Frequently Asked Questions
Tickets and Admission
Timed Ticketing During the Christmas Display
Prices
Environmental Practices in The Terrace Restaurant
Weather
Parking
Getting Around Longwood
Handicapped Accessibility
Events
Visitor Conveniences
Food and Drink in the Gardens
The Terrace Restaurant
Photography
Weddings
Other Brandywine Valley Attractions
Tickets and Admission
Can I pick my tickets up in advance of my visit?
Yes, you can purchase tickets in advance and print them at home through our online ticketing system. You may also purchase advance tickets over the phone and and pick them up in advance. Call Central Ticketing at 610-388-5200 for more information.
Can I buy tickets online?
Yes. Visit tickets.longwoodgardens.org to purchase tickets online. Due to a system upgrade, Longwood's online ticketing system will be down from Monday, January 25 through Tuesday, February 9. You may still purchase tickets during this time by calling 610-388-5200.
Please note that many of our performances are sold by Ticket Philadelphia. Online ticket sales through Ticket Philadelphia will remain functional during this time.
Can I leave and return?
Yes. Your admission ticket is good for the whole day of your visit. You will be given a ticket stub that will allow you to re-enter the gardens (for an evening show, for example). You must present your stub to re-enter the gardens.
I have a ticket for a special event. When should I arrive?
Please plan to arrive at Longwood’s Visitor Center one hour prior to your reservation or show time. You make experience heavier-than-usual traffic when traveling to the Gardens during the holiday season. There is a short outdoor walk required to reach the Conservatory, Terrace Restaurant, Performance and Skating venue.
How do I find out more about the Garden Pass?
Visit the Garden Pass section of the website for more information on the benefits of purchasing a pass and for answers to Frequently Asked Questions.
Timed Ticketing During the Christmas Display
In anticipation of the popularity of A Longwood Gardens Christmas, admission will be by Timed Ticket only, with tickets issued for specific dates and times. Timed Tickets limit the number of people in the Gardens at any given time, and enable guests to enjoy minimal lines and a better viewing experience. Timed Tickets allow entry during half-hour intervals throughout the day and evening. The last admission is sold approximately 30 minutes prior to closing. Most visitors spend about 3 hours at the Gardens. Please plan your visit accordingly.
What is Timed Ticketing?
Timed Ticketing offers select times during which guests can enjoy Longwood Gardens’ spectacular Christmas display. With a Timed Ticket, a pre-established number of guests can enter during each interval, allowing guests to enjoy shorter lines and a better viewing experience.
What are the Timed Ticketing times?
Tickets are sold to allow entry during half-hour intervals from 9:00 am to 8:30 pm.
When is the best time to visit?
The best times to visit the display are weekdays and prior to December 24. Traditionally, weekends and the week between Christmas and New Year’s are very busy. To avoid disappointment, purchase a ticket for your desired date and time as soon as possible.
What if we arrive late, after our entry time?
Longwood will make every effort to accommodate late arrivals, but we recommend you enter during your scheduled time to maximize your experience.
Will we have to leave at a specified time?
No, Timed Tickets apply to entrance times only. You are welcome to stay until closing, no matter what time you enter.
We didn’t know about timed ticketing. Will we be admitted?
Longwood Gardens will make every effort to accommodate guests without Timed Tickets. However, guests may experience a delay in entering the display.
I am a Passholder. Do I need a Timed Ticket?
Garden Passholders do not need a Timed Ticket to enter the Gardens. However, Passholders are required to purchase Timed Tickets for any guests accompanying them.
Do children need Timed Tickets?
Children ages 4 and under are admitted free and do not require a ticket. Children ages 5 and older do require a Timed Ticket.
Do Timed Tickets include the Ice Skating Shows?
No. Ice Skating Shows require a separate ticket for all guests, including children and Passholders.
Where can we get Timed Tickets?
Tickets are available at tickets.longwoodgardens.org, in person at Central Ticketing, or by calling 610-388-5200.
Prices
Does Longwood offer discounted tickets?
Longwood offers discounted rates for groups and seniors (ages 62+). Please check with our Group Visits office about pricing for groups of 15 or more.
How much is parking?
Our parking lot has ample space and is free of charge.
Can chaperones of pre-school groups get a chaperone rate?
Chaperones who accompany groups of children ages five and under are not eligible for a chaperone rate since Longwood does not charge admission for the children.
