PO Box 501, Kennett Square, PA 19348-0501 (610)388-1000 or (800)737-5500

Longwood Gardens, the world's premier horticultural display, was the estate of industrialist Pierre S. du Pont (1870 - 1954). The gardens are located on US Route 1, three miles northeast of Kennett Square, PA, 30 miles west of Philadelphia, and midway between New York City and Washington, DC.

From October 26 through November 24, more than 15,000 magnificent chrysanthemums are featured in a variety of forms, and special performances, demonstrations, and children's activities fill the late autumn celebration.

These holiday flowers will bloom at Longwood from November 28 through January 5, 1997. 10 am to 9 pm daily, including Thanksgiving , Christmas, and New Yearís Days. More than 2000 brilliant poinsettia plants, towering Christmas trees, and fragrant white narcissi transform the indoor gardens into a warm retreat celebrating the holiday season. Outdoors from 5 pm to 9 pm 400,000 lights glitter in the trees, and, weather permitting, colorful fountain displays set to music enchant visitors at the Open Air Theatre. Daily concerts fill the Ballroom with holiday music throughout the season.

The Terrace is conveniently located within the Gardens, is open every day for the convenience of visitors and offers cafeteria-style dining year-round as well as full service dining from mid-April through December. The Longwood Gardens Shop in the Visitor Center is open daily during garden hours.

For recorded information about Longwood and its many programs from phones in the mid-Atlantic region (Connecticut to Virginia), call 800-737-5500. To speak to a Longwood representative, call 610-388-1000. The outdoor gardens and Conservatory open at 9 am and 10 am, respectively, every day of the year. Both close at 5 pm from November through March and at 6 pm from April through October, although both are frequently open later for special events and holiday displays. Flowers, festivals, fountains, and fireworks are major features at Longwood, which attracts more than 800,000 visitors annually.

Admission prices are reduced while renovations are in progress in two of Longwood's greenhouses. From January 2 through March 31, admission will be $5 for adults, $3 for youths ages 16 - 20, $1 for children ages 6-15, and free for children under age 6. Beginning April 1, admission will be $8 for adults ($6 on Tuesdays), $6 youths, and $2 for children in the summer when the renovations are complete.

This display was designed by Harry Overly and presented at his home in Westmoreland County in Western Pa. Due to the vast amount of traffic and problems created by onlookers stopping to stare in wild amazement, the display was moved. Its new location at the Westmoreland County Fairgrounds has added an extra level of enjoyment.

Featuring thousands of lights and animated displays of horses pulling wagons and characters both real and storybook. Every building, pole and fence is covered with lights. This location is enhanced by Christmas music, a gift shop and a roaring bonfire. Although the line could be two hours long, the wait is well worth it. The excellent organization and helpful personal (local volunteer fire fighters) and ample parking makes this an evening to remember. Most proceeds benefit children charties and Childrens Hospital funds.

This fantastic display features a Jack in the Box, a bear ski jumping, a tunnel of lights and animated deer just to name a few. This is a nice driving tour through Olgebay Park and surrounding areas. Olgebay Park also has the Good Zoo, Ski area, a glass shop with live glass blowing and a mansion tour.