Experience the radiance of retro and the nostalgia of Christmases past at Longwood Gardens’ Christmas display. Marvel at the playful trees adorned with throwback baubles and shimmering tinsel. Immerse yourself in a vintage Christmas street scene and a fab, festive holiday party. The gardens come alive with half-a-million shimmering lights, creating a magical atmosphere. Timed admission tickets are required for this seasonal exhibit, which is open from November 17, 2023, to January 7, 2024.
Key Takeaways:
- Longwood Gardens’ Christmas display offers a magical experience with retro-inspired decorations.
- The gardens are adorned with playful trees, vintage street scenes, and fab holiday parties.
- Half-a-million shimmering lights create a captivating atmosphere.
- This seasonal exhibit is open from November 17, 2023, to January 7, 2024.
- Timed admission tickets are required to visit the Longwood Gardens Christmas display.
Indoor Highlights
Step into Longwood Gardens’ warm and inviting Conservatory and be greeted by the enchanting holiday splendor. Explore a vintage holiday street scene decorated with glistening streetlamps and shimmering tinsel garland. Admire classic ornaments, shiny décor, and handcrafted elements reminiscent of the ’40s and ’50s.
The Music Room showcases a sophisticated holiday party scene with blush and mint furnishings, a mirrored bar, and a champagne-colored tinsel tree. The grand Conservatory is filled with thousands of colorful poinsettias, fragrant paperwhites, amaryllis, and other floral finery. Living wreaths made from succulents and other plants, a chandelier featuring white orchids, and ornaments crafted from various plants add to the horticultural artistry.
Immerse yourself in the vibrant displays, taking in the meticulously curated botanical beauty that surrounds you at every turn. Discover the Conservatory’s holiday transformation and embrace the magic of the season.
The Vintage Street Scene
“The vintage street scene takes visitors back in time, evoking memories of a bygone era. The attention to detail in the decorations and the nostalgic ambiance create a truly immersive experience.” – Visitor Review
A Feast for the Senses
As you wander through the Conservatory, let the sights, scents, and sounds transport you to a world of holiday wonder. The vibrant colors of the poinsettias, the delicate fragrance of the paperwhites, and the gentle rustling of the foliage create a multisensory experience that delights the senses.
A Showcase of Craftsmanship
The living wreaths, meticulously crafted from succulents and other plants, showcase the skill and artistry of Longwood Gardens’ horticultural team. Each wreath is a unique masterpiece, highlighting the beauty of nature in unexpected ways.
Among the vibrant displays, you’ll also find a stunning chandelier adorned with white orchids, illuminating the Conservatory with elegance and grace. These artistic installations demonstrate the creativity and dedication of the botanists and designers at Longwood Gardens.
Outdoor Highlights
Venture outside and be mesmerized by the half-a-million twinkling lights at Longwood Gardens. Take a holiday stroll down Flower Garden Drive and admire the enchanting light displays. Discover stars that have seemingly descended from the winter sky at the Large Lake. Marvel at a giant string of retro holiday lights whimsically tangled and floating on the Small Lake. The Wildlife Tree features birdfeeders crafted by Longwood Volunteers using colorful toy building blocks. Glowing luminarias line the pools of the Italian Water Garden, while a 24-foot-tall tree fashioned from holiday lights stands proudly in the center. Don’t miss the holiday Garden Railway, where miniature Longwood landmarks are decorated for the season.
As you step outside the warmth and splendor of the Conservatory, the outdoor wonders of Longwood Gardens await. The garden transforms into a magical wonderland with its twinkling lights and stunning illuminations. Take a leisurely holiday stroll down Flower Garden Drive, where you’ll be captivated by the shimmering light displays that turn the gardens into a breathtaking spectacle.
Continue your journey and find yourself enchanted by the stars that have seemingly descended from the winter sky, adorning the expansive Large Lake. These beautiful star-shaped lights add an ethereal touch to the outdoor landscape, creating a dreamy atmosphere.
As you explore further, you’ll encounter a delightful surprise at the Small Lake. A giant string of retro holiday lights whimsically tangles and floats above the water, evoking a sense of nostalgia and joy.
The Wildlife Tree, a unique creation by the Longwood Volunteers, showcases their creativity and dedication. Crafted using colorful toy building blocks, this tree features birdfeeders that attract various winged visitors, adding life and vibrant colors to the outdoor scenery.
Experience the captivating beauty of glowing luminarias as they gracefully line the pools of the Italian Water Garden. These luminous lanterns cast a warm and inviting glow, creating a serene ambiance amidst the surrounding natural splendor.
Standing tall and proud in the center of the gardens is a magnificent 24-foot-tall tree fashioned entirely from holiday lights. This awe-inspiring installation is a true testament to the artistry and craftsmanship that goes into creating Longwood Gardens’ outdoor holiday displays.
Lastly, immerse yourself in the holiday spirit with a visit to the Garden Railway. This charming miniature world showcases iconic Longwood Gardens landmarks adorned with festive decorations. Be delighted as you witness these intricately crafted scenes come to life.
Featured Artisans
Longwood Gardens collaborates with local artisans to enhance the beauty of their Christmas display. Two exceptional partners are Burning Branch Studio and GoggleWorks Center for the Arts.
Burning Branch Studio
Burning Branch Studio, located in Kirkwood, PA, is a renowned glass-blowing studio that offers classes and supports alternative art therapy programs. Led by skilled artisans, the studio specializes in creating exquisite glassware using traditional techniques combined with contemporary designs. The mesmerizing glassblowing demonstrations and workshops at Burning Branch Studio provide visitors with an immersive experience in the art of glass blowing. From delicate vases and intricate sculptures to functional pieces like bowls and goblets, the studio’s creations are a testament to the craftsmanship and creativity of their artists.
