The holiday season brings a special kind of magic to Philadelphia’s public gardens and arboreta, where dazzling light displays, seasonal blooms, and festive cheer come together to create a truly unique holiday experience. From strolling through twinkling winter wonderlands to marveling at artfully decorated trees, these stunning outdoor spaces offer the perfect backdrop for celebrating the season. Ready to embrace the spirit of the holidays? Discover all the ways to make unforgettable memories in America’s Garden Capital.
Some events require pre-registration or additional paid admission, please check each garden’s website for complete events details.
Where to Experience Seasonal Holiday Garden Displays
Hagley
Holidays at Hagley
November 29, 2024 through January 1, 2025
Holidays at Hagley returns and will feature Holiday Home and Garden Tours, the seventh-annual Gingerbread House Contest, Santa Day, Holiday Nights Tours, and more. Hagley closes at 2 p.m. on Christmas Eve and is closed on Christmas Day. Admission required. Learn More
Jenkins Arboretum & Gardens
Winter Luminary Nights
December 13 – 15, 2024
5:00 – 6:30 PM or 6:30 – 8:00 PM
As the days grow shorter, we invite you to join us at Jenkins for a celebration of winter light! The Arboretum will be aglow with luminary-lined paths and the warmth of friends and neighbors. A family-friendly event, not to be missed! Bundle up for a walk down to the pond while enjoying luminary lanterns. Members: $25/car | Non-Members: $35/car. Purchase Tickets
Jenkins’ Giant Holiday Wreath
On display from December 13 through January 2
Visit Jenkins to see our giant holiday wreath, on display once again this year! Crafted with greenery from our gardens, this oversized wreath makes the perfect backdrop for holiday photos or festive selfies. Take a winter walk and immerse yourself in the holiday spirit with this seasonal centerpiece. Free of charge. Tickets not required.
Longwood Gardens
A Longwood Christmas
November 22, 2024–January 12, 2025
A This holiday season, experience the magic of A Longwood Christmas as you never have before—made even more spectacular with the opening of Longwood Reimagined. Brand new spaces—from our sprawling new West Conservatory to imaginative new outdoor landscapes—decked out for the holidays give way to wondrous new ways to experience the season … and incredible new memories to make. Revel in hundreds of thousands of lights … marvel at astonishing feats of horticulture, ingenuity, and creativity … and delight in beauty at every turn, the biggest—and most magical—A Longwood Christmas yet. Admission required. Learn More
Morris Arboretum & Gardens
Holiday Garden Railway
Through December 30, 2024
The Morris Arboretum & Gardens’ annual family favorite, Holiday Garden Railway, runs through December 30. Experience a magical miniature world of model trains, historic buildings, bridges, and more—all decorated with thousands of twinkling lights! Free with general admission. Learn More
Penn Glee Club Sings Holiday Classics
Saturday, December 7, 2024
1:00 – 1:45 pm
The Penn Glee club sings its repertoire of holiday classics next to the Holiday Garden Railway. Bring the whole family for some holiday cheer as you explore the Gardens. Meet at the Sugarman sculpture just past the Garden Railway. Free with general admission. Learn More
Nemours Estate
Noël at Nemours Estate
November 19 to December 29, 2024
Tour the festive displays in the 77-room Mansion, Chauffeur’s Garage and gardens. Live music performances throughout the season. Admission required. Learn more and get tickets
Stoneleigh: a natural garden
Home for the Holidays
December 14 | 11:00am – 1:00pm
Sunday, December 15 | 1:00pm – 3:00pm
Saturday, December 21 | 11:00am – 1:00pm
Sunday, December 22 | 1:00pm – 3:00pm
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. Learn more and get tickets
Winterthur
Yuletide at Winterthur
November 23–January 5
10:00 am–5:00 pm daily
The annual tour of rooms in the house features several lavishly decorated trees, including the traditional Dried-Flower Tree as well as trees inspired by a Japanese maple in the garden, and the 48 shades of green paint in the historic mansion. Outside, enjoy a twinkling holiday light display inspired by the woodlands at Winterthur. Admission required. Learn More
