Longwood Gardens’ A very Retro Christmas
Chester County’s Brandywine Valley turns the twinkly lights all the way up this holiday season. From the literal more than a half a million lights of A Longwood Christmas to three evening holiday parades, the region invites you to Imagine Another Night with friends and family.
Experience the magic at Longwood Gardens as never before with the opening of Longwood Reimagined (November 22). Brand new spaces—from their sprawling new West Conservatory to imaginative new outdoor landscapes—decked out for the holidays give way to wondrous new ways to experience the season. They promise it is their biggest—and most magical—A Longwood Christmas yet. Running November 22, 2024, through January 12, 2025. Brandyw
And why don’t you treat yourself by staying the night? Many lodging properties feature special overnight packages that offer exclusive untimed tickets to Longwood Gardens. All other A Longwood Christmas tickets must be timed and purchased in advance.
Another Chester County evening holiday tradition is the annual Herr’s Holiday Lights Display open from dusk to dawn (5 p.m.-7 a.m.) November 27, 2024, through January 5, 2025. Take a free drive within their sprawling corporate campus and be amazed at the more than 600,000 dazzling lights. Make sure to have the holiday music ready as you drive through the forest of lights.
Kicking off the parade season on Saturday, November 30 at 7:00 p.m. is the Kennett Square Holiday Light Parade. Enjoy floats and vehicles festooned with lights, dancers, a DJ playing holiday tunes, the traditional Christmas tree lighting, and of course, Santa and Mrs. Claus! There is free parking available at the garage from 10 a.m. until 11 p.m., compliments of Longwood Gardens & Kennett Collaborative.
If you cannot make it to the parade, a great option in Kennett Square would be the Kennett Square Holiday Village Market held December 7-8 & 14-15 from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. at The Creamery of Kennett Square. Each day boasts a rotating selection of more than 40 artisan vendors, exclusive beverages & hot drinks, food trucks, and family activities.
On Friday, December 6, West Chester will hold their annual West Chester Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting at 6:30 (tree lighting) and 7 p.m. (parade start). Parade goers can expect Chester County’s favorite performers as well as a variety of notable newcomers like the 2024 Mummers Parade winners – South Philadelphia String Band. There will be more marching bands by popular demand, as well as award-winning floats, sparkling performances and of course – Santa’s much-anticipated appearance!
If you cannot make it to the parade, every weekend in December there will be extended store hours, special discounts and deals, and even the Balladeer Carolers dressed in Victorian attire strolling West Chester’s downtown on Friday nights.
There might not be a lit Christmas tree, but there is a 20-foot tall “bonfire” at the Phoenixville Firebird Festival held on December 14 starting at 6 p.m. As one of the region’s most unique events, the constructed wooden Phoenix took 3 months to build and will be set ablaze at 8 p.m. in a celebration of rebirth. The event also features regionally acclaimed performers, craft and food vendors.
Phoenixville’s ‘Tis the Season’ is highlighted by live season concerts and classic holiday movies at the Colonial Theater, themed evening weekend shopping events like the December 11 Cookie Crawl, and an evening Chanukah Celebration on December 30 with plenty of kids activities.
For a full round up of all things holiday magic in Chester County’s Brandywine Valley, visit www.brandywinevalley.com/events/holiday-events/.
