Walk through a tunnel of lights, where every step feels like a holiday dream!

What to See at Longwood Christmas

There is so much to see and to at a Longwood Christmas! And this year is special because it is the first Longwood Christmas since the garden has been re-imagined, which has been three years in the making and has led to new indoor spaces, new gardens, and new dining experiences. 

We enjoyed the myriad of brilliantly illuminated displays, refreshments you could grab on the go and warming up beside the fire pits as we listened to festive musical performances. You can expect to travel through holiday light tunnels, be dazzled by giant holiday sculptures, feel envious of their tastefully decorated Christmas trees, and witness lakes topped with giant floating lit up sculptures. 

Our family is soaked up the festive spirit in the Garden Garden Railway.

Garden Railway

The top attraction for our family and probably most families with young children was the Garden Railway. Decked out for the holiday with what seemed like miles of twinkling lights, this display boasts dozens of locomotives, steam engines, diesel engines, and the super popular Thomas the Tank Engine! There are benches to sit on and take a break around this display of nearly 500 feet of train track and it is located near the beer garden, which has casual food options you can grab. 

Look out over the gardens from the tree houses located along the forest walk. 

Tree Houses

Located in the forest walk not far from the Garden Railway are two tree houses that our kids fell in love with. The Lookout Loft is an Adirondack-inspired tree house with views of the nearby meadow that was lit up with orbs. And then there was the Birdhouse, the tallest of the tree houses that offers a bird’s eye view of the gardens. I am not sure if the Canopy Cathedral in the lake area is technically a tree house, but our kids loved it just as much. It is modeled like a Norwegian style church and with its whimsical interior and grandiose view of the lakes thrilled our kids, and all the other kids running through it. 

Bring on the holiday cheer with the dazzling features in the Main Conservatory. 

Main Conservatory

Stop in the Main Conservatory where you are sure to be amazed by their massive variety of poinsettias and a 24-foot grand fir tree situated around water features. While you are there, check out the music room off to the side which is packed full of exquisitely decorated holiday trees. 

Located inside the main conservatory is the indoor children’s garden. If you have younger kids, you do not want to miss this! This 4,000 square foot space boasts a bamboo maze, a dripping cave, hidden bugs, intricate architecture, animal sculptures and of course many, many plants. Our kids loved the water feature (prepare for them to get a little wet), painting with water, and the mist maker! 

Open Air Theater

Our kids were absolutely hypnotized by the fountain show held at the Open Air Theater. I don’t think ours were the only ones as we noticed multiple other families also sitting through multiple rounds of the show, which consists of brilliantly lit up fountains dancing to music. This is a good spot to sit in the stands and take a break while your kids are entertained, and if you are feeling peckish perhaps stop for a snack on your way over to enjoy the show. 

Tips for Visiting a Longwood Christmas with Kids

We were there for four hours and could have spent more time, really. I realize not everybody with young children is as inspired by the holiday lights as we are, but expect to spend 2-4 hours. This means be sure to wear comfortable shoes, bring a stroller for younger children, lots of water, and since outdoor food is not allowed, prepare to eat something while there. For more casual grab and go options check out the beer garden by the Garden Railway and for a formal sit-down meal there is 1906 Fine Dining by the Main Conservatory. Check out the map for locations, but there were several bathrooms and the one by main conservatory has a nursing room. 

We brought a double stroller and we had no trouble getting around with it. If you have younger kids, you will need a stroller or baby carrier since the grounds are large and your day will consist of a lot of walking and standing. Keep in mind the gardens are indoors and outdoors, so wear layers so you can remove some clothes in the warm greenhouse areas and be prepared for the weather. 

Know Before You Go:

• Longwood Gardens is located about an hour from Philadelphia. 
• For a Longwood Christmas you must buy timed tickets and arrive within a half hour of your reservation. Parking is free and plentiful, but the earlier you arrive the closer you will be able to park to the entrance.
• Longwood Christmas runs from the weekend before Thanksgiving through the beginning of January. Hours are 10 am to 11 pm, however, the last entrance to the garden is 9:30 pm. 
• Reserve your tickets well in advance. 
• Wear layers and be prepared for the weather. Bring a stroller or baby carrier for young children and be prepared to walk. 
• Outside food is not permitted but there is a casual grab and go dining option and a more formal dining option at the garden.

Photos by the author