Experience the magic of the winter holidays in Philadelphia, America’s Garden Capital, where nature meets festive cheer! Embark on a whimsical journey through enchanting landscapes adorned with twinkling lights or plan a visit to a holiday garden railway weaving its way through a botanical wonderland. Marvel at the artistry of outdoor light displays that transform the gardens into a dazzling spectacle, creating a magical atmosphere for visitors of all ages. Dive into the spirit of the season with hands-on winter wreath making workshops, where you can craft your own holiday masterpiece. Whether you’re strolling through illuminated pathways or getting hands-on with DIY crafts, America’s Garden Capital during the winter holidays promises an unforgettable blend of nature and celebration.
Some events require pre-registration or additional paid admission, please check each garden’s website for complete events details.
Winter Holiday Garden Displays in Greater Philadelphia
Nightforms at Grounds for Scultpure
Night Forms creates an evening landscape of creative exploration through lighting, sound, and video projection mapping, a process which Klip Collective pioneered. Designed to provide a dialogue with specific sculptures in the collection, such as Carlos Dorrien’s The Nine Muses and Bruce Beasley’s Dorion, this audio and visual exhibition offers new perspectives on these works and multi-dimensional space.
Yuletide at Winterthur
A Longwood Christmas
This holiday season, experience a radiance of retro and numerous nostalgic moments at a Retro Longwood Christmas. Marvel at playful trees draped in throwback baubles to shimmering tinsel to childhood-favorite toys. Stroll through a fab, festive holiday party scene decked out in mid-century magic. Reminisce amid a vintage Christmas street scene, make new merry memories amid dazzling, vibrant light displays—including some super-sized surprises—and revel in the retro fun at every turn.
Home for the Holidays at Stoneleigh
The gardens at Stoneleigh are glorious from spring to fall, but in wintertime the warmth of the Main House beckons. During this exclusive holiday open house, explore the spectacular Tudor Revival-style mansion while it is decked with seasonal, nature-inspired decorations. Stroll through the home, indulge in hot cocoa and tasty treats, and on select days enjoy musical performances from local choirs, instrumentalists, and organists in a festive and cozy setting.
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Holiday Garden Railway at Morris Arboretum & Gardens
The Morris Arboretum & Gardens’ annual family favorite, Holiday Garden Railway, runs November 24 through December 30. Experience a magical miniature world of model trains, historic buildings, bridges, and more—all decorated with thousands of twinkling lights. And now with 300 feet of new track! Daytime viewing is free with general admission.
Oshōgatsu Display at Shofuso
Oshōgatsu is the Japanese New Year, celebrated on the first day of January. Celebrate an early Japanese New Year this holiday season with Ikebana, flower arrangements and traditional decorations. Displays for the new year’s tea and holiday games will be on view. Wear warm socks (we have slippers, too) and enjoy the sparse beauty of the winter Japanese garden.
On display December 2-3, 9-10 from 10 AM to 4 PM. This event is free with the purchase of a general admission ticket to Shofuso. Get tickets here.
Shofuso winter hours: Saturday and Sunday, 10 AM – 4 PM until December 10. Closed for the winter until Wednesday, March 20, 2024.
Holiday Special Events
- Saturday, December 2: Penn Glee Club Sings Holiday Classics at Morris Arboretum
- Saturday, December 2: Scott Arboretum Holiday Sale
- Sunday, December 10: Holiday Joy! at Winterthur
- Saturday, December 16: Christmas Bird Count at Tyler Arboretum
Winter Classes & Tours
- Saturday, December 2: Winter Wreath Making at Grounds for Sculpture
- Wednesday, December 6: Garden to Vase Holiday Topiary Workshop at Winterthur
- Friday, December 8 – Saturday, December 9: Wreath Making Workshop at Mt. Cuba Center
- Saturday, December 9: Holly Highlights & Winter Greenery Tour at Morris Arboretum & Gardens
- Friday, December 22: Winter Solstice Bird Walk at The Woodlands
