulture.” Acquiring land in the Brandywine Valley starting in 1906, du Pont initiated the development of the gardens.
Encompassing more than 1,077 acres (436 hectares) of gardens, woodlands, and meadows, Longwood Gardens offers diverse landscapes:
- Formal Gardens: Displaying a symmetrical layout and geometric shapes.
- Meadows: Home to various native wildflowers.
- Woodland Gardens: Nestled in wooded areas, featuring an array of trees and shrubs.
- Indoor Gardens: Boasting 20 indoor gardens housing a variety of global plants.
The Conservatory at Longwood Gardens, one of the largest in the United States, shelters thousands of plants from around the world. Open year-round, it provides a warm retreat during colder weather.
Longwood Gardens also features a collection of fountains, including the Main Fountain, among the world’s largest. These fountains serve as popular attractions for visitors and are often used for special events like weddings.
Throughout the year, Longwood Gardens hosts diverse events, including concerts, workshops, and educational programs. The gardens are a sought-after venue for weddings and other special occasions.
Open daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Longwood Gardens welcomes visitors year-round. Guests can explore independently, take guided tours, and enjoy amenities such as a café and a gift shop on-site.
With its captivating gardens, conservatory, fountains, and a variety of events, Longwood Gardens is a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts, offering a beautiful and unique experience for visitors of all ages.
Christmas Magic at Longwood Gardens
A Longwood Christmas at Longwood Gardens is a must for a complete holiday experience, featuring over 550,000 sparkling lights and dazzling fountain displays that create a magical winter wonderland.
Explore the illuminated grounds, where festive decorations adorn trees and seasonal plants, adding to the enchantment. Witness vibrant fountains choreographed to holiday tunes, and warm up by inviting fire pits beneath the starry sky.
Mark your calendar for A Longwood Christmas, running from November 17, 2023, to January 7, 2024. Please be aware that timed tickets are necessary for entry.
A Very Retro Christmas
This year’s theme for 2023 is “A Very Retro Christmas.”
Embrace the holiday spirit with a burst of retro charm, an array of vibrant colors, and countless nostalgic experiences. Enjoy the sight of whimsical trees adorned with classic ornaments, sparkling tinsel, and beloved toys from childhood.
Take a leisurely walk through a fabulous holiday party setting adorned with mid-century enchantment. Recall the past in a vintage Christmas street scene, create new joyful memories surrounded by dazzling, lively light exhibits—complete with some unexpectedly large delights—and savor the retro fun around every corner.
Longwood Gardens Christmas Highlights
The 2023 edition of A Longwood Christmas introduces a nostalgic holiday street, a festive outdoor display, and an array of classic ornaments.
Indoor Highlights
Within the main conservatory, experience a lively holiday street scene reminiscent of the 1940s and 1950s, featuring adorned street lamps, gleaming tinsel garlands, and vintage ornaments.
In the Music Room, step into an elegant holiday party setting adorned with gold accents, a reflective bar, a champagne-colored tinsel tree, and meticulously crafted glassware; this includes candy dishes, glass leaves, etc.
Other notable attractions include:
- 24-foot grand fir adorned in red and green.
- An 18-foot-tall revolving tree adorned with vintage lights and ornaments of various sizes.
- Colorful poinsettias, begonias, and other seasonal flowers.
- Botanical ornaments such as living wreaths (crafted from succulents) and a white orchid chandelier.
Outdoor Highlights
Outdoors, you can enjoy enchanting fountain displays featuring 750 water jets choreographed to holiday music at the Open Air Theatre. Take a stroll through a 200-foot-long illuminated tunnel with shifting lights along the Meadow Boardwalk.
Longwood Gardens proudly exhibits its array of numerous locomotives, steam engines, diesel engines, and specialty engines. The collection includes the beloved Thomas the Tank Engine and many companions, traversing nearly 500 feet of track amid diverse foliage, flowering plants, and woody vegetation.
Other notable attractions include:
- Falling star presentations and floating lights at the Large and Small lakes.
- A 30-foot-tall floating tree adorned with icy decorations.
- A café and beer garden offering pay-as-you-go options for food, hot chocolate, and holiday treats.
- Two welcoming fire pits.
Ticket Pricing and More
During the holiday season, A Longwood Christmas is exceptionally popular, necessitating timed tickets for entry. Given the potential for timeslots to sell out, it is highly advisable to make advance purchases.
Member Reservations
For the entirety of A Longwood Christmas from November 17, 2023, to January 7, 2024, member reservations are mandatory throughout the day. However, Gardens Premium Members and Innovators are exempt from this requirement.
Complimentary Guest Tickets
Complimentary tickets are valid for one-time general admission and do not apply to specially ticketed events or blackout days during A Longwood Christmas. Additional timed admission tickets or reservations are not necessary.
Blackout days include all Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays during A Longwood Christmas until January 1, 2024, and every day from December 22 through January 1, 2024. Additional blackout dates may apply, and ticket holders should check for further restrictions.
Military Discount
U.S. Military and Veterans can purchase discounted tickets online, with a valid ID required for admission for each discounted ticket.
SNAP EBT and Pennsylvania ACCESS
Cardholders have the option to purchase General Admission online for up to four individuals aged 5 and up at $2 each. For certain experiences, a higher fee may apply. Children aged 4 and under can enter for free. The SNAP EBT or PA ACCESS named cardholder must be present for the visit with a matching valid photo ID. This discount is available every day during A Longwood Christmas, excluding specially ticketed events like Fireworks.
Ticket Prices for A Longwood Christmas (Nov 17, 2023–Jan 7, 2024)
In December 2023, 16 free Longwood Gardens coupon codes are available for you. You can enjoy discounts of up to 50% OFF by using our Longwood Gardens Christmas sale coupon codes.
- Adults: $30
- Seniors (Ages 62+): $27
- College Student (with valid ID): $27
- Youth (Ages 5-18): $16
- Children (Ages 4 & under): Free
- Active or Retired U.S. Military or U.S. Veteran (with valid ID): $23
- Museums for All and PA ACCESS Cardholders (card and matching ID required): $2 until 2:00 pm, $5 after 2:00 pm.
If you’re looking for a festive and fun way to celebrate the holidays, A Longwood Christmas is definitely the place to be. So grab your tickets and get ready to be dazzled!
