Crank up that Christmas music as you embark on the roughly 2-hour drive to Chester County. If you want to flood the senses with pure holiday cheer this season, set aside one day and experience A Longwood Christmas at Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, PA.

Stroll through dazzling light displays, elegant holiday trees and so much more.

For over 100 years, Longwood Gardens has stood as the living legacy of its founder, Pierre S. du Pont and his mission to inspire the world through a meticulous combination of horticulture, design, education and the arts. Today, the gardens, fountains, meadows and woodlands sprawl out over 1,100 walkable acres. Often, the expertly-crafted displays pair with educational programs, musical performances and opportunities for community engagement. Longwood Gardens is open to the public throughout the year.

During the holiday season, from November 22 through January 12, you can visit one of the most inspiring exhibits of illumination and horticultural elegance – A Longwood Christmas. To make the experience even better, Longwood Gardens has finished their eagerly awaited (3 years in the making) renovations. Now guests get some of the first looks at Longwood Reimagined during this year’s Christmas setup.

Botanical Holiday Splendor

A Longwood Christmas focuses on the inherent beauty of the natural world during winter. Using plants, flowers and trees as their palette and Longwood Gardens as their canvas, artists create the most festive displays of foliage designs. From trees draped in garland and gardens blooming with stunning colors, this year’s decorations truly show off the art of Christmas.

The Music Room is Longwood’s highlight of the season. Artists have transformed the already beautiful space the Peppermint Palace. From floor to ceiling, it’s adorned with red velvet furniture, fresh-cut poinsettias, grand wreaths, and presents galore. Sunlight fills the Music Room where the Peppermint King and Queen are ready to receive you on their throwns.

And a little something extra…

Taking in all the sights and sounds of the season at Longwood Gardens requires a little fuel. No trip to Longwood Gardens would be complete without a stop by one of the always popular dining areas.

Plan ahead and make reservations for an elegant, full-service dining experience at 1906, Longwood’s premier, on-site restaurant. 1906 features a heavily seasonal menu with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. Reservations at 1906 require timed admission tickets or membership.

The Café offers a more casual, a la carte menu. Here, you can pick up quick, ready-to-eat sandwiches, hot entrees, snacks and desserts. The selections are tailored for the whole-family dining experience with plenty of toasty indoor seating.

Finally, the Beer Garden delivers that ultra-laid-back atmosphere of a brewpub alongside a menu of comfort classics. Try locally-brewed Victory beers along with other local brews. Sip on wine, cider, hot chocolate and more. Dig into fresh, hot BBQ options. Grab a homemade pizza, some sweet snacks, or Longwood’s famous Kennett Square Mushroom Soup.

An easy, sensory-pleasing, Christmas day trip.

Before you leave, be sure to stop by The Garden Shop for a keepsake, a local craft item, or something special for your home. Peruse ornaments for the tree. Take home some extra special Longwood logo apparel. Find it all from jams and honey to kitchen tools and candles. You can even take home a lasting piece of Longwood Gardens with a variety of seeds and seed kits available in the shop.

A Longwood Christmas runs from November 22, 2024 through January 12, 2025. Entry to the world-renowned Christmas display requires an advanced purchase, timed admission ticket. Tickets can be purchased on the Longwood Gardens website.

Longwood Gardens
1001 Longwood Road
Kennett Square, PA 19348

Featured Image (Top) Courtesy of Longwood Gardens