A Longwood Christmas November 21–January 11
A Longwood Christmas
November 21, 2025–January 11, 2026
It’s a real gem of a holiday season … as radiant and rare as the jewels and gems that inspired it.
Our Gardens transform into a living jewel box, where nature and elegance intertwine. Twinkling lights dance. Hues of emerald green, to ruby red, to bold sapphire shimmer all around you.
Every path leads to a new treasure to behold … and precious memories to make.
All that glitters is here, waiting to be discovered.
Want holiday updates, beautiful photos, and sell-out alerts?
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As Good as Gold
What Members and Innovators Need to Know Member reservations & tickets available now: longwoodgardens.org
Free Timed Member
Reservations Required Daily
Members may visit anytime, but require free, timed reservations every day during A Longwood Christmas from open to close. Member reservations should be made in advance as sell out is likely
Gardens Premium Members and those included in their Membership, as well as Innovators, do not require timed reservations.
With a timed Member reservation or timed ticket, you may enter the Gardens as early as a half-hour before (except for 10 am reservation or timed ticket) or a half-hour after your entry time. Later or earlier arrivals cannot be accommodated.
Once you enter the Gardens, you may stay as long as you wish. Please make sure you have everything you need before you enter, as there is no re-entry.
If your plans change and you’re no longer able to visit during your reserved day and time, we kindly ask that you cancel your reservation at longwoodgardens.org/cancel.
Member Guests & General Admission
Buy Before You Arrive · Timed Tickets Required · Tickets Limited Admission to A Longwood Christmas is by Timed Admission Ticket with tickets issued for a specific date and time. Guests not included in a Membership require a Timed Admission Ticket. We cannot accommodate a Member’s request for tickets if we are sold out. Please purchase in advance as tickets do sell out.
Complimentary Guest Tickets
Complimentary Guest Tickets are not valid on blackout dates during A Longwood Christmas
Blackout dates during A Longwood Christmas are all Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, November 21 through December 21, 2025, and every day December 22, 2025 through January 4, 2026.
Timed Admission Tickets or Member reservations are not needed with Complimentary Guest Tickets. Check your tickets as restrictions may apply.
Have a Gem of a Season
Make the most of your A Longwood Christmas visit with these tips.
Buy or Reserve Before You Arrive. Free timed Member reservations are required every day during A Longwood Christmas, except for Gardens Premium Members and Innovators. Please plan ahead and make your Member reservations in advance. View real-time ticket and Member reservation availability at longwoodgardens.org
Keep Timing in Mind. Looking to miss the evening rush of traffic? Reserve an early arrival time! Traffic may become heavy approaching Longwood Gardens between 2 and 8 pm. An early arrival time helps you miss the evening rush, as well as still have time to explore all the Brandywine Valley has to offer after your visit to the Gardens.
Know When to Use Complimentary Tickets. Many Complimentary Admission Tickets are not valid on blackout dates during A Longwood Christmas. Please see page 5 for more information.
Be Prepared to Park in Our Main or Remote Lot. Parking is free and our remote lot will be used as needed. Transportation is provided from our remote lot. Accessible parking with your permit is available in the main lot.
Get Ready for Entry. Print your Member reservations and tickets at home and be ready to show them upon entry. Going paperless? Open your tickets on your smartphone prior to entering the Visitor Center. Once you enter the Gardens, you may stay as long as you wish. Once you leave the Gardens, there is no re-entry, so please make sure you have everything you need before you enter.
Get Around the Gardens. Shuttle service is not provided. Limited mobility scooters and wheelchairs are available on a first-come, first-served basis, weather permitting. Guests must be 18 years or older to rent a mobility scooter. We encourage you to bring your own single rider device when possible.
Use Our Interactive Map. Visit longwoodgardens.org/maps/christmas on your smartphone to help navigate the display.
Experience Our Lights and Fountains. Our outdoor lights are on all day. Our Open Air Theatre fountain shows run daily at 10:15 am and every 15 minutes starting at 12 pm.
