Longwood Gardens Celebrates a Cosmic Christmas

A Longwood Christmas on view November 20, 2026, through January 10, 2027

KENNETT SQUARE, Pa., Oct. 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Longwood Gardens plans an out-of-this world display inspired by the beauty and the wonder of the stars and the cosmos this holiday season during A Longwood Christmas on view November 20, 2026, through January 10, 2027. The display transforms the Gardens into a universe of luminous lights, trees dripping in celestial-inspired decorations, horticulture grandeur, and gilded décor as the magic and mystery of the cosmos takes center stage. Timed Tickets to A Longwood Christmas are available now at longwoodgardens.org.

"Extending to the farthest reaches of the galaxy, nature's beauty shines like never before during A Longwood Christmas," says Jim Sutton, Director of Display Design. "Holiday décor has often looked to the sky for inspiration," says Sutton, "and 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 that showcase the wonder of the cosmos."

Display Highlights
A faraway galaxy greets guests as soon as they enter the Visitor Center, where images from the Hubble and James Webb space telescopes showcase the unmatched splendor of the universe. The images, recommended by the Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI), are just the beginning of a monumental journey through star-studded displays of astronomical proportions.

A gilded supernova of woven vines greets guests to the East Conservatory, while a swirling galaxy of planet-like forms fashioned from moss and poinsettias adorn the Exhibition Hall, with large Moravian stars and white orchid baskets glowing above. Towering trees shimmer throughout the conservatory, decorated in hues of gold, copper, white, and champagne. Giant handmade ornaments in metallic reds encircle a 22-foot rotating Frasier fir tree, wrapped in a lit shooting star garland on the Center Walk, while 18 baskets of Guzmania 'Hope' drift gracefully over the Conservatory lawn.

The Music Room is transformed into an astronomer's observatory, where a magnificent 18-foot Fraser fir slowly revolves, every branch shimmering with gilded ornaments in gold, crystal, and copper. Radiating cosmic brilliance, a floor to ceiling view of the cosmos serves as the backdrop to a display of alchemy instruments, equipment, books, journals, and gifts, as if the astronomer has only just stepped away to peer through the nearby 1923 Porter Garden Telescope, once owned by Longwood founder Pierre S. du Pont.  

Horticulture artistry carries its own wonder at every turn. Thousands of colorful poinsettias, featuring more than 25 varieties, fragrant paperwhites, and festive amaryllis fill the conservatories, alongside one-of-a-kind horticultural touches like living wreaths crafted from succulents and floral elements.

Community spirit lights up the historic ballroom, where trees are lovingly dressed in gold and glittering ornaments crafted by local organizations, including 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, Chester County Art Association, and Bellefonte Arts.

Large luminous moons in various phases light the Acacia Passage, while Asiatic lilies and birch branches glow warmly. In the orchid house, an ellipse hangs from the ceiling, ringed by four orchid baskets and golden armillary spheres with red cores.

The West Conservatory drifts into the ethereal with warm white lit orbs floating amidst chandelier-like baskets of Tradescantia 'pistachio.' Four Nordmann fir cut trees twinkle with lights nearby, embellished with lustrous dried elements and starry cyanotypes. A handcrafted bonsai forest showcases the unique architectural forms of a collection of blue atlas trees.

In the Peirce-du Pont House, a 15-foot Frasier fir is decorated with handmade mini metallic stargazing instruments, walnut-stained wood ornaments, 3D paper stars, and mercury glass ornaments.

Outdoor Highlights

Outside, more than half-a-million enchanting lights guide guests through the Gardens, past more than 100 decorated trees, illuminated displays, and otherworldly designs. Along Flower Garden Drive, shards of light lead to the popular Wildlife Tree, where stars and moons crafted from grapevines, and garlands of birchbark dress one of the season's favorite trees for both guests and furry friends alike. Each day, Longwood's volunteers replenish grain for visiting woodland creatures.

On the Small Lake, oversized stars burst with supernova-like light in blue and warm white against a backdrop of towering trees. Nearby, lights dance to holiday music in the Italian Water Garden.

Propelling the celestial theme throughout Longwood's Meadow Garden, a refreshed path guides guests past shooting-star shards and new half-moon lit arches before arriving at the ever-popular illuminated Meadow Tunnel.

The sounds of the season fill the Gardens as carolers stroll on paths, musicians perform on select evenings, and 750 jets dance to holiday favorites daily in the Open Air Theatre.

Elsewhere, the Holiday Tree glows in red, orange, and yellow with gold accents, a new starry lantern lights the Waterlily Court, and three treehouses transform into celebrations of sun, nebula and stars, and supernova. The Garden Railway delights young and old alike, as G-scale model engines, passenger cars, and holiday freight cars travel past miniature Longwood landmarks.

Culinary Delights

Savor the season at The Fountain Room during select Taste of Christmas culinary experiences December 20-24 and 26-30. Guests can enjoy exclusive access to an imaginative array of chef-prepared sweet, savory, and carved selections; decadent desserts; non-alcoholic beverages, including an enticing hot chocolate station; and house wines, seasonal local craft beers, and a themed cocktail. A cash bar will also be available. Special tickets are required in addition to Gardens admission.

A distinctive holiday dining experience awaits at 1906, Longwood's signature restaurant. Guests choose between a three- or four-course prix-fixe menu that can be paired with an award-winning selection of wine or cocktails. Open daily, reservations required via Tock.

"We curate a truly stellar holiday dining experience at 1906 that can be enjoyed by daylight or candlelight," says Executive Chef George Murkowicz. "Vegetables harvested from Longwood's Ornamental Kitchen Garden transcend the ordinary when added to the menu at 1906. Winter vegetables are roasted, charred, and caramelized into savory additions to plates and sauces."

