Come explore the world of American aristocracy and take a glimpse inside the elegant traditions of the du Pont family. The Brandywine Valley is where the du Pont family, one of the wealthiest American families, built a trail of stately mansions and gardens to rival the great homes of Europe. Cheery delights can be found throughout such as dazzling light shows, holiday greenery and plenty of Santa sightings. The holiday season finds these magnificent mansions and gardens graced with finery and fun, as well as world-class gift shops; it’s a recipe for a picture perfect holiday cheer!
Longwood Gardens, truly one of the world’s great public gardens, is the inspiring legacy of Pierre S. du Pont. A Longwood Christmas take a heavenly turn this year with star - illuminated majestic trees, two stunning conservatories filled with cosmic splendor, and an amazing tunnel of light, sparkling under the night sky. Tickets are for specific dates and times and sell out quickly – go online to purchase today. Special to our visitors: untimed tickets available only at participating accommodations. Check them out! A Longwood Christmas runs November 20, 2026 through January 10, 2027.
Celebrate the holidays at glorious Nemours Estate, the former home of Alfred I. duPont. Tour the festive displays in the 77-room Mansion, Chauffeur’s Garage and select areas of the gardens. Live music performances will also be held in the Mansion throughout the season. Noel at Nemours runs November 24 through December 30, 2026 and offers late hours every Saturday in December.
Yuletide at Winterthur honors the traditions of Henry Francis duPont and his family from over a dozen beautifully decorated trees to holiday vignettes throughout the historic home. Highlights include a large-scale gingerbread house depicting the duPont home in full holiday finery and an 18-room dollhouse furnished with more than 1,000 miniatures. Yuletide will be on display from November 21, 2026 through January 3, 2027. Special events include a holiday market on November 21, 2026, and Holiday Nights on select Friday and Saturday evenings offering candlelit tours, live music, cozy firepits and seasonal fare in the cafe.
Hagley Museum and Library is the ancestral home and gardens of the du Pont family. During Holidays at Hagley this history blends with holiday cheer. Marvel at the best gingerbread house and enjoy gingerbread cookies fresh from a wood-burning oven and visit with Santa on Saturday, December 6, 2026. Merry Memories are made throughout the Brandywine Valley!
Shopping is synonymous with the holidays and these magnificent attractions have world-class gift shops. Shopping small and local is the anthem for holiday shopping and Chester County’s Brandywine Valley is the perfect shopping destination. Our Towns and Main Streets full of shops and galleries offer one-of-a-kind gifts that will delight anyone on your list. A wide range of delectable restaurants are available for a relaxing meal plus gift cards always fit! Plan a memorable holiday trip and discover the magic of the season. Book a package including Longwood Gardens tickets (with no time restrictions)!
