Why Longwood Gardens at Christmas is Pure Magic

Gorgeous year-round, Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square transforms into a truly magical place at the holidays. From just before Thanksgiving to just after New Year’s, the grounds are decked out in over 550,000 lights that glow, dance, shimmer, and even move in time to music. Trees, light orbs, and remarkable seasonal creations decorate the indoor and outdoor spaces in the grand spectacle that is A Longwood Christmas.

For over 60 years, Longwood has pulled out all the stops for the holidays, and it gets brighter and more creative every year. We visit every season to see the new plant sculptures and the outstanding water features. This year, the event shows off the results of a newly unveiled $250 million renovation project. The festivities run from November 22, 2024 through January 12, 2025 (last entry is 9:30pm nightly). Here’s a look at why visiting Longwood Gardens at Christmas is a must.

The Conservatory is a work of art

There are so many stunning elements to the displays that I start to run out of superlatives to describe them. For me, the East Conservatory and its adjoining rooms are where the brilliance of Longwood is clearest.

The Christmas trees and other plants seem to be made from light. Every year, designers incorporate several water features and fountains that result in ethereal reflections and pools that make the plants look like they’re floating.

As you walk through the Orangery and along the indoor garden path, plants are shaped into remarkable decorations. Whether it’s multi-colored succulents that become wreaths or flowers and vines trained into arches or orbs, the horticultural artistry is a level of insane creativity. When you add illuminated presents, thousands of ornaments, and gleaming icicles, the whole effect is mesmerizing. It’s what makes seeing the lights here one of the best things to do near Philadelphia at Christmas.

The historic house is decorated for the holidays

Built in 1730, the Peirce-du Pont House is the oldest remaining building on the estate and is always a popular spot to see. Not only is it an ideal place to warm up for a few minutes, but the house features information about the history of the du Pont family, the property, and the gardens along with artifacts and a film, if you want to learn more.

There are always several trees inside and out. The interior tree shimmers with hundreds of lights, and its sheer size makes it the focal point of the house. Wreaths, topiaries, and poinsettias decorate the windows and spaces within the glass conservatory. There is no shortage of garlands and greenery here.

Visitors of all ages love the Garden Railway

Around the garden, there are lots of spots designed to appeal to younger visitors, but it’s the Garden Railway that tops the list for most. For over 20 years, the miniature train has been a huge draw for kids and other lovers of locomotives. You can’t help but be drawn by watching it circle through the illuminated landscape.

Every season, designers create a multi-level miniature world for the dozens of engines and train cars to pass through. You’ll even find Thomas the Tank Engine chugging along. Altogether, they make their way along 500 feet of elevated track winding past flowering plants, woodland elements, and miniature buildings that are specially constructed every season. It’s a sight to behold.

You can warm up by the fire pits

The weather can sometimes be a bit brisk during the nearly two months that the lights are up from mid-November through early January. The three fire pits around the property provide the perfect opportunity to get some relief from the cold.

Fountain shows are festive

Fountain shows in the historic Open Air Theatre are one of the can’t miss experiences at Christmas. The water emerges from the floors of the theater lit in brilliant and ever-changing colors as everything moves in time with holiday music.

The fountain light shows run every day throughout the day and evening. While I like the show during the day, the colors and water synchronization at night is something special.

There are plenty of food options

Whether you’re looking for lunch, dinner, a snack, or a hot drink to warm up, there’s an option here that will fit the bill.

Longwood’s fine dining restaurant 1906 features dishes that change seasonally ranging from mushroom bisque to whole grilled seabass. (reservations are highly recommended at the holidays). For more informal meals, there in a lounge in 1906, or the Café offers a cafeteria-style option with soups, salads, sandwiches, and hot entrees. The Beer Garden right beside the Garden Railway offers barbecue, pizza, and beers from local favorite Victory Brewing Company.

Other food stands will keep you fueled with hot chocolate, spiked eggnog, warm cookies, and even donuts straight from the fryer.

Photo opportunities are all around

The stunning holiday scenery provides great backdrops for photos all around the property. During the day, you’ll be spoiled for choice with all the decorations. If you’re visiting at night, look for places that have a little bit more ambient light so that people’s faces will be visible in the photos.

The light tunnel is always a popular spot for photos. It’s 200 feet long, so, if you’re patient, it’s not too hard to get a nice shot without lots of people. The Peirce-du Pont House provides several good locations, especially by the Christmas trees. Almost everywhere in the Conservatory is also a good bet for a photo day or night—whether by the gorgeous trees in the main area or with the classical decorations in the Music Room, there are lots of options here.

There is lots of live music

Many nights throughout the holiday season, singers and musicians lend their talents to make the Longwood experience even more joyful.

The Olde Towne Carolers, who look like they just stepped out of a Victorian storybook, stroll through the outdoor gardens from Wednesday through Sunday in December. The Galena Brass band also entertains visitors with traditional and contemporary music between Christmas and New Year’s Eve. Every night, the grand organ in the Ballroom provides live music 5:00-8:00pm, and recorded songs play during other afternoon and evening hours.