Getaways
Longwood Gardens Christmas 2026: Dates, Ticket Prices and Tips for a Day Trip From Haddonfield
The big holiday light show in Kennett Square opens Nov. 20. Here's when to go, what it costs, and how to save $7 a ticket.
A Longwood Christmas opens Friday, Nov. 20, and runs through Sunday, Jan. 10, 2027, at Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, Pa. The gardens are open daily from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m., and you need a timed ticket bought in advance. Adults pay $45 or $52 depending on the day, so picking your date well is the easiest money you'll save all season.
What it is this year
Longwood's theme for 2026 is the cosmos. Its announcement promises trees in celestial decorations, gilded decor and a lot of lights, both inside the conservatory and outside across the gardens. PhillyVoice puts the outdoor count at 500,000 lights. The outdoor lights are best after dark, so plan to arrive in the afternoon and stay into the evening.
Tickets and prices
All admission is by timed ticket for a set date and time. Per Longwood's price table:
| Who | Non-peak | Peak |
|---|---|---|
| Adults (16 to 64) | $45 | $52 |
| Youth (5 to 15) | $25 | $32 |
| Kids 4 and under | Free | Free |
| Museums for All and PA ACCESS cardholders | $8 | $8 |
Longwood's own press release lists youth as ages 5 to 18, while its price table says 5 to 15. Check the age rules when you buy.
Non-peak days: Monday through Thursday, Nov. 23 to Dec. 17, plus every day Jan. 4 to 10. Peak days: Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from Nov. 20 to Jan. 3, and every day from Dec. 18 to Jan. 3.
Members get in free but need a timed reservation every day of the show. Gardens Premium Members and Innovators don't.
Before Nov. 20: a quiet week
Don't try to sneak in early. From Nov. 16 to 19 Longwood is closed Monday and Tuesday, and on Wednesday and Thursday the conservatories are closed with only the outdoor gardens open until 5 p.m. That's install week.
Eating there
During the show, The Café is open daily 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. The Beer Garden runs weeknights from 4 to 10:30 p.m. and weekends from noon, weather permitting. The 1906 dining room needs a reservation through Tock or by phone at 610-388-5290. There's also a ticketed Taste of Christmas dinner in The Fountain Room, $136 for adults, and it doesn't include garden admission.
Making the trip from Haddonfield
Longwood is at 1001 Longwood Road, Kennett Square, west of Philadelphia, and parking is free, per PhillyVoice. Our advice as neighbors: a weeknight before Dec. 17 is the sweet spot. Cheaper tickets, smaller crowds, and you're home before it's late.
Sources
- Longwood Gardens: A Longwood Christmas
- Longwood Gardens: Hours
- Longwood Gardens: Visit and prices
- Longwood Gardens press release: A Cosmic Christmas
- PhillyVoice: Longwood Christmas 2026
Staying close to home that weekend? Haddonfield's own tree lighting, Santa parade and Candlelight Shopping dates are set.
Day trips worth the drive and the local stuff worth staying for: the Friday newsletter has both. Get it free.
FAQ
- When is A Longwood Christmas 2026?
- Nov. 20, 2026, through Jan. 10, 2027. The gardens are open daily from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.
- How much are Longwood Christmas tickets?
- Adults (16 to 64) pay $45 on non-peak days and $52 on peak days. Youth 5 to 15 pay $25 or $32. Kids 4 and under are free. Tickets are timed and bought in advance.
- Which days are cheaper?
- Non-peak days are Monday through Thursday from Nov. 23 to Dec. 17, and every day from Jan. 4 to 10.