Every year, it feels like something is missing until we visit Longwood Gardens, a historical garden and grounds in Kennett Square, PA. With themed events throughout the year, it’s become a tradition for my family to visit this Brandywine Valley, Pennsylvania, attraction in any season. My kids are always thrilled to watch the trains go over the bridges and under the tunnels at the Garden Railway, to admire the beautiful fountain shows during the summer, and to see the twinkle of over half a million lights at A Longwood Christmas. We’ve found that the garden is different every season, making no two visits alike. Scroll down for info on what to do at Longwood Gardens, and if you want to stay local, there are plenty of gardens in NJ to visit as well. (featured photo credit: Eileen Tercha, Longwood Gardens)

Longwood Gardens

A historic beginning and thriving future

In the early 1900s, wealthy entrepreneur Pierre S. du Pont purchased the grounds to preserve them after learning that the original Quaker farmstead was being sold. He created his first garden, a 600-foot-long Flower Garden Walk, and twenty years later, he built The Conservatory and opened the grounds to the public. Today, Longwood Gardens is known worldwide for its horticultural enrichment, and visitors come every year to view the indoor and outdoor horticultural displays across 1,100 acres, divided into six areas known as districts. Along with the outdoor gardens, the Conservatory District is the jewel of the gardens—it has retained many of its original plants since its opening in 1927. It offers lush displays year-round in rooms highlighting the light and beauty of the building’s 19th-century architecture. We are always in awe of the fountain shows with dazzling displays at the Open Air Theatre or the Main Fountain Garden, which shoots out 35,000 gallons of water daily during spring and summer. 

Spring blooms

As the weather warms and flowers begin to bloom in late March, everything erupts with color. It’s the time for flowering trees, tulips dotting the walkways, and the gardens bursting back into life. The Open Air Theatre comes alive in mid-April with a dazzling display set to music, and the Wisteria Garden alone is worth the visit in May to see the purple and white blooms. You also won’t want to miss the magnolias, ephemerals, and the Idea Garden (which now includes the redesigned Ornamental Kitchen Garden), with bulbs and artful botanical combinations emerging throughout the season. 

Summer at Longwood Gardens

Summer is magical at Longwood Gardens, where the flowers bloom all season, and over 1,700 jets of water shoot into the air during the Festival of Fountains from early May to late September. At night is when the magic happens—the fountains illuminate, and the light and water dance along to the accompanying live music. You can also stroll through the Rose Arbor or cool off in the Conservatory to check out the largest Aeolian organ ever constructed in a residential setting at Longwood Gardens. The organ comprises 10,010 pipes divided into 146 ranks, and its powerful sound echoes through the Conservatory. 

Fall at the gardens 

Don’t miss the fall season when the gardens change into a fiery medley of oranges, reds, yellows, and deep burgundy. Whether you are visiting for the Chrysanthemum Festival starting in October or to see Autumn’s Colors, fall is packed with fun displays. We always look forward to the Garden Railway—this whimsical model railway is a highlight of our trip, where dozens of diesel, steam, and specialty locomotives zoom around the tracks. Littles and bigs can anxiously watch as trains weave in and out of tunnels and peek out from behind buildings on over 500 feet of track. And for Thomas fans, spot everyone’s favorite train character and his friends zooming around the railway, which is a real treat.

Experience the Magic of the Illuminated Fountain Performances at Longwood Gardens

Running seasonally, the Illuminated Fountain Performances are a breathtaking blend of art, nature, and technology. Set against the backdrop of a beautifully landscaped five-acre garden, these 30-minute shows transform the night with choreographed jets of water that twist, spin, and soar in perfect sync with music and a vibrant spectrum of lights. Whether you’re seated near the action or standing back to take in the full view, this is an unforgettable evening experience for all ages.

Feast your eyes on holiday delights at Longwood Gardens

For a real seasonal treat, take a trip to see A Longwood Christmas when it twinkles with half a million lights along Flower Garden Drive starting on November 20, 2026, through January 10, 2027. Look out for this year’s Gem theme as you see the grounds, conservatory, and Large Lake decorated and illuminated. The 200-foot-long Meadow Tunnel, with nearly 20,000 sparkling lights, shifts from bright rainbow to soft colors for a galaxy effect. Outside, the treehouses are decorated and ready for kids to climb. The largest Canopy Cathedral Treehouse (inspired by a Norwegian Church) is two stories, but when you reach the top, you are rewarded with gorgeous views of the lights and the lake below. Indoors, the East Conservatory is home to the holiday exhibit, featuring flickering lights and trees. The stunning Exhibition Hall, including the Conservatory, features breathtaking attractions and is a favorite with our crew. 

New dining experiences at Longwood

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