seasonal highlights: holiday

A Longwood Christmas November 22–January 6

HOLI

DAY

We’ll put stars in your eyes this holiday season as you wander through half a million twinkling lights, watch illuminated fountains dance to festive music, and hear the sounds of the season during daily performances.

Our warm Conservatory beckons with more than 10,000 fragrant and colorful holiday plants on display, lavish, star-laden trees soaring as high as 22 feet, and an extravagant holiday table set for 48 special guests.

Welcome to the magic and beauty of A Longwood Christmas.

A Longwood Christmas On view November 22–January 6

Plan Your Visit to A Longwood Christmas

Buy Before You ArriveTimed Tickets RequiredTickets Limited, Sell Out Likely

Peak DaysSaturdays and Sundays andDecember 26–31

Peak Day hours: 9 am–10 pmVisit late–After 8 pm is great!

Adults: $25Seniors ages 62+: $22Students with student ID: $11Children 4 & under: FreeMembers: Free, Reservationsrequired after 2 pm. Reservations limited.

Remember, Members Visit for Free!See all Member

details on p. 5-6

Non-Peak DaysMonday–Friday,Excluding December 26–31

Non-Peak Day hours: 9 am–9 pmCrowds are lighter prices are lower!

Adults: $18Seniors ages 62+: $15Students with student ID: $8Children 4 & under: FreeMembers: Free, No reservations required.

Puchase timed tickets today at longwoodgardens.org or by calling 610.388.1000

Member Reservations & Bringing Guests

Members require free reservations after 2 pm on Peak Days during A Longwood Christmas. Chimes Tower Members and guests included in their Membership Level do not require reservations.

Guests not included in a Membership require a timed admission ticket. Encourage your guests to purchase timed admission tickets before they arrive to avoid disappointment. We cannot accommodate a Member’s request for tickets if we are sold out. Complimentary Guest Tickets may not be used on Peak Days.

Make your free Member and Member Guest reservations today:longwoodgardens.org 610.388.1000

*Reservations are limited

Bringing Guests?

Member Reservations

Chimes Tower Members

experience holiday magic

any time! Learn about

upgrading to a Chimes Tower

Level Membership today

at longwoodgardens.org.

Members

Guests Included in Membership Level

Chimes Tower Members & Guests Included in Chimes Tower Membership Level

All Other Guests

Using your Complimentary Guest Tickets

Non-Peak DaysMonday-Friday, Excluding December 26–31

Come as you wish, no reservations required



Timed Admission Tickets required. See p. 3–4.

Accepted

Peak DaysSaturdays and Sundays and December 26–31

Free reservations required after 2 pm

Free reservations required after 2 pm


Timed Admission Tickets required. See p. 3–4.

Not Accepted

Beat the crowds and bring guests with ease during exclusive Members-only hours on these four Mondays from 5–9 pm.

Members can bring guests using complimentary guest tickets, or can purchase timed tickets on-site.

More Member Mondays! Nov. 26, Dec. 3, 10 & 17

Glittering Discounts & Seasonal Sounds

Members receive 20%

discounts all day at the Terrace

and The GardenShop. Enjoy

holiday carolers and strolling

performers throughout the

Gardens on these evenings, too! See the calendar for details.

Visiting Tips For the brightest experience in our Gardens

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Timed Admission Tickets are required for all guests that are not Members. Timed tickets sell out quickly, so purchase early to avoid disappointment. You will choose the date and start time of your visit upon purchase.

Members require free reservations after 2 pm on Peak Days during A Longwood Christmas. Reserve in advance at longwoodgardens.org or by calling 610.388.1000. Members, come as you wish, without reservations, on Non-Peak Days.

Chimes Tower Members and guests included in their Membership Level do not require reservations at any time.

Guests included in Rose Arbor, Garden Plus, and Individual Plus Membership Levels require free reservations after 2 pm on Peak Days.

Once you enter the Gardens, you may stay as long as you wish.

If you wish to leave the Gardens and re-enter, please be sure to stamp your hand.

A Longwood Christmas is indoors and outdoors. Please dress accordingly and wear comfortable shoes.

Allow ample travel time as traffic may become heavy approaching Longwood Gardens between 3 and 7 pm.

