KENNETT SQUARE, PA — Stars, supernovas and shimmering galaxies will fill Longwood Gardens this holiday season as “A Longwood Christmas” transforms the conservatories and outdoor gardens into a celebration inspired by the cosmos.
Running Nov. 20 through Jan. 10, the display will pair Longwood’s holiday horticulture with celestial designs, more than half a million outdoor lights, more than 100 decorated trees and images of deep space. Timed admission tickets are available now.
“Holiday décor has often looked to the sky for inspiration,” Director of Display Design Jim Sutton said. “This year we have created memorable moments for our guests that not only highlight the beauty of the holiday season and the extraordinary horticulture Longwood is known for, but also showcase the wonder of the cosmos.”
The journey begins in the Visitor Center with images from the Hubble and James Webb space telescopes recommended by the Space Telescope Science Institute.
Inside the conservatories, the celestial theme grows more elaborate. A gilded supernova fashioned from woven vines welcomes visitors to the East Conservatory, while moss and poinsettias form a swirling galaxy in the Exhibition Hall beneath Moravian stars and baskets of white orchids.
A 22-foot rotating Fraser fir on the Center Walk will be surrounded by giant handmade ornaments in metallic reds and wrapped in a lighted shooting-star garland. Thousands of poinsettias representing more than 25 varieties will join paperwhites, amaryllis and living wreaths crafted with succulents and floral elements throughout the conservatories.
An Observatory for the Holidays
The Music Room will become an astronomer’s observatory, centered around a slowly rotating 18-foot Fraser fir decorated with gold, crystal and copper ornaments.
A floor-to-ceiling view of the cosmos will provide the backdrop for alchemy instruments, books, journals and other objects suggesting an astronomer has momentarily stepped away. The scene incorporates a 1923 Porter Garden Telescope once owned by Longwood founder Pierre S. du Pont.
Community organizations will also leave their mark on the celebration. Trees in the historic ballroom will feature gold and glittering ornaments made by groups including the Chester County Art Association, Philadelphia Society of Botanical Illustrators, Space 1026, Philly Dye Club, Centered Clay Studio, Sarafina Fiber Art Inc., Mudslingers Pottery Studio, The Stained Glass Project: Windows that Open Doors, Rockdale Arts District and Bellefonte Arts.
Event Details
- What: A Longwood Christmas
- When: November 20, 2026–January 10, 2027; timed admission required
- Where: Longwood Gardens, 1001 Longwood Road, Kennett Square, PA 19348
- Cost/Tickets: Adults $45–$52; youth ages 5–18 $25–$32. Members require free timed reservations each day; Gardens Premium Members and Innovators do not require reservations.
- More Info: longwoodgardens.org
Half a Million Lights Under the Night Sky
Outside, more than half a million lights will guide visitors past more than 100 decorated trees and illuminated installations.
Oversized stars will appear to burst above the Small Lake in blue and warm white light, while the Italian Water Garden will feature lights synchronized to holiday music. The Meadow Garden will lead visitors past shooting-star shards and new illuminated half-moon arches on the way to the Meadow Tunnel.
The popular Wildlife Tree will take on the cosmic theme with grapevine stars and moons and garlands of birch bark. Longwood volunteers will continue replenishing grain each day for woodland creatures that visit the tree.
Three treehouses will become celebrations of the sun, nebula and stars, and supernova. The Garden Railway will return with G-scale engines, passenger cars and holiday freight cars traveling among miniature versions of Longwood landmarks.
Music will accompany the displays, with strolling carolers and musicians on select evenings. In the Open Air Theatre, 750 jets will dance to holiday music daily.
Holiday Flavors Join the Celebration
The celestial theme will extend to Longwood’s seasonal dining.
The Fountain Room will offer Taste of Christmas experiences Dec. 20-24 and Dec. 26-30, featuring chef-prepared sweet, savory and carved selections, desserts, nonalcoholic drinks and a hot chocolate station, along with wine, seasonal local craft beer and a themed cocktail. Separate tickets are required in addition to Gardens admission.
At 1906, guests can choose three- or four-course prix-fixe dining, with reservations required. The Café and Beer Garden will also serve seasonal fare, hot chocolate and other holiday treats.
Longwood and Victory Brewing Company have partnered on a seasonal beer made with ginger grown in the Gardens. Longwood Seasons: Pomegranate Ginger Winter Wheat Ale will be available in the Beer Garden, while a new Coffee and Cocoa stand with pastries will pop up in the East Conservatory.
For visitors who want to bring some of the season home, Longwood will also offer holiday workshops ranging from decorating Christmas trees and creating seasonal planters to floral design, needle felting, backyard bird feeding and holiday wine pairing.
The Garden Shop will carry ornaments inspired by the displays, including a new hand-painted Waterlily Court ornament, while a new Winter Shop in the Topiary Garden will offer another stop for seasonal gifts.
From deep-space imagery at the entrance to illuminated moons, stars and galaxies throughout the grounds, this year’s “A Longwood Christmas” looks beyond traditional holiday scenery and toward the night sky for its inspiration.
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