Dine With Us. Savor the season with 1906, The Café, Beer Garden (weather permitting), and concessions. Taste of Christmas in The Fountain Room is available on select days. Make a 1906 reservation or purchase tickets for Taste of Christmas at longwoodgardens.org/dine. Learn more on page 8.
Shop With Us. Extend our beauty into your home with a visit to The Garden Shop, stocked for the season with hand-picked gifts. As re-entry is not permitted, please shop prior to entering the admission queue or at the conclusion of your visit. You can also shop anytime at shop.longwoodgardens.org
Dazzling Dining
From exquisite experiences to festive favorites, find fantastic dining options for everyone.
1906
Reservations available daily 11 am–7:30 pm
Celebrate the holiday season with a culinary journey inspired by the bounty of our Ornamental Kitchen Garden. From soil to plate, our chefs honor the rhythm of the season, transforming heritage ingredients into festive expressions of flavor, thoughtfully crafted to evoke comfort, elegance, and joy.
Throughout A Longwood Christmas, enjoy a three-course or four-course prix fixe menu, available with or without wine pairings.
For menus and reservations, visit longwoodgardens.org/dine/1906
Taste of Christmas in
The Fountain Room
December 21–24
December 26–30
Reservations available 3–7:30 pm
Make your A Longwood Christmas experience even more spectacular with A Taste of Christmas in The Fountain Room—a festive dining experience nestled in the heart of our Gardens.
Warm up and unwind in this inviting space with stunning views of our holiday displays. Indulge in chef-crafted sweet and savory bites, carved-to-order specialties, decadent desserts, and a cozy hot chocolate station. Enjoy house wines, seasonal craft beers, and a themed cocktail—with premium options available for purchase. This openseating experience lets you come and go at your leisure, making it the perfect complement to your holiday visit.
Learn more and buy tickets at longwoodgardens.org/taste-of-christmas
The Café
Daily: 11 am–9 pm
Enjoy an à la carte menu suitable for the entire family, from readyto-eat sandwiches and salads, hot entrée selections to freshly prepared desserts.
Beer Garden
Monday–Friday: 4–10:30 pm
Saturday–Sunday: 12–10:30 pm
Weather permitting
Savor tasty pub fare paired with delicious Victory Brewing Company selections—including Mistletoe Mule Ale, brewed with fresh ginger from our Gardens.
Timeless Treasures
We’ve gathered just a few of the many treasures here this season in The Garden Shop and online. Looking for even more? Shop our complete holiday gift guide at longwoodgardens.org/ gift-guide.
Festive Finds
Gift festive finds that shine with holiday cheer, including a masterful new edition of Longwood Gardens Christmas (a must-have for every Longwood enthusiast!).
Kid-Approved Picks
Make their season magical with gifts kids will love—puppets to books, stocking stuffers, and more.
Garden Delights
Dazzle the green thumbs on your list.
Cozy Comforts
Snuggle up to warm apparel and home décor perfect for the season.
Signature Selections
Spread holiday joy with unique-toLongwood gifts.
Gift Our Gardens
Give the gift of joy and choice with our Garden Gift Cards and Gifts of Membership—an experience that lets them pick what they love or enjoy something special all year long.