Peak Days are the most popular times for guests and Members to visit during the holidays. Visit late–After 8 pm is great!

Parking is free. Remote parking is used if needed.

As a courtesy to all guests, flash photography after dark is prohibited.

Send your e-mail address to [email protected], like us on Facebook, and follow us @longwoodgardens on Twitter to get real-time ticket sell out alerts and holiday updates!

November

22 A Longwood Christmas

On View November 22–January 6

Thanksgiving Buffet

Sold Out

23 Organ Sing-Alongs2, 3, 4, 6, 7 & 8 pm



26 Hand-Painted Christmas Ornaments Sold Out Organ Sing-Alongs

2, 3 & 4 pm St. Mark’s High School Concert Choir7 & 8 pm

Season’s Greetings strolling performers 5–9 pm

Member MondayExclusive Members-only hours, 5–9 pm. Members save 20% in The GardenShop and The Terrace.

27 Organ Sing-Alongs

2, 3 & 4 pm

Temple University Concert Choir 7 & 8 pm


2, 3 & 4 pm The Concord High School Chorale 7 & 8 pm


2, 3 & 4 pm

Clearview Regional High

School Vocale Ensemble 7 & 8 pm

30 Suburban Forests!

9 am–12 pm *

Organ Sing-Alongs 2, 3, 4, 6, 7 & 8 pm

December

1 A Gardener’s Holiday Wreath– Bring the Outside In Sold Out

Christmas Critters– Natural Ornaments

Sold Out Organ Sing-Alongs 2, 3, 4, 6, 7 & 8 pm

2 Danú–An Irish Christmas 3 & 7 pm 2

Calendar of Events

3 Organ Sing-Alongs 2, 3 & 4 pm

Main Line Ringers 7 & 8 pm

Olde Town Carolers 5–9 pm Member Monday

Exclusive Members-only hours, 5–9 pm. Members save 20% in The GardenShop and The Terrace.

4 Organ Sing-Alongs

2, 3 & 4 pm

Inspirational Choir of St. Paul’s Baptist Church 7 & 8 pm

5 Organ Sing-Alongs

2, 3 & 4 pm

Cherry Hill High School, The Belles of East Madrigals 7 & 8 pm

Quilled Snowflake Ornaments Sold Out

6 Organ Sing-Alongs

2 & 3 pm

Holiday Jazz with John Pizzarelli 8 pm 2

7 Organ Sing-Alongs

2, 3, 4, 6, 7 & 8 pm

8 Breakfast with Santa

Sold Out

Holiday Table Lights Sold Out Stunning Holiday Centerpieces Sold Out Organ Sing-Alongs

2, 3, 4, 6, 7 & 8 pm


Sold Out



2, 3 & 4 pm Chester County Choral Society 7 & 8 pm

Season’s Greetings strolling performers 5–9 pm

Member Monday Exclusive Members-only hours, 5–9 pm. Members save 20% in The GardenShop and The Terrace.


2, 3 & 4 pm

Jersey Sound Chorus of Sweet Adelines Int’l 7 & 8 pm


2, 3 & 4 pm

A Cappella Pops7 & 8 pm


2, 3 & 4 pm

Gwynedd Mercy Academy High School Chorale 7 & 8 pm

14 Floral Fun Traditional Christmas

Sold Out Organ Sing-Alongs 2, 3, 4, 6, 7 & 8 pm


Sold Out



Sold Out



2, 3 & 4 pm

Wilmington Handbell Ensemble 7 & 8 pm

Olde Town Carolers 5–9 pm

Member Monday Exclusive Members-only hours, 5–9 pm. Members save 20% in The GardenShop and The Terrace.


