By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times
Longwood Gardens
The Brandywine Valley/Chester County area has many historical and botanical sites that are open year-round – sites that feature tours and special exhibits on a regular basis.
Not surprisingly, most of these tourist attractions annually ramp it up when December arrives and offer visitors a wide array of special attractions and holiday-centric events.
Longwood Gardens (Route 1, Kennett Square, 610-388-1000, www.longwoodgardens.org) has shifted into holiday mode with the arrival of “A Longwood Gardens Christmas.”
The festive holiday display at Longwood Gardens, which is running now through January 11, features more than 500,000 spectacular lights, lavish decorations, holiday music and colorful displays featuring thousands of brilliant poinsettias, brightly decorated trees and fragrant flowers — all inside the heated Conservatory.
This Christmas, the Gardens are transformed into a living jewel box as radiant as the jewels and gems that inspired it. Nature and elegance intertwine as twinkling lights dance and every path leads to a new treasure to behold.
Inside the Conservatories, the vibe is pure opulence.
Towering trees gleam in sapphire blue, ruby red, emerald green, and gilded metallics. Crystals sparkle overhead, fabrics shimmer in jewel tones, and gemstone-inspired lighting casts a magical glow.
The Music Room dazzles with a 12-foot jewel-encrusted tree emerging from a larger-than-life jewelry box, surrounded by a grand holiday banquet scene and mirrored reflections at every turn.
The Silver Garden features a living tree and luminous living wreaths. The Ballroom shines with community spirit, where glittering trees are decorated by local art centers.
The Acacia Passage glows with iridescent red and gold fabrics cascading with strands of crystals. The West Conservatory enchants with cut trees that appear to float on water, dripping in jewels of champagne, lilac, silver, and gold.
Throughout, thousands of poinsettias, paperwhites, amaryllis, and other holiday blooms bring living brilliance to every scene.
The colorful annual event, which appeals to the entire family, also has a lot of outdoor attractions such as fountain shows and nighttime light displays.
When night falls, more than half a million lights illuminate the Gardens.
Visitors wander past glowing gem forms floating on the Large Lake. The Wildlife Tree, adorned with faux pearls, gilded oyster shells, and nature’s bounty — always stocked with treats for our feathered friends.
Visitors can stroll Flower Garden Drive, alive with ribbons of light and delight in the Garden Railway, where miniature trains chug past tiny Longwood landmarks.
They also can gather for fountain shows in the Open Air Theatre, where 750 jets dance to holiday favorites throughout the day and evening. On select nights, strolling carolers fill the air with song.
Longwood’s Christmas celebration also includes a wide array of seasonal music — holiday concerts, organ sing-alongs and carillon performances.
Visitors to “A Longwood Gardens Christmas” can also check out Longwood’s Garden Railway — a whimsical display set into motion with G-scale model trains. For two decades, the railway has delighted visitors with special water features and custom trains traveling in and out of bridges and tunnels.
Tickets are $45 for adults and $25 for youth.
Holidays at Hagley
The annual staging of “Holidays at Hagley” is an event that is always one of the most eagerly anticipated holiday attractions in this area every year.
The popular Brandywine Valley exhibit, which is included with regular admission, is running now through January 1 at Hagley Museum and Library (Route 141, Wilmington, Delaware, 302-658-2400, www.hagley.org).
“Holidays at Hagley” returns with the theme “Our Storied Past” which reminisces upon holiday tales and traditions.
The event will feature Holiday Home and Garden Tours, the Eighth Annual Gingerbread House Contest, Santa Day, Holiday Nights Tours, and more.
This year’s edition of “Holidays at Hagley” features tours of Eleutherian Mills, which is the first du Pont family home built in America. The tours, which will be presented each day from 10a.m.-4:30 p.m., feature decorations in a combination of styles from both the 19th and 20th centuries.
During the Victorian years when candle-lit tabletop Christmas trees were the norm, hand-made gifts were attached to tree branches, and winter scenes were displayed underneath the tree. The upstairs Victorian Library shows how magical that looked with its mid- to late-19th-century toys, games and dolls. The upstairs Parlor features a case filled with small ceramic animals well-loved by some of the du Pont family children.
Early du Pont family French holiday traditions are remembered with a display of gifts that were given to E. I. du Pont’s children on New Year’s Day as well as the Twelfth Night party illustrated by the ornate French dessert service in the Dining Room.