Holiday Calendar
November
Garden Railway On View
Now–January 11, 2026
November 17
Closed for A Longwood Christmas Installation
The Garden Shop Closed
Art in Bloom: Rachel Ruysch 3–5:30 pm1
November 18
Closed for A Longwood Christmas Installation
The Garden Shop Closed Holiday Cocktail Workshop 6–7:30 pm1
November 19
Conservatories Closed for A Longwood Christmas Installation
Outdoor gardens open 10 am–5 pm
Member reservations not required
The Garden Shop Closed
Outdoor Holiday Lighting 101 4:30–7:30 pm1
November 20
Conservatories Closed for A Longwood Christmas Installation Outdoor gardens open 10 am–4 pm
Member reservations not required
The Garden Shop Closed
Plantology on Tap: A Longwood Christmas
The Creamery of Kennett Square Doors open at 5 pm, talk 6–7 pm1
A Longwood Christmas Innovator Preview 5–8 pm
Exclusively for Longwood Innovators
November 21
A Longwood Christmas On View Now–January 11
November 22
Handmade Holiday Greeting Cards 1:30–4:30 pm1
Harvest Abundance: A Deconstructed Cornucopia 2–5 pm1
November 25
Member Talk: The Making of A Longwood Christmas 2025 Fully Online 12–1 pm2
November 28
Olde Towne Carolers 4:30–8:30 pm
November 29
Olde Towne Carolers
4:30–8:30 pm
November 30
Olde Towne Carolers 4:30–8:30 pm
December
December 1
College and University Internship Program Applications Open3
International Internship and Training Program Applications Open3
December 2
Seasonal Holiday Planter Workshop 4–6:30 pm1
December 3
Pinecone Wreath Workshop 5–8 pm1
December 4
Olde Towne Carolers
4:30–8:30 pm
December 5
Olde Towne Carolers 4:30–8:30 pm
December 6
Winter Resident Birding 9–11 am1
Art in Bloom: John Singer Sargent 10–11:30 am1
Member Orientation 12:30 pm2
Holiday Village Workshop: Plaster Relief Ornaments The Creamery of Kennett Square 1–3 pm1
Olde Towne Carolers
4:30–8:30 pm
December 7
Christmas Conservatory En Plein Air 7–10 am1
Olde Towne Carolers 4:30–8:30 pm
December 8
Seasonal Transitions Floral Design: Fall to Winter 2–4 pm1
December 9
Holiday Smartphone Photography 3-part class
Begins December 91
Paper Poinsettias 1–4 pm1
Holiday Charcuterie Workshop 6–7:30 pm1
December 10
Open Photography Hours: A Longwood Christmas 7–10 am1
Olde Towne Carolers 4:30–8:30 pm
December 11
Deck the Table! 2–5 pm1
Olde Towne Carolers 4:30–8:30 pm
December 12
Olde Towne Carolers 4:30–8:30 pm
December 13
Poinsettia Perfection 9:30–11:30 am1
Family Workshop: Holiday Cookie Creations 10–11 am or 12–1 pm4
Terrarium Workshop: Creating Mini Conservatories 1–3 pm1
Holiday Village Workshop: Tabletop Trees
The Creamery of Kennett Square 1–3 pm1
Olde Towne Carolers
4:30–8:30 pm
December 14
Holiday Village Workshop: Snow Globe Terrariums
The Creamery of Kennett Square 1–3 pm1
Olde Towne Carolers
4:30–8:30 pm
December 15
Olde Towne Carolers
4:30–8:30 pm
December 16
Olde Towne Carolers
4:30–8:30 pm
December 17
Christmas in Black and White 3-part class
Begins December 171
Olde Towne Carolers
4:30–8:30 pm
December 18
The Culture of Chocolate 6–7:30 pm1
Olde Towne Carolers
4:30–8:30 pm
December 19
Olde Towne Carolers
4:30–8:30 pm
December 20
Holiday Cookie
Decorating Workshop
11 am–12:30 pm or 1–2:30 pm1
Olde Towne Carolers
4:30–8:30 pm
December 21
Olde Towne Carolers
4:30–8:30 pm
December 22
Olde Towne Carolers 4:30–8:30 pm
December 23
Olde Towne Carolers 4:30–8:30 pm
December 26
Olde Towne Carolers 4:30–8:30 pm
Galena Brass 6–9 pm
December 27
Olde Towne Carolers
4:30–8:30 pm
Galena Brass 6–9 pm
December 28
Olde Towne Carolers
4:30–8:30 pm
Galena Brass 6–9 pm
December 29
Olde Towne Carolers 4:30–8:30 pm
Galena Brass 6–9 pm
December 30
Olde Towne Carolers 4:30–8:30 pm
Galena Brass 6–9 pm
December 31
Celebrate New Year’s Eve
Galena Brass 4–9 pm
