Christmas at Longwood Gardens 2016

Every year one of my favorite December traditions is to visit Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania to their Christmas display. In 1906, Pierre du Pont purchased a farm in Kennett Square, in part to preserve the woods on the property. Within a few years, he planned and installed the first significant gardens on the property. Over the years, he added more acres, gardens and fountains. In 1916, du Pont began to plan for an indoor conservatory which today covers over 4 acres. From the beginning, the du Ponts opened the grounds to the public on occasion so they could enjoy his park, gardens and conservatory. After Pierre du Pont’s death in 1954, the property was transformed from a private estate to a horticultural display.

Continuing the tradition of the du Ponts, the property is extensively decorated for Christmas. Each year the staff selects a theme and plans amazing decorations, both indoors and outside. This year’s theme includes musical instruments, musical themed decorations and thousands of red ornaments.

I thought I’d share some of my favorite photos from this year’s display with you.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I hope you’ve enjoyed seeing a bit of this year’s Longwood Gardens Christmas display. I’ll start sharing more photos from this year’s display on my blog in the coming days. If you’d like to see photos of previous Longwood Christmas displays, be sure to check out my Christmas at Longwood Gardens board on Pinterest. 

If you’d like to see the 2016 A Longwood Christmas display for yourself, it’s open until January 8, 2017. Longwood Gardens is always a wonderful place to visit. At Christmas it’s extra special.