As the winter season unfolds, Greater Philadelphia’s gardens transform into enchanting landscapes filled with beauty and inspiration. The Philadelphia region offers an array of captivating winter outdoor events that invite you to explore, discover, and reconnect with nature. From dazzling light displays to festive workshops and serene seasonal blooms, there’s something magical waiting for every visitor. Whether you’re seeking holiday cheer or a peaceful escape, these gardens provide the perfect setting to brighten your winter days. Read on to uncover the must-see events happening across greater Philadelphia this holiday season.
Some events require pre-registration or additional paid admission, please check each garden’s website for complete events details.
What's Happening November 2024 - February 2025
On-going Winter Activities
- Winter Wellness Walks at Morris Arboretum & Gardens
Saturdays & Sundays through March, 10:30 – 11:30 am, free with general admission.
Led by an experienced volunteer guide, these brisk walks will stick to the paved paths and get your heart rate up. Garden Highlights Tour at Morris Arboretum & Gardens
Weekends 1 pm, free with general admission.
Knowledgeable guides will design a tour around the interests of the attendees. Every tour is different, so come back as many times as you’d like.Winter Bird Watching at Glen Foerd
Glen Foerd is one of the best places in the city to bird watch during the winter. Visitors are welcome to sit and search for unique birds such as the Iceland or Glaucous Gull and the Double-crested and Great Cormorants during park hours. Park Hours will continue to be 8 AM to dusk throughout the Winter. The Main House will continue to be open for free self-guided tours on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 10 AM- 1 PM. (Please check the website for any closures)Winter Wonder & Walk at Jenkins Arboretum & Gardens
February 18 – March 11
Winter is wonder-full! Enjoy a nature-themed read aloud followed by an activity or craft. NEW—let’s get outside for a walk! Learn what plants and animals do during the winter season and celebrate our love for nature. All ages welcome; most suitable for ages 2–5. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Registration required for children only. Classes will start and end indoors with a short time outdoors, weather dependent. Members: $50/series | Non-Members: $60/series.
November 2024
- November 29, 2024 | Opening Day: Holidays at Hagley
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. On display through January 1, 2025. - Saturday, November 30 – Sunday, December 1 | Artisan Holiday Market at Grounds for Sculpture
At this whimsical holiday shopping experience like no other, discover over 40 talented artisans offering handcrafted jewelry, pottery, woodworking, original art, skincare, gourmet treats, and more. Whether you’re on a festive date or enjoying a family outing, the Market is the perfect one stop shop for unique, locally made gifts. After shopping, warm up with seasonally themed treats, beverages, and concessions available for purchase. - November 23 | Opening Day: Yuletide at Winterthur
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. On display through January 5, 2025. - Holiday Garden Railway at Morris Arboretum & Gardens Through December 30, 2024
Experience a magical miniature world of model trains, historic buildings, bridges, and more—all decorated with thousands of twinkling lights!
December 2024
- Giant Holiday Wreath at Jenkins Arboretum & Gardens | On display 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. Winter Holiday Art Classes at Mt. Cuba Center
Grab your hand pruners or our wood burning tools, then rush home with your treasures; a fragrant and beautiful evergreen wreath, container, or arrangement, or a set of wood burned ornaments or coasters. Classes include:• Wreath-Making Workshop, December 6 or 7
• Elegant Winter Container Workshop, December 6 or 7
• Pyrography: Holiday Ornament Workshop, December 13
• Holiday Arrangement, December 14
• Pyrography: Holiday Gift Coaster Set, December 14Wednesdays, December 4, 11 and 18 | Wonderful Wednesdays at Winterthur
Soak in the evening glow of the house decked in its holiday glory and experience our galleries through the eyes of contemporary artists in our Transformations exhibition. Tap your toes to the sounds of the area’s best jazz and savor a seasonal cocktail. See our magical miniature dollhouse and gingerbread “house.”Saturday, December 7 | Penn Glee Club Sings Holiday Classics at Morris Arboretum & Gardens
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.Sunday, December 8 | Awbury Arboretum’s Annual Holiday Open House & Greens Sale
Join Awbury Arboretum from 12pm – 4pm to celebrate the closing of another great and green year at our annual Open House & Greens Sale! We’ll have warm beverages, holiday crafts, goats and more!December 13 – 15 | Winter Luminary Nights at Jenkins Arboretum & Gardens
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/carSaturday, December 14 | Christmas Bird Count at Tyler Arboretum: 2 sessions
The Christmas Bird Count is a great way to help determine the bird population at Tyler Arboretum. We have been doing this for over 45 years, and we would love to have you join in on the fun! This year, we are breaking up the day. Registration is required. Sign up for one or both!Session 1: Early Morning Christmas Bird Count – December 14 @ 5:30 AM – 7:00 AM