Popular returning displays include the elaborate Twelfth Night celebration in the dining room and the Victorian library’s Christmas for children with its table-top tree surrounded by toys and games. Of course, there will be warm glowing lights and
Demonstrations take place next to the Millwright Shop in the historic powder yard at 1, 2, and 3 p.m. and are included with admission.
Admission is $20 for adults, $16 for seniors and students and $10 for children (ages 6-14).
Yuletide at Winterthur
One of the best holiday events in the area is the annual “Yuletide at Winterthur.” This year’s 40th annual staging of the event, which runs through January 4 at Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library (Route 52, Wilmington, Delaware, www.winterthur.org).
Visitors can revel in the beauty and warmth of the holidays and explore treasures of Christmases past with displays of holiday traditions from the 1800s to the early 20th century, including displays of: the earliest types of colorful lights decorating house exteriors; the du Pont family holiday celebrations; and the evolution of Christmas trees over the decades from the 1880s to 1960s.
A popular attraction is “Holiday Nights,” which will run from 5-8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday nights.
Visitors can soak in the evening glow of the house decked in its holiday glory or toast marshmallows by the outdoor fire pits. They can tap their toes to the sounds of the area’s best musicians, savor a seasonal cocktail and see our magical gingerbread and doll houses.
Visitors will also enjoy an outdoor light display, including a 15-foot decorated Christmas tree. The miniature doll house and other holiday favorites will also return.
One of visitors’ favorites every year is the 18-room dollhouse mansion created by designer and philanthropist Nancy McDaniel over a period of 30 years. It features amazing intricate details in each room and is even decorated for the holidays.
As always, the rooms will be enhanced with the floral displays so essential to du Pont’s decorating, and with special Christmas trees inspired by the beauty of Winterthur’s gardens — including the popular Dried Flower Tree in the Conservatory.
Returning this year is a toy train display, featuring Standard Gauge toy trains. The display is presented by the Standard Gauge Module Association, whose members will construct the display at Winterthur.
Timed Yuletide Tour reservations are required.
Admission to Winterthur is $30 for adults, $28 for seniors and students and $9 for children.
The Brandywine Museum of Art Route 1, Chadds Ford 610-388-2700, www.brandywinemuseum.org) is celebrating the 53rd anniversary of the Brandywine Railroad holiday train display now through January 4.
A holiday favorite since 1972, the Brandywine Railroad features trains running on 2,000 feet of track and contains more than 1,000 pieces, including locomotives, passenger and freight trains, and trolleys that pass through a small village, a farm, factories, a drive-in movie theater and even a carnival.
A dazzling array of both toy and scale model trains can be seen chugging through the varied scenery, including those made by Lionel, Williams, Atlas, Mike’s Train House, K-line and others. Interactive components are also incorporated into the display to allow for further engagement.
The Brandywine Railroad holiday train display is included in the cost of general admission, which is $25 adults, $23 seniors (65+) and $10 children (ages 5-18) and students with ID.
Nemours Estate (1600 Rockland Road, Wilmington, Delaware, nemoursestate.org) was closed until November 17 for holiday decorating.
Guests were able to resume visiting when Nemours reopened for its “Noël at Nemours Estate,” which will run now through December 30.
Nemours Estate comprises an exquisite, 77-room Mansion, the largest formal French gardens in North America, a Chauffeur’s Garage housing a collection of vintage automobiles, and 200 acres of scenic woodlands, meadows and lawns.
Nemours was the estate of Alfred I. duPont.
Alfred named the estate Nemours, after the French town that his great-great-grandfather represented in the French Estates General. While looking to the past and his ancestors for inspiration, Alfred also ensured that his new home was thoroughly modern by incorporating the latest technology and many of his own inventions.
Ever since 1910, when Mr. and Mrs. duPont began living in their newly built mansion, the holiday season has been a festive time at Nemours. The Christmas decorations at the Nemours Mansion are often inspired by the architecture of the home, the customs of the duPonts or the French influence.
The Mansion is also decorated by some of the duPonts’ original decorations, including a German crèche, which dates from the late 19th century. The figures are soft ceramic, unglazed and hand colored.
Visitors can enjoy Christmas trees, wreaths, and hundreds of feet of garland on grand display in the Visitor Center, Chauffer’s Garage, Mansion and grounds.
All three floors of the Mansion will be decorated as well as the Chauffeur’s Garage and select areas of the gardens. Decorations will coincide with the story of the Estate along with a festive Versailles-inspired motif.
Admission to Nemours is $25 for adults, $23 for seniors and $12 for children.
