Longwood Gardens is trading sleigh bells for shooting stars this holiday season. The world-famous garden in Kennett Square, Chester County, unveils its 2026 edition of A Longwood Christmas on Friday, Nov. 20, with a celestial theme inspired by the beauty and mystery of the cosmos. The display runs through Jan. 10, 2027, wrapping the 1,100-acre estate in more than half a million lights, galaxy-sized floral art, and the kind of horticultural spectacle Pierre S. du Pont's legacy is known for.
A Universe of Lights Indoors
The cosmic journey starts before guests even reach the conservatories. Images captured by the Hubble and James Webb space telescopes — recommended by the Space Telescope Science Institute — greet visitors in the Visitor Center. Inside the East Conservatory, a gilded supernova woven from vines anchors the scene, while the Exhibition Hall becomes a swirling galaxy of planet-like forms fashioned from moss and poinsettias.
Towering centerpieces include a 22-foot rotating Fraser fir wrapped in a glowing shooting-star garland on Center Walk. In the Music Room, an 18-foot fir revolves behind an astronomer's observatory tableau complete with alchemy instruments and the 1923 Porter Garden Telescope once owned by Longwood founder Pierre S. du Pont. Horticulture takes center stage throughout: thousands of poinsettias in more than 25 varieties, fragrant paperwhites, amaryllis, and living wreaths crafted from succulents.
Half a Million Lights Outdoors
Outside, more than half a million lights guide visitors past 100 decorated trees and illuminated displays. Stars and moons woven from grapevines dress the beloved Wildlife Tree along Flower Garden Drive, while oversized stars erupt like supernovas on the Small Lake. A refreshed Meadow Garden path leads past shooting-star shards and new half-moon arches to the ever-popular illuminated Meadow Tunnel.
The Garden Railway returns with a cosmic twist, and the Open Air Theatre's 750 fountains dance to holiday music daily. Seasonal carolers stroll the paths, musicians perform on select evenings, and the historic Longwood Organ plays daily from noon to 10 p.m. — a good excuse to arrive in daylight and stay for the glow.
Feasting on Holiday Cheer
The holiday menu is as layered as the light show. Taste of Christmas brings a festive buffet to The Fountain Room on select dates Dec. 20-24 and 26-30. The signature 1906 restaurant serves a three- or four-course prix-fixe menu, and the Beer Garden pours a garden-grown seasonal brew: Longwood Seasons: Pomegranate Ginger Winter Wheat Ale, made with Victory Brewing Company using ginger harvested on the grounds.
Plan Your Visit
A Longwood Christmas runs daily from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m., Nov. 20 through Jan. 10. Timed admission tickets are required at peak and non-peak pricing, and members must reserve as well — popular dates sell out, so book ahead at longwoodgardens.org. Dressing warmly and booking 1906 or Taste of Christmas early are both strongly recommended. Kennett Square, the self-proclaimed Mushroom Capital of the World, makes the trip into a full Chester County day out.
