Discover The Sparkle Of Longwood Gardens Christmas This Season
Today, we’re going to talk about a truly magical place on Earth. Here, thousands of lights turn a botanical garden into a holiday wonderland. It is not some mythical place only chosen individuals can visit; no, we are talking about Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania. Here, the Longwood Christmas holiday tradition combines beautiful plants with seasonal magic.
Their 2024 season, held from November 22, 2024, to January 12, 2025, absolutely stood out with the debut of the Longwood Reimagined new garden experience. What about the 2025–2026 season? It takes place from November 21, 2025, to January 11, 2026, and will keep the magic going. With over 500,000 lights, innovative displays, and new spaces, Longwood Gardens Christmas offers families, garden enthusiasts, and holiday enthusiasts an experience like no other. Let’s explore what makes A Longwood Christmas so great in this article.
Longwood Gardens Christmas cherishing a hundred years of holiday beauty
Since Pierre S. du Pont started Longwood Gardens in 1906 it has been a horticultural gem for over 100 years. A Longwood Christmas holiday tradition we’re discussing today began in the 1920s. This world-class spectacle has won the 10Best Readers’ Choice Award for Best Botanical Garden Holiday Lights five times on USA TODAY.
Longwood is an hour from Philadelphia, and it covers 1,100 acres of gardens, conservatories, and fountains. Talking about recent highlights, the 2024 season was very special for Longwood Gardens Pennsylvania Christmas celebrations because the $250 million Longwood Reimagined project added 17 acres of new glasshouses, gardens, and event spaces. Looking for Longwood Gardens Christmas 2025? These additions, like the West Conservatory, will make the 2025 holiday season even more exciting with fresh settings for festive displays.
Outdoor sparkle with lights and fountains
Outside, Longwood Gardens Christmas lights turn the gardens into a glowing masterpiece. Can you believe over 500,000 lights cover 124 trees? They make this land absolutely sparkling. Let’s look at 2024 Christmas at Longwood Gardens outdoor highlights now.
- The Flower Garden Drive had illuminated ribbons
- The Wildlife Tree was decorated with birdseed and raisins to attract woodland creatures
- The Large Lake featured a 25-foot floating tree near the Chimes Tower. It was covered in metallic ornaments
- The mesmerizing walk-through experience at the Meadow Boardwalk along the 200-foot tunnel of lights
- The fountains look great, too. Every five minutes, they light up and shoot water in time with music. All 750 jets are working together.
Indoor fun? Enjoy conservatories full of holiday cheer
Inside Longwood Gardens’ 4 acres of heated conservatories, the holiday spirit shines with colorful flowers and creative decorations. Let’s look at 2024 Longwood Gardens indoor highlights now.
- The new West Conservatory debuted with Mediterranean-inspired gardens, canals, and fountains. In this 32,000-square-foot glasshouse, you can explore 1,000 Hippeastrum ‘Mystica’ (amaryllis), 40 white Phalaenopsis baskets, and floating trees in gold and white, accented by Echeveria columns
- The East Conservatory transformed into a giant snow globe, complete with blue trees and hanging lights.
- The Main Conservatory had floating trees above green lawns
- The Music Room turned into a “Peppermint Palace” with candy-themed decorations
- The Cascade Garden relocated to a 3,800-square-foot glasshouse, showcasing tropical plants by Roberto Burle Marx.
New spaces and experiences
The Longwood Reimagined project, completed in 2024, will enhance the Longwood Christmas experience in 2025. The West Conservatory’s crystalline roofline and floating trees set a new standard for holiday displays. The Fountain Room? This light-filled event space overlooks the Main Fountain Garden. In 2024, it offered the Taste of Christmas dining experience, featuring chef-prepared dishes like carved turkey, ham sliders, and a hot chocolate station. Visitors added more depth to their experience with the new education building, The Grove, and the relocated Bonsai Courtyard.
And do not worry about your dining options. There are plenty,
- The fancy 1906 Restaurant serves seasonal dishes through floor-to-ceiling windows
- the 1906 Bar & Lounge offers craft cocktails
- and the Café and Beer Garden provides casual fare like hot donuts and local Victory Brewing beers.
Don’t forget to book a table at 1906, especially on busy December weekends.
Plan your 2025 visit to A Longwood Christmas
Planning to enjoy Longwood Gardens Christmas 2025 from November 21, 2025, to January 11, 2026? Then you need timed tickets. Why? Weekends sell out fast, so you need to hurry. Wondering how much Longwood Gardens Christmas ticket prices will be? Tickets cost $42 for adults, $23 for kids aged 5 to 18, and are free for kids 4 and under. Members need free timed reservations, except Premium Members and Innovators.
Tickets usually go on sale in late August, so check their website in summer 2025 for updates. What is the best time to visit? Arrive between 3 and 4 PM to see flowers in daylight and lights at night. Sunset is around 4:30 PM. Wear warm clothes for outdoor areas. But conservatories are warm inside. Bring a camera to capture stunning Longwood Gardens Christmas images, especially in the light tunnel or the West Conservatory.
There are also many fun events happening. On some evenings, you can find carolers walking around. Want to avoid crowds? Visit on a weekday in late November or early January. However, from December 20, 2025, to January 4, 2026, Longwood Gardens Pennsylvania Christmas is very busy. Do not worry about bad weather. The gardens stay open, and there are tents and heaters to keep you comfortable.
FAQ Section
When does Longwood Gardens Christmas display end?
The A Longwood Christmas display runs through january 11, 2026, so you can enjoy the holiday fun until just after the first week of the new year.
When do Longwood Gardens Christmas tickets go on sale?
Tickets usually go on sale months ahead, around late summer or early fall. Last year, they started selling them in late August, so keep an eye out around then.
When does Longwood Gardens Christmas start?
The holiday magic begins November 21, 2025, with festive lights and displays every day until January.
Is Longwood Gardens open on Christmas day?
Yes. They are open on December 25, along with every other day of the Christmas season.
Conclusion
In this article, we explored A Longwood Christmas, a beloved holiday tradition that combines nature and festive cheer at Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania. After the stunning Longwood Gardens Christmas 2024 season’s bright lights and new Longwood Reimagined spaces, prepare for a wonderful 2025–2026 season from November 21, 2025, to January 11, 2026. You can walk through glowing outdoor displays, admire colorful flowers in the conservatory, and enjoy the holiday spirit. This event is perfect for your whole family. Just be sure to grab your tickets early, dress warmly, and be ready for a heartwarming experience to light up your winter.
