A Longwood Christmas – Holiday Visiting Tips
For a holiday outdoor experience like no other, Wilmington area residents flock to Longwood Gardens in Brandywine Creek Valley, where whirling fountain features, thousands of seasonal plants and sparkling snowflakes get visitors into the Christmas spirit.
The gardens, lakes and manicured paths are bedecked with a half million twinkling lights, making this a cherished destination for family-friendly fun and holiday cheer. If you’re planning to enjoy a Longwood Christmas with your loved ones this year, here’s a round-up of what you can expect and tips to make your visit more comfortable.
Exploring a Longwood Christmas
Visitors will be wowed by the holiday glitter and glow of the conservatory’s focal point: a 24-foot Fraser fir gleaming with silver tinsel lights and blown-glass icicles. Dance to your favorite melodies at the Open Air Theatre, where towering fountains are perfectly synced to traditional holiday tunes.
A stroll down the garden’s Meadow Boardwalk reveals a massive maple tree with shimmering roots, and the Conservatory dazzles with hundreds of trees dripping with icicles and fountain-inspired glass ornaments.
Longwood’s Display Design team worked extra hard this year to incorporate fountain-inspired displays into every facet of the sprawling grounds. The Italian Water Garden features a floating 20-foot tree form illuminated with thousands of lights, and a miniature G scale model train rumbles through the festive landscape to the delight of children.
This year’s holiday displays also feature a brand new fire pit at the Hourglass Lake Pavillion, open on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. This is a cozy spot to sip hot cocoa and warm up after browsing the exhibits and displays.
Budding horticulturists will appreciate the garden’s spectacular winter blooms, which include Paperwhite Narcissus, Japanese Camellia, Poinsettia, Red-Hot-Poker and Scarlet-Plume.
Holiday visiting tips
A Longwood Christmas runs through January 10, 2016, and reservations are a must. Those who aren’t a member must purchase a timed admission ticket, which allows entry during a specific time.
Heed these tips for a hassle-free holiday visit:
- Plan your arrival before 2:00 pm to avoid afternoon traffic
- Go paperless and open your print-at-home admission tickets on your smartphone before arrival
- Allow extra time for travel — rush hour traffic peaks between 3:00 – 7:00 pm.
- Take advantage of free offsite parking that includes shuttle service to the gardens
- Outdoor lighting starts at 3 pm every day and the fountain shows run non-stop all evening
- Dress warmly for the winter weather
- To enjoy some fine dining at Longwood’s 1906 restaurant, make advance reservations online.
Historic charm of the Brandywine Valley
The Brandywine Valley and greater Wilmington area are home to dozens of special holiday events and attractions that underscore the rich history and culture of the region. If you’re planning to visit a Longwood Christmas this year and are considering a move to this vibrant area, we invite you to learn more about Montchanin Builder’s townhouses and condos in Delaware.
Whether you’re dreaming of a custom-built home or are looking for a move-in ready condo, our sales representatives are ready to assist. Call 302-655-2600 or contact us online at info@montchaninbuilders.net for more information.
