There seems to be a yearly tradition with most families to drive around neighborhoods to see multiple homes illuminated with fantastic lights and decorations. Other families tend to make Longwood Gardens a yearly tradition because it includes the fantastic Longwood Christmas.
Since moving to Pennsylvania, we have grown to discover great towns and areas with wonderful shows, attractions, and traditions. One that seems to spark a huge interest are the Longwood Gardens that are nestled around Kennett Square that is considered within the Brandywine Valley. They boast the world’s “premier horticultural showplace,” when it comes to the gardens and the most heralded event of the season when Christmas comes along.
During the year the Gardens are kept in beautiful shape during the year and then they are transformed into a spectacular show of lights, decorations, and Christmas trees.
There are floating Christmas trees in their lakes and schools come and decorate Christmas trees to place in an aread for the Children’s Christmas Tree section.
The visit proves to be very kid-friendly with ample space for strollers. Visitors are able to rent strollers or strollers are available for members at no cost.
The idea of walking around these beautiful grounds than staying in a car and looking at homes lighted up just pales in comparison. The time it took to make the even look so perfect too hours of work but it is worth it when the Longwood Gardens boasts more than 300,000 visitors to visit during this special time.
A Longwood Christmas runs from November 22, 2012 through January 6, 2013. This gives plenty of time for locals and members to come any time they want. If one happens to be a member of the gardens there is a special day called Member Mondays where members visit during 5-9pm and receive 20% discounts in the Garden Shop and The Terrace.
On December 10th and 17th starting at 5pm there is going to be a special Garden Pass Member-only Holiday evening, which means ONLY these members will be able to attend. Skip the crowds!
Even though our little family visited on a Tuesday it was definitely CRAZY busy. The outdoor lights turn on at 3:30pm but it is definitely required to buy a timed ticket. I have driven past the gardens only to see the sign letting the public know that all timed tickets from 1:30pm through 6pm were all sold out on a Wednesday. WOW!
Timed tickets are required and can be purchased ahead of time and even purchased online at tickets.longwoodgardens.org. Once the tickets are purchased and you arrive, you and your family can stay as long as you want.
You can also save time by attending on Non-Peak Days which means fewer crowds except during Christmas and New Year’s week. A lot of walking is required so comfortable shoes and clothing is recommended.
My sister and brother-in-law had a blast especially with taking pictures. There are a half a million lights, a ton of handcrafted ornaments and gorgeously decorated Conservatory with a fun Christmas route.
We cannot wait to get back to these gardens because my husband has YET to see this spectacular event. If you want to know more about being a member check out the General Membership Levels that Longwood Gardens has to offer. There is something for everyone. Check out all the performances for the season as well.
Remember to come during non-peak days which are Mondays thru Fridays. Saturday and Sunday will be the highest peak days so leave it to the visitors. 🙂
Here’s looking forward to the spring when I have yet to see what it looks like without the lights. I bet it will still be amazing.
Disclosure: In exchange for posting about Longwood Gardens, I received a family membership and attended a special blogger event. All opinions of Longwood Gardens are my own.