GoggleWorks Center for the Arts
GoggleWorks Center for the Arts, situated in downtown Reading, PA, is a vibrant creative space that offers a platform for artists to showcase their talent and engage with the community. With its diverse range of art studios, galleries, and exhibition spaces, GoggleWorks serves as a hub of artistic expression and exploration. The center is committed to fostering creativity through its arts education programs, from painting and ceramics to photography and woodworking. It also hosts community outreach programs and regularly curates thought-provoking exhibitions that reflect the voices and perspectives of emerging and established artists alike.
“At GoggleWorks, we believe in the transformative power of the arts. We provide a space where artists can freely create, collaborate, and inspire others. Our mission is to enrich lives through creative expression and cultivate connections within the community.”
By collaborating with Burning Branch Studio and GoggleWorks Center for the Arts, Longwood Gardens showcases the incredible talent and diversity of the local art scene. The intricate glasswork and vibrant artworks contribute to the immersive holiday experience, creating a fusion of nature, craftsmanship, and artistic ingenuity.
The Making of Floral Gowns
In collaboration with Drexel’s Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts & Design, Longwood Gardens embarked on an extraordinary design collaboration. They commissioned students and faculty to create two couture gown-like sculptures entirely made of botanical materials, resulting in stunning couture sculptures that blend art and nature seamlessly.
The first sculpture, known as the “Red Dress,” exudes movement, delicacy, and luxury. It incorporates over 200 preserved roses and 300 hydrangea bunches meticulously constructed to form a flowing gown. The vibrant hues and detailed craftsmanship make it a true masterpiece.
The second sculpture, aptly named the “Green Dress,” draws inspiration from woodland botanicals. It features a sculpted likeness of shelf mushrooms, moss, and roots intricately woven together to create a nature-inspired masterpiece. The attention to detail and precision in replicating the textures and forms of botanical elements is truly remarkable.
Both sculptures showcase the incredible artistic process of working with botanical materials. From the concept and design phase to the meticulous construction, each step is a labor of love and a testament to the creativity and talent of the design students involved in this project.
These couture sculptures demonstrate the endless possibilities that arise when combining the worlds of couture fashion and botanical beauty. Longwood Gardens’ collaboration with Drexel’s Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts & Design showcases the incredible potential that arises from fusing art, nature, and innovation.
| Sculpture | Description |
|---|---|
| Red Dress | This sculpture captures movement, delicacy, and luxury. It incorporates over 200 preserved roses and 300 hydrangea bunches. |
| Green Dress | This sculpture draws inspiration from woodland botanicals and features a sculpted likeness of shelf mushrooms, moss, and roots. |
These botanical sculptures exemplify the beauty and versatility of flowers, preserved and faux materials, and how they can be transformed into extraordinary works of art. Longwood Gardens’ commitment to artistic collaboration and innovative design is evident in these stunning couture sculptures.
About Longwood Gardens
Longwood Gardens, located near Kennett Square, PA, is a world-renowned horticultural display encompassing 1,100 acres of gardens, woodlands, meadows, and fountains. Founded in 1906 by Pierre S. du Pont, it is a living legacy that brings joy and inspiration through the beauty of nature, conservation, and learning.
Longwood Gardens features a 10,010-pipe Aeolian organ, a grand conservatory, and is one of the many gardens in the Philadelphia region known as America’s Garden Capital. Open daily, it offers visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the splendor of botanical beauty.
FAQ
What are the dates for Longwood Gardens’ Christmas display?
The Christmas display at Longwood Gardens is open from November 17, 2023, to January 7, 2024.
Are timed admission tickets required for the Christmas display?
Yes, timed admission tickets are required to visit Longwood Gardens’ Christmas display.
What can I expect to see at Longwood Gardens’ Christmas display?
At the Christmas display, you can expect to see playful trees adorned with throwback baubles and shimmering tinsel, a vintage Christmas street scene, a fab festive holiday party, and half-a-million shimmering lights creating a magical atmosphere.
What are the indoor highlights of Longwood Gardens’ Christmas display?
The indoor highlights include a vintage holiday street scene decorated with glistening streetlamps and shimmering tinsel garland, classic ornaments, shiny décor, handcrafted elements reminiscent of the ’40s and ’50s, and a Music Room showcasing a sophisticated holiday party scene.
What are the outdoor highlights of Longwood Gardens’ Christmas display?
The outdoor highlights include half-a-million twinkling lights, an enchanting light display along Flower Garden Drive, stars at the Large Lake, a giant string of retro holiday lights at the Small Lake, glowing luminarias in the Italian Water Garden, and a holiday Garden Railway featuring miniature Longwood landmarks decorated for the season.
Which local artisans collaborate with Longwood Gardens for the Christmas display?
Longwood Gardens collaborates with Burning Branch Studio, a glass-blowing studio located in Kirkwood, PA, and with GoggleWorks Center for the Arts, a creative space in downtown Reading, PA.
What are the featured sculptures made of for the Christmas display?
Longwood Gardens commissioned students and faculty from Drexel’s Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts & Design to create two couture gown-like sculptures entirely made of botanical materials. The sculptures, known as the “Red Dress” and the “Green Dress,” were designed and constructed using preserved, dried, and faux floral materials.
Can I visit Longwood Gardens outside of the Christmas display?
Yes, Longwood Gardens is open daily and offers visitors the chance to immerse themselves in the splendor of botanical beauty throughout the year.