Environmental Practices in The Terrace Restaurant
Local Food Sources
The Terrace Restaurant is working with local farmers and produce distributors to provide our guests with the freshest seasonal foods while supporting our local farms. Local food means a dramatic reduction in transportation emissions, days of refrigeration, and packaging. Longwood is a proud member of the Pennsylvania Association of Sustainable Agriculture, working to further the connections between people and their food.
Longwood seasonally grows herbs, fruits and vegetables in the Idea Garden, which are used in the 1906 Fine Dining Room. This means zero food mileage adversely affecting our environment!
Compostable Dishware, Cups, Bottles
While both compostable and ceramic dishes require resources to make and maintain them, Longwood has chosen to use compostable dishes in our Café for several reasons.
- Almost all of the compostable ware used in the Restaurant goes to Longwood’s large scale compost facility. Instead of going to the landfill, it returns to the Gardens or our farm lands. This helps us close the loop by keeping organics here on site - nourishing our soils instead of creating waste.
- While Compostable dishes may take years, even decades, to break down in a landfill, they do eventually break down. A plastic or ceramic dish will not. The energy, hot water, and detergent required to maintain re-usable dishware is also not needed.
Even our current spring water is bottled in a compostable plant-based product instead of plastic – it gets composted right along with our food waste!
Recycling
Materials such as plastic bottles, light bulbs, steel cans, paper and cardboard that cannot be composted are recycled through different programs, ensuring landfill diversion. The water used at the facility is recycled as part of Longwood’s effluent irrigation system.
Efficient Lighting
We use energy efficient lighting in both the food service and dining areas. T5 lamps are lower than incandescent lamps in energy consumption, and metal halide fixtures consume 50% less energy and have a longer lifespan than incandescent lamps.
Natural Materials
The wallcoverings in 1906 are printed with water based inks and coatings, and manufactured using raw material recycling. In addition, the wall coverings in the Terra Cotta Room use water based inks and adhesives, with no heavy metals.
Solid surfaces throughout the Restaurant, including tray slides and counter tops, are made from low-emitting materials and are Greenguard certified. These surfaces are eligible for a number of Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design LEED credits.
Sustainable Furniture
The benches in the corridors are made from a minimum of 70% recycled material content, FSC certified wood, and powder coat finishes contain no heavy metals.
The outdoor patio wood seating is made from teak wood from government-managed plantations in Java that restrict the number and size of trees that can be harvested, and requires replanting of the teak forests.
Tables in the Gallery and the Lodge are made of laminated granite to reduce the amount of natural stone used.
The Lodge features an innovative use of surplus seat belts as webbing for the barstool backs.
“Green” Upholstery
Many of the fabrics used throughout the Terrace Restaurant are PVC free or certified for indoor air quality under the Greenguard for Children & Schools Program.
Eco-friendly Flooring
Most of the carpeting is either made from recycled content (from 10% to 100% post-consumer material), or is 100% recyclable. The linoleum used on the lower level of the Restaurant is made from all natural materials and is SMART certified.
Weather
What happens in case of inclement weather?
Longwood will make every effort to hold outdoor events and performances as scheduled. Cancellation of an event or performance is dependent on weather conditions at Longwood. The decision to cancel a performance will be made as close to show time as possible.
Parking
Does Longwood have parking facilities? Is it free?
Parking at Longwood is free in a lot adjacent to our Visitor Center. During peak visitation times, free off-site parking may be in effect. Please follow signage and Longwood personnel directing parking.
Getting Around Longwood
How do I get around the Gardens?
Longwood Gardens has about 300 acres that are open to the public, and walking or using a wheelchair or electric scooter (see Accessibility) are the only ways to experience it. It is best to wear comfortable shoes, and leave yourself ample time to take in the gardens. For your comfort, we also recommend hats and sun protection, especially in the summer. Visitors find plenty of time to rest by enjoying the Terrace Restaurant, seeing one of the many fountain shows, or taking in a performance.
How far is it to walk around the Gardens?
To walk the entire 20-room Conservatory at a leisurely pace takes about 1-1½ hours and covers ½ mile. The 20 outdoor gardens take an additional two to three hours and cover 2¼-3¼ miles of walking. The Heritage Exhibit in the Peirce-du Pont House takes ½ to one hour.
