Explore alternative festive activities in the Philadelphia area if you’re unable to secure a reservation at Longwood Gardens this week.

This holiday season, Longwood Gardens in Pennsylvania has become a much sought-after destination, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors eager to experience its renowned holiday light show, A Longwood Christmas. Deanna Baker, a resident of Downingtown, exemplifies the forward-thinking approach many families are adopting by securing their reservations in advance. Having received a Longwood Gardens membership for five consecutive years, Baker recognizes the increasing demand for visiting during the holiday period, prompting her to make reservations in the summer.

The allure of the holiday display is evident, as visitors rave about the enchanting experience it offers, making it worthwhile even amidst the rush of the season. Baker expressed her admiration for the magical ambiance that captivates visitors of all ages, as she plans multiple visits with family and friends during the holiday season.

The impact of the holiday display extends beyond the gardens themselves, serving as a significant economic driver for the local business community in Kennett Square and surrounding areas. According to Cheryl B. Kuhn, CEO of the Southern Chester County Chamber of Commerce, the influx of visitors during this event serves as an economic engine for local businesses.

Since the pandemic, attendance at Longwood Gardens has surged, increasing nearly 42% compared to pre-pandemic levels. In the previous year alone, approximately 650,000 guests visited the gardens during the holiday season, a notable rise from figures reported during the 2019-2020 season, when attendance was recorded at 458,000.

This surge in popularity has led to tickets for prime time slots becoming increasingly hard to secure. Longwood Gardens spokesperson Patricia Evans noted that ticketing opens as early as July, with the most desirable time slots often selling out by late October. Some limited availability remains for specific time slots after 8:30 p.m. in December, and visitors can look forward to the holiday lights display continuing until January 11.

For those unable to secure a ticket to Longwood Gardens, the Philadelphia area boasts several alternative festive attractions. Ice skating rinks at popular locations such as City Hall and Penn’s Landing still have open reservations for visitors, offering a more affordable holiday experience. Similarly, LumiNature at the Philadelphia Zoo has tickets available through early January, and Elmwood Park Zoo’s Wild Lights is also accessible without advance reservations.

Meanwhile, visitors seeking free options can explore festive light displays at the Wanamaker Light Show or the Comcast Holiday Spectacular, although they should brace for potential long waits during peak times.

In addition to these attractions, the Morris Arboretum & Gardens has already sold out its Holiday Garden Railway Nighttime Express for this week, illustrating the continued demand for holiday-themed events in the region. For those interested in attending next year, tickets for the arboretum’s events go on sale in early November, making early planning essential.

As the holiday season advances, options abound for festive activities in the Philadelphia area. Whether through well-planned visits to popular attractions or spontaneous neighborhood light tours, the region offers a myriad of ways to celebrate the season.