Get ready for a blast from the past this holiday season, as A Longwood Christmas, November 17, 2023, through January 7, 2024, takes you on a nostalgic journey. Longwood Gardens transforms into a radiant, retro wonderland where festive trees, adorned with everything from glimmering tinsel to vintage ornaments, take visitors back to yesteryear. Outside, you'll be greeted by over half a million twinkling lights, some super-sized surprises, and tuneful carolers strolling through the Gardens. Inside, well, you’ll just have to see it to believe it...
A Longwood Christmas
- Nov 22, 2024 - Jan 12, 2025
- Longwood Gardens
Indoor Delights
Inside Longwood's cozy Conservatory, you'll find a treasure trove of holiday magic. Get ready to be transported to a fab, festive holiday party with a vintage street scene featuring gleaming streetlamps and tinsel garlands above. Classic ornaments, shiny decorations and handcrafted elements reminiscent of the '40s and '50s are playfully sprinkled throughout the dazzling displays. The Music Room steals the show with mid-century vibes, blush and mint furnishings, and a charming champagne-colored tinsel tree adorned with glimmering white, pink and green ornaments. Keep an eye out for unique glassware handcrafted by local artisans from Goggleworks Center for the Arts and Burning Branch Studio.
Other highlights include a towering 24-foot grand fir dressed in traditional red and green, and an 18-foot-tall rotating tree that boasts vintage lights, red and silver tinsel, beaded garlands, and ornaments that grow in size as they cascade down. Inside Longwood's historic Ballroom, community spirit shines with seven trees adorned with ornaments lovingly crafted by local nonprofit organizations. Of course, horticultural splendor is woven throughout the Conservatory, with thousands of vibrant poinsettias, fragrant paperwhites, amaryllis, begonias, and more. Marvel at living wreaths crafted from succulents, a chandelier adorned with white phalaenopsis orchids, and ornaments made from an array of plants—a testament to Longwood's talented horticulturists.
Outdoor Wonders
Outside, a world of enchantment awaits with over half a million dazzling lights guiding your holiday stroll. Wander down Flower Garden Drive under a canopy of enchanting lights and visit the Large Lake, where stars from the winter sky appear to have graced Longwood. Look out for a playful giant string of retro holiday lights playfully floating on the Small Lake. The beloved Wildlife Tree boasts birdfeeders crafted by Longwood volunteers from colorful toy building blocks, enticing furry friends for a treat. Glowing luminarias line the pools of the Italian Water Garden, and a 24-foot-tall tree crafted from holiday lights stands proudly in the center. Follow the flickering lights along the Meadow Boardwalk, leading all to a 200-foot-long shimmering light tunnel that changes colors and patterns. It makes for the perfect photo op to capture those memorable photo moments perfect for your 2023 holiday cards. Just outside the Peirce-du Pont House, a cheerful red 1969 'Longwood Farms' truck adds a touch of nostalgia with freshly cut Christmas trees in the back—evoking memories of family trips to the Christmas tree farm. The International Loadstar 1800 truck's exterior has been restored for a classic family photo opportunity. Families of all ages will be enchanted by the holiday Garden Railway, passing miniature Longwood landmarks.
The Main Fountain Garden showcases a 150-foot-long light tunnel with a captivating light show. Meanwhile, the Chimes Tower basin hosts a 30-foot-tall floating tree, decked out with stunning icy elements. After taking in the enchanting sights, warm up by one of the inviting fire pits. Immerse yourself in the sounds of the season, with strolling carolers on select evenings and daily fountain shows in the Open-Air Theatre. The Café and Beer Garden offer delectable fare, hot chocolate and other festive treats. The full-service dining room, dating back to 1906, is open daily with reservations available via opentable.com.
Don't miss out on this whimsical holiday spectacle. Tickets are available now for timed admission, so you can choose the date and time that suits you best. Members enjoy free timed reservations daily, while Gardens Premium members and innovators are exempt from reservations. Secure your tickets and reservations today at longwoodgardens.org.