A Longwood Christmas at Longwood Gardens

Every year my family hops in the car with steaming cups of hot chocolate and drive around the neighborhoods checking out the Christmas lights. This year we're adding another stop to the list though, Longwood Gardens.

Table for 48 anyone?  This reminds me of  my house ;)

I was recently invited to tour Longwood Gardens at night with a group of local bloggers. I have been to Longwood Gardens during the day and it was beautiful, so I of course jumped at the chance to see the lights! I'll just say I was not disappointed, the lights are amazing! I don't usually use the word magical, but I think this really describes how it felt. It was just beautiful! After being there and seeing so many Christmas lights (more than 500,000 on 74 trees), I realized that this display is not just for adults, all around us children were laughing and asking questions, pointing to lights & smelling flowers in the conservatory. I can't wait to take my children back and watch them take it all in-they're both begging to go after seeing just a few pictures.

The very nice people at Longwood Gardens gave us some great information too, to help families make the trip more family friendly!

•  First of all, Timed Tickets are required so purchase them early & online (they do sell out)! 
• The best times to view or non-peak days Tuesdays-Friday (except Dec. 26-31) because there are so many less people and because it gets dark so early, you can really see the lights shine even if you go early enough to have the kids in bed by 8! 
• You can also save money, a family of 4 saves $20 by going during a non peak day!
• Memberships make a great gift & get you into the gardens at no additional charge for an entire year-so you can see the orchids in January, take the kids to the Children's Garden in March and use the membership for a date with the one you love! 

For more information on the Stars at Longwood, to purchase timed tickets or memberships go to the www.longwoodgardens.org  

If you go to Longwood Gardens this holiday season, don't forget that historic Kennet Square is also right down the road.  Which cute restaurants & a variety of stores, they can help you cross the last few gifts off your holiday lists!  

Note: As a member of the Longwood Gardens Star Blogger team, I received entry & reception for free along with a one year family membership to help facilitate review.  As always, opinions shared are my own.