Our Blog

This rare horticultural gem first came to Longwood nearly 70 years ago, and we use that original plant to propagate a crop each year for A Longwood Christmas.

Inspired by the graceful branching and informal upright style of a Japanese maple, our meticulously hand-carved and cast gem bonsai sculpture celebrates both tradition and transformation, with a surface that shimmers with gemstone-like facets.

What awaits you in our Ballroom is pure inspiration, individuality, and creative expression, reminding us that when we come together to create, the result is nothing short of brilliant.

A Longwood Christmas dazzles with more than half a million lights transforming our outdoor gardens—and it’s all thanks to the incredible creativity and craftmanship of a team of dozens of horticulturists, arborists, craftspeople, and volunteers who make the magic happen.

For the first time, we’re highlighting our Continuing Education programs with a Christmas tree entirely designed and created by Continuing Education floral design students and volunteers.

Our East Conservatory tree adorned with jewel-toned ornaments, including nearly 100 handmade geode-inspired ornaments. Learn how we created these beauties, and how you can do so, too.

As our Gardens transform into a glittering wonderland, our culinary team invites you to experience dishes that are simple, elegant, and inspired by the garden itself.

Magic is all this and more for the seven local art centers who created the spectacular ornaments that grace the beautiful Ballroom trees for this year’s A Longwood Christmas display.

We have transformed our elegant Music Room into a lavish peppermint palace ready to host a formal ball … and we’ve quite literally rolled out the red carpet for you.

A staggering work of art with delicate, fine details that is not only as a nod to the translucency and beauty of the nearby new West Conservatory—but as an homage to the dexterity and dedication of those who designed and created it.

It’s the very first A Longwood Christmas for 1906 and The Fountain Room and we are absolutely delighted to share the magic of the season with you. . Follow along as we share the magic (and the recipes!) of two exceptional dishes. 

We’re thrilled to welcome you to an unparalleled new chapter in our legacy—a 17-acre expansion and reimagination of our grounds, serving as the most ambitious undertaking in our history. With the addition of these 17 acres of new gardens, new landscapes, and new buildings are many more opportunities for holiday magic.

Our Garden Shop has gone above and beyond to bring that magic to life in the form of heartfelt keepsakes, one-of-a-kind handmade finds, apparel, and so much more … so you can take home some of the magic.

Our remarkable Garden Railway has delighted guests of all ages for 24 years now … and how this multi-level world in miniature all comes together is no small feat.

A new way to create, explore, connect—and get ready for the holidays—is now here at Longwood by way of our new Studios.

With this year’s A Longwood Christmas season, we have had so much fun not only celebrating all things retro—but also sharing the immense creativity and talents of the many, many makers behind this spectacular display.

This year’s A Longwood Christmas display is bursting with festive trees, throwback toys, a vintage Christmas street scene, and much more … including seven trees in our Ballroom dressed in beautiful ornaments crafted by children from seven local youth-serving organizations.

A party wouldn’t be complete without fabulous glassware—and in the Music Room we’re proudly showcasing fantastic glass trees, candy dishes, and more crafted by two local nonprofit organizations—GoggleWorks Center for the Arts (Reading, PA) and Burning Branch Studio (Kirkwood, PA).

From living wreaths, to floral chandeliers, to creative ornaments, we’ve had so much fun rolling up our sleeves and hand-creating for the season.

Originally intended to be used as a farm truck on a private farm in Port Deposit, Maryland, this 1969 International Loadstar 1800 stake body dump truck sat unused for 20 years on the farm before it made its way to our Gardens—and into our hearts.