Christmas in Paradise at Longwood Gardens
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A Longwood Christmas is one of Pennsylvania’s most incredible holiday traditions. It’s a bit of a drive out of Philly, but so worth it as one of the state’s most festive events. Since moving to a suburb of Philadelphia, I would easily put this on my list of the top holiday events in and around Philly. Almost the entirety of this incredible 1077 acre botanical garden is adorned with holiday cheer.
Asides from taking in the sights & fresh scents of more than 16,000 plants in the regular gardens, you will also get to enjoy more than a half million colorful lights. Add in wonderful synchronized shows, live concerts, and dozens of festively decorated trees and it really is a feast for the senses. I really loved the colorful displays and beautiful poinsettias everywhere.
Tickets are timed entry which helps to disperse the crowds a bit, although this is still one of the metro’s most popular events. You will want to book your tickets sometime in the afternoon (1-2:00 is ideal), which gives you plenty of time to check out the massive indoor conservatory before strolling the grounds at night to take in the holiday lights. I don’t recommend arriving too much later or you might run out of time.
Poinsettias everywhere!
I’ve always loved gardens that decorate with poinsettias this time of year. This plant is native to Guatemala and Mexico, making it one of the few holiday plants native to the Americas. Walking around the warm atrium filled with colorful tropical plants and poinsettias really feels like Christmas in Paradise. On a side note, there is a great old Lifetime movie of the same name from 2007 which filmed in Puerto Rico.
Not only is visiting the conservatory a welcome break from the chilly winter season, but it is also fun to see a different tropical side to the season. I love that they have poinsettias on display in every color range: pink, gold, and red, and even a tree decked out!
Conservatory highlights
Beautiful lighted trees, festive ornaments, many varieties of poinsettia, and a 400 foot entwined ribbon are a few of the seasonal highlights. Take a look at the fabulous seasonal touches. Everywhere I looked, I was so impressed with how colorful and beautiful everything looked. It was definitely a magical experience that got me in the mood for the holidays. While it was quite crowded, this didn’t take at all away from the magic of the event for me personally.
Outdoor lights extravaganza
The lighting display and decor is not just limited to the indoors. This is what I like best about this event: there is just so much to see. There are 2 wonderful synchronized fountain shows featuring holiday tunes and over 500,000 lights. The lights are strung so beautifully – they definitely didn’t just throw them up in a few days.
On a side note, it can get pretty chilly at night, so do bundle up and plan on bringing a hat and gloves even if the temps are mild during the day. If you do get cold, simply head over to one of the cozy fire pits (there are 3 scattered around the grounds) or grab a hot cocoa.
This might be one of the most gorgeous trees I’ve ever seen!
One of the festive fountain show synchronized to holiday tunes. Don’t miss it!
The gorgeous year-round gardens
In addition to enjoying the special holiday shows and displays, you will also get to enjoy the regular gardens. It’s so warm and cozy to stroll through the conservatory on a brisk winter today. I have highlighted a few beautiful sections in this photo guide.
The gardens, while beautiful to see anytime of year, really shine during the winter season. The conservatory is pretty large at 4 acres, so plan for at least an hour to stroll through all 20 gardens, leisurely admiring all the plants. I’ve been to numerous gardens around the country and this is the most impressive in my opinion. You can check out my beautiful gardens bucket list for more ideas.
There is a lot to take in, so visiting during a non peak period will enable you to appreciate the beauty more. Some of the highlights here include an incredible bonsai collection, the Mediterranean Garden, and a gorgeous tropical collection.
I have always loved bonsai trees. They are just so fascinating. I don’t have the skill or patience required to maintain them, but I love looking at them at gardens throughout the US. The collection here is stunning!
The tropical gardens are gorgeous, and so inviting during the cold winter season. I found this section really fresh and uplifting during this bleak time of the year. I love all the little waterfalls. This rooms smells so fresh and green – a great temporary break from the barren winter trees.
The type of flowers you will see depends on the time of year. Here’s what was blooming during our winter visit.
A bit of history
Pierre duPont, American businessman & entrepreneur, purchased the property in 1906, mainly as a way to preserve the trees as a lumber mill operator was going to cut down the trees for timber.
The Pierce duPont house is now open to the public for tours. The house was built in 1730 and used by the du Ponts until 1954. Pierce was an American businessman and entrepreneur, and grandson of the founder of DuPont Chemical. Take a look at the beautiful decor inside the house.
To this day, the garden continues to carry on the legacy of duPont’s love for gardens and fountains.
The Music Room features the first organ console and one of Pierre S. du Pont’s two Steinway concert grand pianos. With the help of Shane Confectionery (America’s oldest candy shop), the room has been transformed into a whimsical nostalgic candy shop.
Tips for a great visit
Avoid weekends if possible. This is one of the state’s most popular holiday attractions and it can get crowded on weekends, despite the timed entry.
Avoid morning time slots. Mid afternoon tickets are the best value as you will have the best opportunity to view both inside and outside attractions.
Check the lineup of special seasonal events and performances in advance and plan your visit accordingly.
Dress in layers and bring extra winter clothes for walking around at night.
Dining options
Skip the overpriced 1906 restaurant and opt for a quick affordable meal at The Cafe. Here you will find an assortment of dishes in a cafeteria style setting. The vegan chili and mushroom soup we tried were both delicious! Wine, seasonal beers, and special holiday meals are also available. There is also a beer garden where you can enjoy comfort bar food like Bavarian pretzels, pizza, and burgers.
Although you can enter and leave to eat, it’s not worth the hassle in my opinion. I recommend dining on-site to save yourself some stress.
Location/Admission
Address: 1001 Longwood Rd, Kennett Square, PA 19348
2025 holiday event dates: November 21, 2005- January 11, 2026. Pricing: $42 per adult, $24 for ages 5-18. Pricing and dates subject to change. Please check with the gardens. Also, note timed tickets are required.
Hours/ticket pricing varies throughout the year. Check the Garden website for more details on this event as well as accessibility options.