2, 3 & 4 pm

Valley Forge Chorale 7 & 8 pm


2, 3 & 4 pm

Haddonfield Memorial High School Madrigal Singers 7 & 8 pm


2, 3 & 4 pm Upper Darby High School Encore Singers 7 & 8 pm


2, 3, 4, 6, 7 & 8 pm


Sold Out



2, 3, 4, 6, 7 & 8 pm


2, 3, 4, 6, 7 & 8 pm


2, 3, 4, 6, 7 & 8 pm


2, 3, 4, 6, 7 & 8 pm


2, 3, 4, 6, 7 & 8 pm


2, 3, 4, 6, 7 & 8 pm


2, 3, 4, 6, 7 & 8 pm


2, 3, 4, 6, 7 & 8 pm

31 Rob Dickenson and

The Brandywine Christmas Minstrels 2–8 pm Organ Music 3–9 pm PartiGras Band 4–9 pm Wilmington Handbell Ensemble 4–9 pm Frank the Dog Barbershop Quartet 6–9 pm

January

1 Organ Sing-Alongs

2, 3 & 4 pm

Organ Concerts: Justin Hartz 6, 7 & 8 pm

5 Organ Concerts: Justin Hartz

6, 7 & 8 pm

6 Organ Concerts: Marc Cheban

6, 7, & 8 pm

7 Plant Illustration Studio

6-part class January 7, 14, 21, 28 February 4, 11 12:30–3 pm *

18 Floral Fun: Visit the

Island of Dominica 10 am–12 pm *

19 Comprehensive

Wedding Design 4-part class January 19, 20 January 26, 27 9 am–4 pm *

Joe Lovano Us Five 8 pm 2

Orchid Extravaganza January 19–March 24 Escape the cold of winter during Orchid Extravaganza. Explore a lush world of orchids where thousands of colorful blooms drape from walls, flow from baskets, and form captivating archways in artful displays.

Horticulture

Holiday Dining Events

Holiday Performances, Free with Gardens Admission

Ticketed Performances Continuing Education Classesand Workshops Member Mondays

1 Special ticket required: longwoodgardens.org 610.388.1000

2 Special ticket required: ticketphiladelphia.org 215.893.1999

* Advanced registration & fee required: ce-registration.longwoodgardens.org, 610.388.5454. For a complete list of our Continuing Education opportunities visit us online. Members save 10%.

The class you want sold out? E-mail [email protected] or call 610.388.5454 to request a copy of our full-year Continuing Education catalog.

The Member event you want sold out? Make sure we have your e-mail address at [email protected] to receive notifications when registration opens.

Please note: Limited tickets for special events

Unwrap the History of A Longwood Christmas

(1) Even though our holiday theme may change from year to year, A Longwood Christmas has a history that dates back to December 23, 1921. Our founder Pierre S. du Pont and his wife, Alice du Pont, initiated a festive tradition of holiday sharing by hosting parties from 1921 to 1942 for the families of Longwood employees— featuring a spectacularly decorated Christmas tree and holiday music. One of the brightest highlights for the children in attendance was receiving gifts from Pierre and Alice. In 1957, Longwood Gardens opened its Christmas celebration to the public for the first time. Today we continue this tradition and welcome over 300,000 guests every holiday season.

Star Light, Star Bright

(2) Enjoy more lights than ever before as 15,000 additional lights are twinkling in our starry wonderland. Upon entering the Gardens, marvel at our century-old American elm lit for the very first time with never-before-used cascades of hanging lights. Another first will be making a splash in the Main Fountain Garden as we introduce a 12-foot fountain light structure created by our craftsmen. Designed to replicate the magical fountain shows that delight our guests all summer, the unique lighting treatment mimics the movement of water. Of course, stars will be shining around every turn with the addition of many starry light features making us twinkle like the night sky!

A Handmade Christmas

(3) Countless staff, students, and volunteers work all year, masterfully crafting A Longwood Christmas. This

extraordinary effort creates a sense of community and one-of-a-kind displays. To celebrate our star theme, thousands of decorative elements were crafted out of wood, paper, glass, metal, and natural materials! Note these exceptional additions to our display: sparkling starbursts made of natural materials and delicately cut paper ornaments hanging in The Terrace; branches of delicate leaves twisting their way up the white, rotating tree in the East Conservatory; natural ornaments that keep our wildlife fed on the popular wildlife tree near the Canopy Cathedral, and much more.

Trimming Our First Agave Tree

(4) There is a living first that stands 14 feet high in the Silver Garden this holiday season—our first Christmas tree made entirely from agave plants. A project that shows off the expertise of our gardeners and metal craftsmen, this special tree is comprised of 134 individually potted agave plants nestled in a custom-built metal frame that spans 7 feet in diameter. Our horticulture team chose Agave ‘Blue Flame’ for two reasons—its unique star shape and its complimentary feel of the Silver Garden. To give this tree an extra twinkle, it’s adorned with clusters of silver glass balls. Like the sound of this garden highlight? Be sure to see another horticulture first that we’re unveiling in the Tropical Terrace—a tree made of 225 Orange Spice™ poinsettias.