Outside of the Peirce-du Pont House
Olde Towne Carolers
4:30–8:30 pm
Throughout the Gardens
Polkadelphia 5–9 pm
Outside of the East Conservatory Entrance
Live Organ Music with David Christopher 5–7:30 pm Ballroom
Live Organ Music with Marc Cheban
7:30–10 pm Ballroom
January
January 6
Winter Seed Starting 5:30–7 pm1
Landscape Installation Management 4-part class Begins January 81
January 8
Introduction to Landscape Plants 6-part class Begins January 81
Landscape Installation Management 4-part class Begins January 81
January 10
Botanical Art Studio: Tropical Blooms 4-part class
Begins January 101
Introduction to Color Theory in Floral Design 5-part class Begins January 101
Garden-Inspired Still Life Painting 8–11:30 am1
Create Your Own Cabinet Greenhouse 9 am–1 pm1
January 12
Closed for A Longwood Christmas Removal
The Garden Shop Closed
January 13
Closed for A Longwood Christmas Removal The Garden Shop Closed
Horticulture
Education
Holiday Performances Members/Innovators
The Garden Shop
1 Advance registration required: longwoodgardens.org/enroll
2 Advance registration required: longwoodgardens.org/ membership
3 To apply: longwoodgardens.org/ education/college-universityprograms
4 Advance registration required: longwoodgardens.org/family-andyouth programs
Organ Music
Automated Organ Music: 12–5 pm and 8–10 pm daily
Live Organ Music: 5–8 pm daily
Enjoy the sounds of the season on The Longwood Organ, performed by organists:
Visit longwoodgardens.org/ christmas-organ-music for a schedule by date and performer.
Seating
Fun in Every Facet
Round out your visit with these can’t-miss holiday features.
Garden Railway
Daily: 10 am–11 pm
At our remarkable Garden Railway, located near the Beer Garden, miniature model trains rumble through a beautifully landscaped setting complete with twinkling lights.
Weather permitting
Open Air Theatre
Fountain Shows
Daily: 10:15 am and every 15 minutes beginning at 12 pm
Find delight with these stunning shows set to holiday music.
Weather permitting
Holiday Performances
The sounds of the season fill the air as the Olde Towne Carolers stroll the outdoor gardens, and Galena Brass performs outside of the Peirce-du Pont House on select dates. See the calendar for dates and times.
NEW! Holiday Carillon Sing-Alongs
Daily: 11 am, 12 pm, 1 pm, 2 pm, and 3 pm
Head to the Chimes Tower area and sing along to festive holiday music courtesy of our 62-bell, five-octave Longwood Carillon during this 15-minute automated playlist.
View the playlist and lyrics at longwoodgardens.org/carillon-singalongs
The True Gems of the Season
While this year’s A Longwood Christmas is a true gem, so too are the talented staff who make it all possible. From concept to creation, their creativity, artistry, and expertise are positively brilliant … and sure to dazzle you.
Here, a few of our many, many Longwood gems share their thoughts on the A Longwood Christmas features they brought to life … and all the treasures you can experience.
Wildlife Tree
Led by Senior Horticulturist Pandora Young
A perennial favorite, this year’s Wildlife Tree continues its tradition as both a stunning outdoor feature and a thoughtful source of nourishment for our furry and feathered friends. For this year’s creation, Young found inspiration in wildlife that makes its own jewels—oysters!
You’ll see that inspiration front and center by way of gilded oyster shells amid pearl garland, coconut shell seed cups filled with treats for wildlife, bundles of millet and dried flowers, and orbs that glow in hues of pink, purple, and teal. Young’s favorite part of creating the Wildlife Tree? “Knowing that it will feed wildlife and watching the wildlife come visit.”