Is it outdoors?
While we have an expanse of gardens outdoors, including a wildflower meadow, we have many acres of gardens within Conservatories. The Main Conservatory houses nearly 20 gardens and covers about four acres, and it is all inside. The Heritage Exhibit, located inside the Pierce-du Pont House, is also indoors.
How far is it from the Visitor Center to the Conservatory?
It is a leisurely 10-minute walk from the Visitor Center to the Conservatory or to the Terrace Restaurant, located near the Conservatory. On very crowded days (Easter, Mother's Day, the week after Christmas, etc.) there may also be a substantial walk from your car in the Parking Lot to the Visitor Center, although it is possible to drop passengers off at the Visitor Center then park the car.
Does Longwood have a tram or bus?
On Senior Days tram service is available in the Gardens.
Handicapped Accessibility
Is Longwood Gardens accessible for people with disabilities?
Yes, Longwood is easily accessible to visitors with disabilities. There are 45 spaces reserved for handicapped parking at the front of the Parking Lot near the Visitor Center. Most restrooms and drinking fountains are wheelchair accessible. The Conservatory and the Terrace Restaurant are equipped with elevators, and some of the doors in the Visitor Center, Conservatory, and Terrace Restaurant are automated. Most garden paths are wide and paved, and a wheelchair route is suggested on the Guide Map. While most of the route is level or gently sloping, a few areas are more steeply graded but manageable with an able-bodied assistant. The Lookout Loft is the only ADA accessible treehouse. The Chimes Tower and portions of the Peirce-du Pont House are not wheelchair accessible.
Is there a rental fee for wheelchairs, scooters or children's strollers?
Electric scooters, wheelchairs and children's strollers are available for rent in the Visitor Center, on a first-come, first-served basis. Scooters, wheelchairs and strollers are free for Garden Passholders. All others are charged the following:
Electric scooters: $15
Wheelchairs: $4
Children's strollers: $6
Scooters are not available during rainy or snowy weather, or when the temperature is below 36°F. (In consideration of other visitors, scooters must be parked outside the Open Air Theatre, Peirce-du Pont House, and the Terrace Restaurant when visiting those facilities.)
Can I reserve and wheelchair or scooter?
Wheelchairs and scooters can not be reserved in advance.
Does Longwood have scooters for two people?
Our scooters are single-seat only.
Is the picnic area handicapped accessible?
The Picnic Area is outside the main part of the Gardens and is accessible only by car or motor coach via Longwood Road. It features 70 picnic tables, grills, and restroom facilities in the shade of tall trees. Because it is in a wooded area, the ground is covered in mulch or gravel and not paved. The picnic tables were not specifically designed for handicapped accessibility.
Events
I have a ticket for a special event. When should I arrive?
Please plan to arrive at Longwood’s Visitor Center one hour prior to your reservation or show time. You may experience heavier-than-usual traffic when traveling to the Gardens during the holiday season. There is a short outdoor walk required to reach the Conservatory, Terrace Restaurant, Performance and Skating venue.
How much is the concert and how long is it?
Many of our concerts are included in Gardens admission. The concert length varies, but most last between a half hour and an hour. Specially ticketed shows are often longer.
Can I bring in blankets, chairs, etc. to reserve my spot for fireworks?
On fireworks evenings, chairs and blankets are allowed in after 3:00 pm. At that time, visitors can reserve their spots for viewing the fireworks.
Where is the best spot to watch the fountain or fireworks displays?
The fountains and fireworks are best viewed on the lawn in front of the Main Conservatory.
Where are the daily functions held?
Many visitor activities take place daily at Longwood. Visit our Events page and enter the dates of your visit to find out what activities are happening on a specific day and their locations. You will also be given a printed handout of the day's events when you arrive at Longwood.
Visitor Conveniences
Where are the restrooms?
There are several restrooms open to the public at Longwood Gardens. In addition to the restrooms in the Visitor Center, there are rest facilities located in the Open Air Theatre, the Lower Level of the Main Conservatory, the Terrace Restaurant, and the Catalpa Classroom at the far west end of the gardens. There are also facilities at the Main Fountain Garden and the Italian Water Garden.
Is there a family restroom/changing room?
Our restrooms are equipped with pull-down changing tables and are large enough to afford visitors the privacy they need. We do not have facilities that are specifically designated as family restrooms.