The Stars Align in the Music Room (5) The Music Room will be taking our star-laden theme to galaxies far, far away, with three exciting telescopes on display this holiday season. Two fully functioning telescopes are brass reproductions of the 1896 Baush & Lomb telescopes—and come to us on

Star-Worthy Highlights

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loan from The Franklin Institute. However, one telescope is a star in its own right. Our own Porter Garden Telescope has caused a stir in the telescope community since its discovery among our artifacts. It is one of the very few existing telescopes (#54 of the original 60 produced) by The Porter Telescope Company. Russell W. Porter, founder of the amateur telescope-making movement in America, designed and patented this fully operational 6-inch f/4 telescope in the 1920s.

Light Lives On

(6) Our summer nights came alive with thousands of lights during our exhibition Light: Installations by Bruce Munro (June 9–September 29, 2012). But what happened to the 27,000 illuminated flower stems, 17,388 1-litre recycled plastic bottles, 235 miles of bare optic fiber, and 762 hand blown glass spheres now that Light has closed? This autumn, Munro’s team removed nearly all installations and packaged them for return to the

A Twinkling Garden Railway A G-scale model train display is ready to spark the imaginations of our youngest holiday guests! Our Garden Railway is outdoors and runs during regular Gardens hours, weather permitting, through January 6, 2013.

UK. The artist plans to reuse this material in future installations. All elements that could not be saved were recycled. For example 0.85 tons of plastic from the Water Towers installations were recycled locally and some of the caps have been donated to an organization collecting them for education in third world countries. The sage featured in the Arrow Spring installation was composted on-site and will be used for future planting material throughout our Gardens. Keep in mind, although elements from the exhibition will be featured in future Munro installations, the experience will never be the same; Munro’s work is inspired by the landscape in which it’s intended. Learn more about future exhibitions at www.brucemunro.co.uk.

Experiences For All to Enjoy

Holiday Fountain Shows in the Open Air Theatre During A Longwood Christmas fountain shows run on the hour from 10 am–3 pm, and every 5 minutes beginning at 3:30 pm.

Registration Opens November 19 for 2013 Continuing Education Courses Homeowners, hobby gardeners, those with an interest in floral design or visual arts, horticulturists, and landscape professionals will all find Continuing Education courses, workshops, and more that fit your needs and your schedule. Our classes are an eclectic mix of useful and practical information brought to you by our experts in the unmatched setting of our Gardens. Your 2013 course catalog will be arriving in the mail soon. On-line registration and full class listings are available November 19 at 10 am at longwoodgardens.org.

Many courses sell out quickly, register early to avoid disappointment.

Lively Daily Programs There is so much to do, see, and hear in our Gardens every day. Get a behind-the-scenes look at how we grow our plants for A Longwood Christmas on a Production Greenhouse tour ($4, $3 Members), sing your favorite holiday tunes with fellow guests during organ sing-alongs, enjoy numerous free holiday concerts, and much more. Check our website or inquire in the Visitor Center for a detailed listing of programs on the day of your visit.

The Stars of Our Holiday Performances An Nollaig in Éirinn with Danú Sunday, December 2 3 & 7 pm Irish ensemble Danú celebrates a traditional Irish Christmas with An Nollaig in Éirinn. Danú takes its audiences on a musical journey to their native Ireland with their tribute to traditional Irish Christmas celebrations.

Performance: The Ballroom$40 Reserved seating$34 Members

Holiday Jazz with John Pizzarelli Thursday, December 6 8 pm Jazz up your holiday season with John Pizzarelli—a world-renowned jazz guitarist and singer. He is part of a select group of Ella Fitzgerald Award winners. Performance: The Ballroom $45 Reserved seating $38 Members

Jazz Series Joe Lovano Us Five featuring James Weidman, Esperanza Spalding, Francisco Mela, Otis Brown III Saturday, January 19 8 pm

A World of Music Series

Ladysmith Black Mambazo Saturday, January 26 8 pm

Winter 2013 Performances

Pick 3, Save 10% Build your own concert series and save 10%. This discount can be applied

when tickets to three separate performances are purchased in one transaction. Discount applies to performances sold through Ticket Philadelphia only.