Creating the tree along with Young are Volunteers Nancy Downs, Nancy Hiss, Kris Krueger, Nancy Papay, and Doredi Teti, as well as Research Specialist Kristie Lane Anderson.
West Conservatory Trees
Led by Horticulturists Jocelyn Kline and Avery Haislip
With five of our six West Conservatory trees set within the water and one on the pathway, these trees—swathed in a shimmering palette of lilac, champagne gold, and silver—look
as if they have emerged from the water, dripping in jewels and gems. Inspired by glowing amethyst caves, Kline and Haislip incorporated a bevy of ornaments and amazing, handmade elements—some with repurposed materials. Kline handpoured hundreds of resin gemstones, pieced together spools of chain, and placed each glass bed and gemstone onto the trees’ garlands. To Kline, one of her favorite parts of the display is “being able to use my crafty hobbies, and learn new creative skills, to create beautiful pieces of art.” Haislip created handmade himmeli ornaments, which combine elements of geometry and architecture, by hand-cutting brass wires and stringing them together to create each shape. After trialing several methods, she then filled the panels with an iridescent purple resin, creating a three-dimensional and realistic gem effect. “The subtle nuances of the forms of the himmeli ornaments, and how the light fills and shifts the resin, will add dimension and glow to the display,” shares Haislip. “Working through the trial and error of how to create the vision we wanted, and finding a technique that worked was such a fun and creative experience.”
Joining Kline and Haislip were Horticulturist Assistant Mike Ruther, Intern Sophia Holmes, and Volunteers Ann Engel, Patricia Capriotti, Sophia Cunningham, Tram Cao, and Pat Ollinger.
East Conservatory Tree
Led by Outdoor Landscape Manager Roger Davis and Horticulturist Jesse Armer
Our magnificent 24-foot-tall East Conservatory Tree is an absolute showstopper. Adorned with largerthan-life ruby gems and an ornament garland of red and gold, the tree slowly rotates, revealing its dazzling details from every angle. The tree is surrounded by ferns and poinsettias and further complemented by decadently decorated trees in the neighboring Patio of Oranges parterres. To Davis, it’s a place for “magical family memories” amid the large scale of the tree and its movement—and it’s a collaborative achievement. “Working together as a team to create something that so many will enjoy is my favorite part.”
Also instrumental to this towering stunner are Turfgrass Technician Matt Huskey, Horticulture Contract Manager Drew Lehrian, and Horticulturist Assistant Susan Meyers.
Gilded Gala: Music Room
Led by Senior Horticulturist Jess Thomson, Plant Heath Care Manager Beth Pantuliano, and Horticulturist Faith Redcay
Our Music Room has been transformed into a gilded gala of gemstones and jewels—complete with an 18-foot-tall cut tree dressed in jewel-toned ornaments, wrapped in a jaw-dropping red bow, and emerging from a giant jewelry box handcrafted by our carpenters. Nearby, a dining table is set for a fantastical dinner, graced with candles and candelabras, gilded dishware, crystal glasses, exaggerated jewel forms, and even spectacular gem specimens on loan from the Delaware Museum of Nature & Science. In each of the four corners, a gilded mirror is adorned in a different jewel theme: ruby, amethyst, sapphire, and emerald. Adjacent to the gilded gala is a jewelry boutique outfitted in hues of pearl and blush, cream to metallic.
Additional team members who have helped transform this spectacular space include Associate Director of Horticultural Operations Rachel McDonald, Horticulturist Assistant Sue Stein, Soils and Compost Manager Erik Stefferud, and Volunteer Cloey Devlin.
Orchid House
Led by Orchid Grower Meghan Robins
This year’s A Longwood Christmas serves as the first for our new Orchid Grower Meghan Robins—and we are delighted to welcome her. In the Orchid House, Robins treats us to three hanging orchid spheres that resemble colorful gems and hang from gilded chains. Amid those spheres are a series of chandeliers adorned with gold and crystal jewels.
