Of all the noteworthy cultural institutions nestled in the beautiful countryside of the Brandywine Valley, none is more naturally beautiful to behold than Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, Pa.
And in this season of light, visitors here need only imagine being dropped onto the set of a high-budget holiday movie that pulls out the stops.
WHAT: Longwood Gardens
Kennett Square, PA 19248
DISTANCE: 96 miles from D.C.
Ticket prices and admission times:
longwoodgardens.org
Aficionados of over-the-top decoration, families on an outing, photographers and horticulturalists will marvel at the splendor of a Longwood Gardens Christmas beginning Nov. 26 and running through Jan. 10, 2009. The short trip from Washington, D.C., will be rewarded in spectacular floral displays and stunning trees enveloped in a half-million outdoor lights. Fountains dance while skaters glide under cool, starry skies. Indoors in the 4.5-acre heated conservatory, thousands of poinsettias are accented with flourishing amaryllis, narcissus, begonias, cyclamen and tulips.
Christmas trees dressed in unforgettable finery stand tall with sparkling panache.
“During a Longwood Christmas, I enjoy the display in the Exhibition Hall,” Communications Manager Trish Evans said. “Each year our horticulture team devises something amazing to see [that is] beautiful and memorable.”
Indeed, this year in Longwood’s Exhibition Hall, dazzling lighted icicles hang from a vaulted glass ceiling over an ornate, 85-foot-long “carpet” of living plants. The East Conservatory is home to Longwood’s largest indoor tree, a 28-foot-tall Douglas fir decorated with 800 cobalt blue butterfly ornaments. All the while, living trees, wreaths and garlands define the walking paths.
But a Longwood Gardens Christmas is not merely to witness — it is a winter wonderland to be a part of. Breakfasts with Santa will be served Dec. 12, 13, 19 and 20 at 8 and 9:30 a.m. A festive Yuletide Buffet and carving station welcomes visitors Dec. 19-23 and Dec. 26-31 from 3 to 8 p.m. The ticket price includes gardens admission — a good opportunity to walk off the meal!
Anyone who has visited Longwood Gardens knows that the outdoor fountains are often the star attraction. This year they “dance” to holiday music. Indoors, the ballroom bids guests sing along to music performed on Longwood’s newly renovated 10,010-pipe organ.
New Year’s Eve features activities for the whole family as it remains open until 10 p.m.
Whether Christmas is the most beautiful time of year at Longwood Gardens is always a subject of debate among its visitors.
“Longwood is ever-changing; each season is unique and offers a new experience for our guests,” Evans said. “[At] Christmas, holiday magic is found around every turn. Longwood never disappoints.”