Session 2: Mid-Morning Christmas Bird Count – December 14 @ 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Saturday, December 14 | Director’s Garden Walk at Winterthur: Conifers in the Winter Garden
Join Chris Strand, director of Winterthur, on a special walk highlighting interesting and seldom seen parts of the landscape.Saturday, December 14 | Holly Highlights & Winter Greenery Tour at Morris Arboretum & Gardens
Bundle up for a unique guided tour highlighting the Morris’s collection of hollies and other broadleaf evergreens that enliven the winter landscape and provide year-round appeal. Learn some fun facts and get new ideas for your own home garden. Free with general admission, Meet at the Widener Welcome CenterThursday, December 19 | Native Evergreens Lecture at Jenkins Arboretum & Gardens
Tune in for our Third Thursday Lecture series to hear Duncan Himmelman, Ph.D., Horticulturist and Garden Educator. Evergreens are an indispensable part of all home landscapes. They provide year-round color and textural interest, give structure to the garden, and offer shelter and food sources for birds and other wildlife. Learn the identifying features, cultural requirements, and uses of an array of native evergreens that will enhance the appearance and ecological value of your property. Free of charge | Virtual event.Friday, December 20 | Winter Solstice Bird Walk at the Woodlands
Victoria “Toribird” Sindlinger is back for a Winter Solstice Bird Walk on Friday, December 20 from 3:00pm – 4:30 pm. Join her for a walk to seek out year-round residents and special cold-weather visitors. We will also discuss the winter finches and other irruptive species who appear in the area this year and talk about strategies for finding these frosty feathered friends.Saturday, December 21 | Winter Solstice Wander at Morris Arboretum & Gardens
Get as much sun as possible on the shortest day of the year! A chance to walk the grounds early with lanterns to light your way. Bundle up and wander on your own or with friends! Free with general admission, Meet at the Widener Welcome Center.Saturday, December 21 | Solstice Celebration at Glen Feord
Join us in celebrating the shortest day of the year. We will be supplying hot drinks, light refreshments, and, of course, a bonfire by the river!
January 2025
Saturday, January 11 | Winter Fireside at Tyler Arboretum
Warm up at Tyler Arboretum’s Winter Fireside event! Enjoy food trucks, seasonal drinks, and family-friendly activities by the fire. Embrace the beauty of winter, roast marshmallows, and make memories together in the crisp outdoor air.January 22 and January 25 | Winter Wonders in the Garden at Grounds for Sculpture
Join GFS Manager of Horticulture Cat Swiderski and Horticulturalist Jen Mothes for a tour of the winter wonders in the garden. Explore the beauty of trees and plants in winter and learn how the garden is maintained throughout the season.Saturday, January 25 | Garden Maintenance Series at Grounds for Sculpture: Rose Pruning
Learn how to get your roses ready for spring with winter pruning. Learn how, where, and when to discuss 110 different types of roses and the best times for pruning, and then get into the garden for some hands on training.January 12, February 23, and March 16 | Views of the Forest Though the Lens of Music Concert Series at Jenkins Arboretum & Gardens
Immerse yourself in classical music with the forest as visual inspiration. Performances feature different musicians with meet-and-greet following. This chamber music series is in collaboration with Allegro Music Consultants. Members: $30 | Non-Members: $35.Monday, January 27 | Bird Walk at Jenkins Arboretum & Gardens
Search for resident birds in winter and migratory birds in spring, and explore various habitats including woodland, pond edge, and stream-side paths. Participants will learn to use their eyes, ears, and binoculars to find birds and other wildlife. Bring binoculars if you have them. Dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes with good traction. Rain or shine. Free of charge.
February 2025
Thursday, February 20 | Wildlife Habitats to Attract Backyard Birds at Jenkins Arboretum & Gardens
Create it and they will come! Pat Sutton will share accounts of the diverse wildlife attracted to the South Jersey wildscape she and her husband have nurtured for over 30 years. They have tallied over 212 bird species and 78 butterfly species in their tiny one-half-acre wildlife oasis. How’d they do it? By questioning each practice as to whether it would help or harm wildlife. Get tips on creating a backyard habitat that benefits wildlife. Free of charge | Virtual event.Saturday, February 22 | Pancake Breakfast at Tyler Arboretum
Join us for Tyler Arboretum’s Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser! Enjoy all-you-can-eat pancakes, sausages, and a toppings bar, plus gluten-free options and maple sugaring education stations. Every bite supports the arboretum—come hungry and leave happy!Saturday, February 22 | Orchid Care Workshop at Grounds for Sculpture
In this workshop, you will learn what an orchid is, how they grow in their natural habitat, how orchids differ from the average houseplant, and how we care for them in our homes. Participants will learn all the basic requirements to successfully grow and rebloom their orchids, and it will conclude with a hands-on repotting activity.
