Brief: A LongwoodChristmas November 24, 2011-January 8, 2012.

KENNETT SQUARE,PA – A gingerbread fantasy awaits guests toLongwoodGardens nearKennett Square,PA,November 24, 2011 throughJanuary 8, 2012. Gingerbread takes center stage throughout the gardens in fanciful and imaginative displays. See Longwood landmarks recreated in gingerbread, stand beneath towering trees adorned with gingerbread ornaments and garland and don’t miss the Gingerbread Express model train as it travels through the candy-laden Music Room overflowing with sweet holiday cheer! Outdoors, illuminated fountains dance to holiday music while 500,000 colorful lights create holiday magic. Daily and evening concerts highlight the sounds of the season.

New Ticketing Procedures

Admission to theChristmas display is by Timed Admission Ticket, with tickets purchased in advance for a specific date and time. There is no admittance to the gardens without a timed admission ticket. Buy before you arrive! Tickets are available now and can be purchased online at www.longwoodgardens.org, or in person at Longwood. Please note: Tickets for Peak Days (Saturdays and December 26-30) do sell out quickly.

Admission prices are:

	Non-Peak Days	Peak Days (All Saturdays and Dec. 26-31)
Adults	$18	$25
Seniors	$15	$22
Youth (ages 5-18 or with student ID)	$8	$11
Children (ages 4 and under)	free	free

Gingerbread Fantasy

More than 6,000 gingerbread cookies are being baked and hand painted for the display. The cookies will decorate trees, form garlands and be fashioned into wreaths and trees. In addition, replicas of Longwood’s majestic Conservatory and historic Peirce-du Pont house will be created in gingerbread. The gingerbread cookies and structures being created by Liz Marden Gourmet Cakes and Desserts inKennett Square,PA.

Floral Beauty at Every Turn

Inside Longwood’s 4-acre heated Conservatory thousands of poinsettias accented with amaryllis, Narcissus, begonias, cyclamen, and tulips flourish. Elegantly decorated trees shimmer and sparkle with festive flair. In Longwood’s Exhibition Hall, twinkling lights hang from the vaulted glass ceiling over a sweep of decorated trees that lead the eye to a towering 22-foot tree positioned on the Exhibition Hall stage adorned in white, green and gold ornaments.

The East Conservatory hosts traditional red, green and silver Christmas hues, featuring red cyclamen, begonias, Artemisia, Serbian spruce, lilies and more. Three majestic trees reaching 15, 18 and 20 feet, draw all eyes to the Patio of Oranges where it is dressed with begonias and red glass ornaments.

More horticultural finery, including swags of exotic plants, Christmas cactus baskets, living wreaths, and decorated trees flourish throughout the Conservatory.

Outdoor Lights & Music
Longwood works its holiday magic outdoors, too. More than 500,000 outdoor lights adorning 74 trees in classical and free-style form styles enchant both young and old. The lighting extravaganza includes the illumination of two of Longwood’s Treehouses. Fountains dance day and night to holiday music in the Open Air Theatre (weather permitting) beneath glimmering starry snowflakes. Young and old will delight in Longwood’s outdoor train display nestled near the Idea Garden. Natural edible ornaments adorn the Wildlife Tree created especially for Longwood’s feathered and furry friends. The Gardener’s Tree features ornaments crafted from garden findings, including gourds, seedpods, and cones.

Music is a seasonal highlight as holiday concerts in the ornate Ballroom include organ sing-alongs on Longwood’s newly renovated 10,010-pipe Aeolian organ, and evening choral and bell choir performances by area groups. In Longwood’s historic Chimes Tower, the 62-bell carillon plays holiday music every half hour. Strolling performances fill the gardens with holiday music at every turn on weekends.

On December 1 at 8 pm, enjoy holiday jazz with Grammy–winning vocal ensemble New York Voices in a special concert in the intimate setting of Longwood’s Ballroom. Tickets are $45 and are available by calling 215-893-1999.

On New Year’s Eve, Longwood remains open until 10 pm with a variety of festive activities and entertainment for the entire family. Find fun around every corner beginning at3 pm. Young visitors can make a party hat from3-9 pm in the Ballroom, while organist Rudy Lucente entertains with a repertoire of family-friendly tunes. Jugglers and magicians stroll the conservatory and perform intermittently from 3-8 pm while the Olde TowneCarolers dressed in Victorian finery share traditional carols from 4:30-10 pm. Barbershop Quartet Frank the Dog harmonizes throughout the conservatory from 4-:30-9:30 pm, while the upbeat Parti Gras performs at the Peirce-du Pont house from 4-9 pm. The Wilmington Handbell Choir rings in the New Year as guests enter the East Conservatory from4:30-7:30 pm. Begin your evening, or cap off your visit with a spectacular 5-minute fireworks display at6 pm.

Dining Delights

Savor a Thanksgiving feast atLongwoodGardens on Thursday, November 24 from11:30 am-7:30 pm. Held in Longwood’s elegant Ballroom, enjoy a bountiful buffet with the entire family. Reservations are available now. Tickets are $59 for adults and $33 for children (ages 5-11), including Gardens Admission. Pricing for Garden Pass Members is$47 for adults and $27 for children (ages 5-11), ages 1-4 is $5. Members receive a discount.

Have breakfast with Santa on December 10, 11, 17 and 18 in Longwood’s Ballroom

at8:30 and10 am. Enjoy an array of breakfast items that are sure to please the entire family. Reservations are required and prices include Gardens admission. Ages 12 & over $40, ages 5-11 $22; Ages 1-4 is $5. Garden Pass Members receive a discount. Reservations are being accepted now at www.longwoodgardens.org

Member Evenings
Please note Longwood will host specialGardenPass Member-onlyHoliday Evenings on Mondays, November 28, December 5 and December 12 beginning at5pm. Only Garden Pass Members will be admitted on these exclusive evenings.

Complete information is available online at www.longwoodgardens.org.