The Historic Odessa Foundation (Main Street, Odessa, Delaware, 302-378-4119, http://www.historicodessa.org) is presenting its holiday attraction now through January 1.
The first “Christmas in Odessa” took place 61 years ago as a fundraiser for the Women’s Club of Odessa. The purpose was to fund college scholarships for local high school seniors. With the help and cooperation of Odessa homeowners and the Historic Odessa Foundation, the Women’s Club of Odessa has provided scholarships to over 100 students.
“Christmas in Odessa” is a self-guided walking tour of private homes and public buildings, many dating from the 18th and 19th centuries and decorated for the holidays. In addition to the house tour, many special events are included in the ticket price.
The “2025 Candlelight Tours” are also being held now through January 1.
Visitors are invited to step back in time through the doors of the Historic Odessa Foundation and explore the Christmas traditions of yesteryear. Participants experience a special candlelight tour of Odessa’s 2025 holiday exhibit.
Historic Odessa is a member of the North American Reciprocal Museum Association (NARM), and is open to the public March through December, Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Sunday 1 to 4:30 p.m. Monday by reservation. General Admission: Adults, $10; Groups, Seniors, Students, $8; and Children under six are free.
Two historic sites in Montgomery County have their own holiday celebrations.
Pennypacker Mills (3 Haldeman Road, Perkiomenville, 610- 287-9349, www.historicsites.montcopa.org) is hosting “Victorian Holiday Tours” now through January 4 while “Twelfth Night Tours” at Pottsgrove Manor (100 West King Street, Pottstown, 610-326-4014, www.historicsites.montcopa.org) will be held now through January 11.
For the next five weeks, Pennypacker Mills will offer free tours of the 18-century mansion used by General George Washington as temporary headquarters during the Revolutionary War. The home will be decorated for an old-fashioned Victorian Christmas and will feature the warm glow of oil lamps, festive decorations, and a candy-making demonstration.
The event at Pottsgrove Manor features an event based on history.
Visitors can witness the transformation of Pottsgrove Manor for the yuletide season and the traditions of an 18th-century Twelfth Night party. Twelfth Night marked the end of the Christmastide season, celebrated on Epiphany.
Guided tours of the manor explore all aspects of the festivities, from the intense preparations to the differences between the way elite families like the Potts and their household staff experienced the season.
Three area theaters always have special annual productions for the holiday season.
This year, People’s Light (39 Conestoga Road, Malvern, peopleslight.org) is presenting a production of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” now through January 4 on the Leonard C. Haas Stage.
With inventive and joyful staging by People’s Light Producing Director Molly Rosa Houlahan (Hurricane Diane, Little Shop of Horrors), the company’s Producing Artistic Director Zak Berkman brings Dickens’ beloved classic to life through the eyes of a child.
In this surprising and whimsical adaptation, audiences follow Ebenezer Scrooge and a gathering of benevolent ghosts on a journey through time showing the redemptive power of kindness, hope, and love.
This imaginative retelling features traditional English carols woven with a Barrymore-nominated original score by Berkman and arrangements by the celebrated “musician’s musician,” Mitch Chakour.
People’s Light’s “A Christmas Carol” will also feature eight talented young artists from the company’s Teen Performance Lab, making their professional theatre debuts and performing in rotating ensembles throughout the run.
People’s Light remains committed to making theatre accessible and welcoming for all.
A Relaxed Performance will be offered on December 7 at 2 p.m., featuring audio description, American Sign
Language interpretation (provided by Hands UP Productions), and a pre-show sensory tour at 1 p.m. where guests can interact with set and prop elements and ask questions.
This inclusive performance offers a “shush-free” environment where audience members are free to move around, vocalize, or step out and return as needed.
Additionally, Open Captioning will be available during all performances from December 30-January 4, displaying dialogue on an LED screen to support patrons with hearing impairments and English language learners.
Video link for People’s Light — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zICXuBNoPuY.
“A Christmas Carol” will run now through January 4 on the Leonard C. Haas Stage at People’s Light.
Ticket prices start at $35.
People’s Light will also host “Santa’s Brunch” on December 7 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Visitors will be able to get into the holiday spirit with a delicious brunch and a visit from St. Nick himself.
People’s Light will be offering a buffet of delightful holiday fare that the whole family will love.
Additionally, Santa Claus will be there to spread cheer and take photos with your little ones.
Tickets are $45 for adults and $20 for kids (12 and under).