Wine & Dine Look for this dining symbol to make a reservation for a prix-fixe,

pre-performance dinner in our fine dining restaurant, 1906. Three gourmet courses, $41. Reservations made via opentable.com or by calling 610.388.1000.

Meet the Artist Look for the coffee symbol to enjoy a complimentary coffee reception with

the artist after select performances.

Tickets Unless otherwise noted, tickets are sold via Ticket Philadelphia: ticketphiladelphia.org / 215.893.1999.

Classical Series

Leila Josefowicz, violin Thursday, February 21 8 pm

A World of Music Series

Molly Ringwald Great American Songbook Saturday, February 23 8 pm

OrKID Days OrKID Days are fun for the whole family and help our youngest visitors appreciate gardens through music! Enjoy a free family concert and explore orchids first-hand at discovery stations.

OrKID Day Concerts Free with Gardens admission. Concerts are at noon & 2 pm

Kim & Reggie Harris Monday, January 21 Family friendly music about the underground railroad.

Two of a Kind Monday, February 18 Upbeat and interactive children’s music about the environment.

Leave winter at the front door and enter our Conservatory where thousands of orchids drape from walls, flow from baskets, and form towering arches in this colorful display.

Throughout 2013 we also invite you to see beyond our beauty as we open the doors to our work spaces, introduce you to our talented staff, and reveal the inspiration, ideas, and ingenuity behind all that we do!

Orchid Extravaganza On view January 19–March 24

Arpeggio Jazz Ensemble Saturday, March 16 Jazz concert for kids.

Gardens Hours

November 22–January 6A Longwood Christmas9 am–9 pm

Peak Days and December 26–31, 9 am–10 pm

Tickets

Buy Before You Arrive • Timed Admission Tickets Required • Tickets Limited Timed tickets are required to experience A Longwood Christmas.

Member ReservationsMembers require free reservations after 2 pm on Peak Days during A Longwood Christmas. Chimes Tower Level Members do not require reservations.

Members can make reservations via longwoodgardens.org or by calling 610.388.1000.

Peak and Non-Peak Days during A Longwood Christmas

Non-Peak DaysAll Mondays–Fridays excluding December 26–31.

General Admission / Non-Peak Day AdmissionAdults: $18Seniors ages 62+: $15Students with student ID: $8Children 4 & under: Free Members: Free, No reservations required. Become a Member to enjoy Members-only evenings, 5–9 pm, on Nov. 26, Dec. 3, 10, & 17.

Peak DaysAll Saturdays and Sundays and December 26–31.

Peak Day AdmissionAdults: $25Seniors ages 62+: $22Students with student ID: $11Children ages 4 & under: FreeMembers: Free, Reservations required after 2 pm. Reservations limited.

Prices and hours are subject to change

Dining at The TerraceThe Terrace is a Certified Green Restaurant through the Green Restaurant Association and offers two dining experiences, open daily:

The CaféEnjoy casual fare made from fresh seasonal ingredients.

1906Savor this artful, full-service dining experience. Reservations made via opentable.com or by calling 610.388.1000.

For Your ConvenienceLongwood Gardens covers many acres. There are no shuttles within the Gardens. We’re happy to offer the following:

Non-motorized wheelchairs, electric scooters, and children’s strollers. Limited supply available.

Rentals are free for Members, but Member guests will be charged a fee.

Scooters are not available during rainy, snowy, or freezing weather.

During periods of high visitation and Peak Days, electric scooters are not permitted inside the Conservatory.

Become a MemberMake our world yours—become a Member today. Membership pays for itself in two visits.

Stay Connected

Join in the conversation & “Like” us on Facebook at Facebook.com/LongwoodGardens

Phone: 610.388.1000Website: longwoodgardens.org

Gardens Information

Photography credits: Larry Albee, Longwood Gardens, Corriette Schoenaerts, and Daniel Traub

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seasonal highlights: holiday

Documents

member guest reservations

reservations requiredcome

pmfree reservations

free member

longwood christmas

puchase timed tickets

special guests

limitedbringing guests