The Café and Beer Garden offer seasonal fare, hot chocolate, local brews, and other holiday treats for guests to enjoy. In partnership with Victory Brewing Company, Longwood has created a special holiday brew made from ginger grown in the Gardens. Longwood Seasons: Pomegranate Ginger Winter Wheat Ale, a smooth and crisp seasonal beer, will be available in the Beer Garden during the holiday season. New this year, a Coffee and Cocoa stand featuring fresh pastries and more pops up in the East Conservatory.  

Holiday-inspired Classes

Opportunities to learn this holiday season range from DIYing handmade gifts to exploring new culinary avenues and creating incredible memories with family and friends. Find the full list of courses online at Longwoodgardens.org/education.

Holiday Needle Felt Shadowbox Workshop
Friday, November 6, 2026
9:00 am–12:00 pm
Fee: $105
Create a charming piece of fiber art in this hands-on holiday needle felting workshop led by fiber artist Sara Renzulli of Sarafina Fiber Arts.

From Garden to Garland: Creating a Christmas Tree Masterpiece
Saturday, November 7, 2026
9:00–10:30 am
Fee: $59
Join Longwood Outdoor Landscape Manager Roger Davis for an expert—and festive—look at how to decorate your Christmas tree.

Feeding Your Wintertime Backyard Birds
Sunday, November 8, 2026
2:00–3:30 pm
Fee: $45
Join owner of Wild Birds Unlimited (Hockessin, DE) Charles Shattuck to learn how to feed the birds in your backyard, particularly those that stick around through the winter months rather than migrate to warmer climates.

Tasting and Pairing Wines for the Holiday Table
Thursday, November 12, 2026
6:00–8:00 pm
Fee: $109
Prepare for the holiday season with confidence thanks to this festive wine tasting and pairing workshop. Guided by an expert, explore and taste a curated selection of wines chosen to complement the diverse flavors and traditions of the holiday table.

Seasonal Holiday Planter Workshop
Saturday, December 5, 2026
9:00–11:30 am
Fee: $149
Get festive and creative as you design and assemble a beautiful, long-lasting outdoor planter using fresh greenery, branches, and decorative accents.

Scandinavian-Inspired Holiday Floral Design
December 19, 2026
9:00 am–12:00 pm
Fee: $195
Embrace the simple beauty and cozy charm of Scandinavian holiday traditions in this festive floral design workshop.

The Gift of Longwood

The Garden Shop offers an eclectic selection of holiday ornaments, lights, festive home décor, gardening essentials, plants, and more. Themed ornaments as seen in the holiday display are available for purchase in the The Garden Shop. Plus, a new Waterlily Court ornament joins the collection of hand-painted ornaments featuring iconic Longwood locations. From handcrafted terrariums and potted plants that are both beautiful and easy to care for to unique creations by local artisans, finding the perfect holiday gift has never been easier. New this year, a popup Winter Shop debuts in the Topiary Garden, offering a selection of cozy items for guests to purchase.

For those with a passion for experiences, the gift of a Longwood membership not only supports the Gardens' mission of bringing joy to all through the beauty of nature, conservation, and learning, but also provides a year full of memorable moments. Memberships are available for one to nine people, and offer a multitude of benefits and experiences.

A Longwood Christmas is on view November 20, 2026, through January 10, 2027. Admission to the holiday display is by Timed Admission Ticket, with tickets purchased in advance for a specific date and time. Tickets are $45-$52 for adults and $25-$32 for Youth (ages 5-18). Members require free, timed reservations every day. Gardens Premium Members and Innovators do not require reservations. Tickets and reservations are available now at longwoodgardens.org.

Tickets for Taste of Christmas at The Fountain Room, are $136 for adults (ages 21+), $95 (ages 16-20); and $51 (ages 5-15); Kids ages 4 and under are free. Please note that Taste of Christmas tickets include the dining experience only, and Gardens Admission must be purchased separately and in advance via timed Admission Ticket or Member reservation.

About the Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI)

The Space Telescope Science Institute is expanding the frontiers of space astronomy by hosting the science operations center of the Hubble Space Telescope, the science and mission operations centers for the James Webb Space Telescope, and the science operations center for the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope. STScI also houses the Barbara A. Mikulski Archive for Space Telescopes (MAST) which is a NASA-funded project to support and provide to the astronomical community a variety of astronomical data archives, and is the data repository for the Hubble, Webb, Roman, Kepler, K2, TESS missions and more. STScI conducts world-class scientific research and brings science to the world through internationally recognized news, education, and public outreach programs. STScI is operated by the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy in Washington, DC.

About Longwood Gardens

In 1906, industrialist Pierre S. du Pont (1870-1954) purchased a small farm near Kennett Square, PA, to save a collection of historic trees from being sold for lumber. Today, Longwood Gardens is one of the world's great horticultural displays, encompassing 1,100 acres of dazzling gardens, woodlands, meadows, fountains, a 10,010-pipe Aeolian organ, and grand conservatory. Expanding on its commitment to conservation, in 2024 Longwood Gardens acquired the 505-acre Longwood at Granogue, a cultural landscape in nearby Wilmington, Delaware. Longwood Gardens is the living legacy of Pierre S. du Pont, bringing joy and inspiration to everyone through the beauty of nature, conservation, and learning. Open daily, Longwood is one of more than 30 gardens in the Philadelphia region known as America's Garden Capital. For more information, visit longwoodgardens.org. 

SOURCE Longwood Gardens