Candlelight Dinner Theatre (2208 Millers Road, Arden, Delaware, www.candlelighttheatredelaware.org) is celebrating Opening Night for its annual holiday show .
“Christmas by Candlelight” will open on November 15 and run through December 21.
There’s no place like home for the holidays so the Candlelight is thrilled to welcome audiences “home” to the barn for its heartwarming celebration of the yuletide season back by popular demand.
The show features favorite seasonal and sacred tunes, as well as some new surprises, brought to life by some of the theater’s most popular cast and staff.
Tickets, which include dinner and show, are $77.50 for adults and $35 for children (ages 4-12). “Show Only” tickets, which have limited availability, cost $35.
The American Music Theatre (2425 Lincoln Highway East, Lancaster, 800-648-4102, www.AMTshows.com) has its holiday show running now through December 30.
The AMT’s 2025 show “Deck the Halls” is an all-new presentation of favorite sacred and secular holiday songs performed by professional artists from across the country.
The show will feature spectacular vocal harmonies, lively musical arrangements, impressive dancing and the music of the AMT Orchestra.
The show features incredible singers, astonishing dancers, wondrous costumes, breathtaking sets, and all the endearment of a perfect fireside family moment. Patrons can bask in the beauty of the season and cherish the stories of spirit and love.
The show will have both matinee and evening performances each week with the addition of 10:30 a.m. performances on Saturdays throughout December. Tickets are $59 for adults, $57 for seniors and $30 for children.
A popular Christmas activity every year is taking a train ride with Santa Claus. Fortunately, there are quite a few very good tourist railroads in our area.
One of the best train rides with Santa Claus is the one presented by the West Chester Railroad (Market Street Station, West Chester, www.wcrailroad.com).
The special “Santa’s Express” trains (which feature heated cars decorated for the holidays) will run on December 6, 7, 13, 14, 20 and 21 at 11 a.m., 1, 3 and 5 p.m.
The 75-minute journey on the trail line’s heated decorated train travels through the Chester Creek Valley. Santa Claus will be greeting everyone at Market Street Station and then going along for the ride to Glen Mills.
Adult fare for the West Chester Railroad trips is $40. Tickets for children (ages 2-12) are $30 while toddlers (ages 9-23 months) get to ride for $15.
The Strasburg Rail Road (Route 741, Strasburg, 717-687-7522, www.strasburgrailroad.com) is running its “Santa’s Paradise Express” now through December 24.
Santa will be the featured guest on each ride from Strasburg to Paradise and back.
The rotund guy in the red suit will be greeting passengers, shaking hands, posing for photos and giving a treat to each child. After the train ride, children are treated to storybook readings of holiday classics. Visitors of all ages can also enjoy a ride aboard the Tinsel Trolley, a self-propelled motor car.
Other “Christmas Experiences” offered by the rail line are “Santa Claus Limited,” “Night Before Christmas,” “Christmas Tree Train” and “Christmas Caboose.”
Tickets are $45 for adults and $35 for children.
The New Hope Railroad (32 Bridge Street, New Hope, www.newhoperailroad.com) is running its “Santa’s North Pole Express Train — The Magical Journey Begins Here” now through December 30.
Riders can join Santa and Mrs. Claus as they depart New Hope Station for a train ride through the historic Bucks County countryside on the way to the North Pole.
The journey begins when the Conductor calls “All Aboard!”
Passengers will experience the sounds and tastes of the holiday season as they sing along with roaming musicians playing Christmas carols, sip warm cocoa and enjoy a freshly baked cookie.
Each child will receive his or her own sleigh bell gift from Santa himself. Children and adults alike are encouraged to indulge in the season’s spirit by wearing pajamas and settling in for a relaxing ride with family and friends aboard the festive railway cars adorned with holiday decorations.
Ticket prices start at $70.
The Northern Central Railway (2 West Main Street, New Freedom, www.northerncentralrailway.com) is running its “Santa Express” on December 5-7. 12-14 and 19-21.
The train is decked out for the festive season, bringing holiday cheer to all riders. Boarding at the beautiful Historic New Freedom Train Station, passengers ride with Kris Kringle to Glen Rock.
Each child will have an opportunity to visit with Santa, who will have a special gift for kids on the “NICE” list. After the ride, passengers can visit the NCR Engine House for a complimentary hot chocolate and a cookie.
They can also visit the model train room or enjoy the sounds of strolling fiddler, Keith Engle.
This event is perfect for families, kids, and anyone who believes in the magic of Christmas. Fun characters, music, dancing, and snow—this is one train ride you won’t forget.