To Robins, the intent is for guests to walk into a treasure room that not only showcases the gem-like spheres but also highlights the vibrant orchids throughout the space. “It was so exciting to see it all come together,” shares Robins. “I felt like a treasure hunter who had just found a stash of gemstones.”
Outdoor Lights
Led by Outdoor Landscape Manager Troy Sellers
More than half a million lights transform our outdoor gardens—and it’s all thanks to the incredible creativity and craftsmanship of a team of dozens of horticulturists, arborists, craftspeople, and volunteers who bring it all to life.
Led by Outdoor Landscape Manager Troy Sellers, this year’s outdoor lighting features are beyond spectacular. “We want our guests to feel completely immersed” shares Sellers—and you absolutely will. While exploring our outdoor display, you’ll experience 14- to 18-foot-tall glowing gem forms floating on our Large Lake—each one handcrafted by our talented carpenters and metalworkers. A walk along the Meadow Boardwalk is a journey among vibrant shards and blossoms of light as they radiate along to a soundscape inspired by the rhythms of nature.
Also new this year is a showstopping display of more than 5,000 shimmering globes of light carefully laid in a mesmerizing grid on the West Conservatory lawn. Presented by S4 Lights, this breathtaking display shifts in waves of color and light, creating a dynamic, ever-changing spectacle.
Winter Wonder
On View
January 16–March 22, 2026
Step into a world where winter melts away.
Inside our glasshouses, an oasis of warmth and color defies the season. Vibrant blooms unfurl like brushstrokes on a canvas. Tropical palms stretch skyward. Lush greenery surrounds you in a gentle embrace.
Here, nature thrives, inspires, and invites you to linger. To wander. To rediscover wonder.
Winter at Longwood: warmth grows here.
Gardens Information
Gardens and The Garden Shop
Hours
A Longwood Christmas
November 21, 2025–January 11, 2026
Daily: 10 am–11 pm
1906 Hours
Daily: 11 am–7:30 pm
Please Note
Our Gardens, The Garden Shop, and 1906 are closed November 17 and 18 as we prepare for A Longwood Christmas. Our outdoor gardens only will be open November 19 from 10 am to 5 pm and November 20 from 10 am to 4 pm.
Tickets
Gardens Admission
Adults: $45
Youth (5–18): $25
Children 4 & under: Free Members and Innovators: Free
Member Reservations
Free timed Member reservations required every day during A Longwood Christmas from open to close.
Gardens Premium Members and guests included in their Membership, as well as Innovators, do not require timed reservations throughout A Longwood Christmas.
If your plans change and you're no longer able to visit during your reserved day and time, we kindly ask that you cancel your reservation at longwoodgardens.org/cancel
Blackout dates not valid for Complimentary Guest Tickets
All Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, November 21 through December 21, 2025, and every day December 22, 2025 through January 4, 2026.
More Details
Visit longwoodgardens.org for more details. Prices and hours are subject to change.
For Your Convenience
Longwood Gardens covers many acres. There are no shuttles within the Gardens. We’re happy to offer non-motorized wheelchairs, electric scooters, and children’s strollers on a first-come basis. Children’s strollers are available for a fee (complimentary for Members and Innovators). Supply limited; reservations not accepted. Scooters are not available during rainy, snowy, or freezing weather.
Parking
Longwood offers free parking for our guests. Transportation is provided between remote parking and the Gardens.
Follow Us
@LongwoodGardens #LongwoodGardens #LongwoodChristmas
Phone: 610.388.1000 Website: longwoodgardens.org
Free WiFi available: Connect to FreeGardenWIFI
Our Gardens are smoke-free.
Photography credits: Holden Barnes, Laurie Carrozzino, Hank Davis, Bob Doerr, Adelyn Duchala, Kelly Giarrocco, Carol Gross, Becca Mathias, Evan Sung, and Daniel Traub
Illustration credit: Rebecca Clarke
© 2025 Longwood Gardens