Tickets are $44.99 for adults and $29.99 for children.
The Reading Blue Mountain and Northern Railroad (Reading Outer Station, Reading, www.rbmnrr-passenger.com) is running its 2025 “Santa Claus Special” excursions from a variety of locations – Nesquehoning, Tunkhannock, Tamaqua, Minersville, Pittston and Reading.
Santa Claus will be visiting with each of the children and there will be live holiday music performed throughout the ride.
Trains depart at 10:30 a.m. and 1 and 3:30 p.m.
All Trains Are 80 Minutes Round Trip
Tickets start at $22.
The Colebrookdale Railroad (South Washington Street, Boyertown, www.colebrookdalerailroad.com) is running its “Santa’s Polar Bear Express” now through December 24.
Kids can join Santa on a magical adventure into “Christmas Past” on an exciting train journey.
They will be able to sip complimentary hot cocoa or enjoy Christmas cookies and, on some trains, sing favorite carols as the Secret Valley passes by the window.
Santa will bring a gift for every child, and every child has an opportunity to give their Christmas letter to him.
The rail line also is running “’Twas the Night Before Christmas” excursions now through December 19.
These special evening trains bring the storybook magic of the season to life. Kids are invited to wear pajamas and sip complimentary hot cocoa as the train crew reads “’Twas the Night Before Christmas.”
Ticket prices start at $52.
The Wilmington & Western Railroad (2201 Newport Gap Pike, Wilmington, Delaware, 302-998-193, www.wwrr.com) will run its “Santa Claus Express” on Saturdays and Sundays between Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Santa and Mrs. Claus will be riding along with passengers on the steam-powered 90-minute round trip to Ashland Station. They will be greeting everyone on board and offering chocolate treats to the youngsters. Santa will also be posing for pictures with his fans.
Steam locomotion will return to the Wilmington & Western for its annual Santa Claus Express. The rail line’s 0-6-0 switcher No. 58 has returned to service after a multi-year restoration and will power Santa’s train through the Red Clay Valley this season.
Tickets for these trains, which run now through December 23, start at $25.
The tourist rail line will also be running special “Holiday Night Express Trains,” featuring a peaceful evening ride in the railroad’s 1929 Doodlebug rail car.
Tickets for these trains, which are running now through December 30, start at $17.
The Allentown and Auburn Railroad (35 Railroad Street, Kutztown, 570-778-7531, https://allentown-and-auburn-railroad.square.site/) is running special “Santa Claus Train Rides” on December 6, 7, 13, 14, 20 and 2.
Guests will be able to visit with Santa during the scenic train ride and have pictures taken.
The train will make a brief stop at the railroad’s picnic grove where riders will have the option to purchase “holiday evergreens with a sprinkle of Christmas magic.”
When they get back to the Kutztown Train Station, visitors can also do some holiday shopping in the Allentown & Auburn Gift Shop, which features handmade and antique items.
Trains depart at 10 a.m., noon and 2 and 4 p.m.
Tickets are $18 for adults, $16 for seniors, $12 for children and $.01 for toddlers.
The Middletown & Hummelstown Railroad (136 Brown Street, Middletown, 717-944-4435, www.mhrailroad.com) will be running its “Santa Surprise Trains” and “Polar Bear Express Trains” throughout December.
It is an 11-mile round-trip train ride along the Swatara Creek. Passengers board 1920’s vintage Delaware, Lackawanna & Western coaches at the 1891 Station in Middletown, which was originally built as a freight station and in more recent years converted for use as a passenger station. The Station contains a ticket window, gift shop and modern ADA restrooms.
Santa Claus will have a special present for all kid riders.
Tickets are $23 for adults, $18 for children and $6 for infants (under age two).
On December 6 and 13, the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania (Route 741, Strasburg, 717- 687-8628, www.rrmuseumpa.org) is hosting its annual “Home for the Holidays” event from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Costumed interpreters — engineers, conductors, ticket agents, and railroad passengers –will recreate scenes of holiday travel from the past. Visitors will also be able to ride the Museum’s Cab Simulator.
Children will be able to send a message to Santa Claus with the help of a railroad telegrapher who will send their personal telegrams from Steinman Station to the North Pole. And they can visit Santa in person at the Steinman Station passenger depot.
Cookies and hot chocolate will be offered in the Museum lobby.
Tickets are $10 for adults, $9 for seniors and $8 for youth (ages 3-11).