Are there lockers?
We do not have lockers available for visitors.
Is there air conditioning?
Both the Visitor Center and the Terrace Restaurant are air conditioned.
Is there an ATM?
There is no ATM on site. However they are available nearby outside the Gardens.
Does Longwood have wireless internet access?
Longwood Gardens is not a hot spot for wireless internet access.
Can I bring my pet?
Pets are not permitted in the Gardens, nor are there provisions to temporarily house them during a visit. Please do not leave dogs or cats in your car in the Parking Lot during warm weather since shade is minimal. Properly identified Service Dogs that provide assistance for visitors with disabilities are permitted everywhere at Longwood.
Food and Drink in the Gardens
Can I bring food and drinks into the Gardens?
Outside food and drink are not allowed in the Gardens. The Terrace Restaurant provides two dining options within the Gardens—a self-service cafe, and the full-service dining room.
For visitors wanting to bring their own food, our picnic facility is located across from the Gardens and has picnic tables, grills, and restroom facilities. It is open mid-April through mid-September from 9:00 am until dusk (weather permitting). From mid-September through Christmas, the picnic area closes at 4:00 pm.
Can I purchase bottled water in the Gardens?
The Terrace Restaurant offers bottled water. In addition, vending machines for bottled water are located in the Visitor Center and the Conservatory. Several drinking fountains are located throughout the Gardens.
Where can I get a hot/cold drink?
Hot and cold beverages and beer and wine are all available at the Terrace Restaurant. During the Christmas display, outdoor concerts and special events there are concession stands throughout the Gardens or near the performance venue.
The Terrace Restaurant
Where is the cafeteria? How far is it from the Visitor Center?
The Terrace Restaurant is a leisurely 10 minute walk from the Visitor Center. A self-service cafe and full-service dining room are both available at Longwood.
Do I need an admission ticket if I want to eat at the Terrace Restaurant?
Yes. The Terrace Restaurant is available only to Longwood visitors.
Does the Terrace Restaurant have food for ethnic groups or kosher food?
Longwood Gardens does not have a Rabbi on staff to accommodate a strict kosher diet. The Terrace Restaurant, however, does purchase kosher products. If you adhere to a strict kosher diet, we suggest you either bring your own food or call the Terrace Restaurant in advance of your visit so your needs can be accommodated.
Photography
Does Longwood allow photos/videos to be taken?
Longwood Gardens encourages its guests to take casual photographs and videos of their visit for their own personal use. However, personal photographs and videos may not be used for commercial purposes. Additional restrictions may apply for performances (announcements will be made prior to each show).
All photographers/videographers must purchase general admission to the Gardens or be valid Garden Passholders.
Photography sessions must not interfere with the enjoyment of Longwood's other guests.
All professional photographers must sign a permission form indicating that any photographs or video/film footage taken at Longwood will not be used for promoting commercial products or services. (Please note that Longwood will not sign general releases giving blanket permission for stock agencies to use photos taken at Longwood.)
During your visit you may be filmed, videotaped, and/or photographed by a Garden employee or contract photographer. Your attendance serves as permission for the use of your image by the Garden and its constituents.
Are tripods and easels allowed in the Gardens?
Tripod, monopod and easel use by amateur photographers and artists is permitted in the Gardens with the exception of high volume days such as the Christmas display season and Fireworks shows. On these days, security will determine when to restrict their usage.
Tripod use is limited to garden photography. Use of tripods for individual or family portraits, product photography, or portfolio photography for aspiring photographers is not permitted.
All photographers and artists must purchase general admission tickets or be valid Garden Passholders.
Photography, painting or drawing sessions must not interfere with the enjoyment of other guests or create any safety concerns. Hand-held easels (without legs) for drawing or painting are also permitted any time. Portable chairs and equipment carts are not permitted.
It is not necessary to inform Longwood of your plans in advance; simply purchase your admission ticket upon arrival and proceed to the Information Desk in the Visitor Center where you will fill out a permission form and receive a tripod or easel tag.
Weddings
Can I have my wedding at Longwood?
Weddings, wedding receptions, religious ceremonies, proms, and other private parties are not permitted at Longwood Gardens. Wedding photographs, however, may be taken at Longwood provided the following guidelines are observed:
Wedding photography is permitted only in the outdoor gardens between 9:00 am and one hour before closing.
Lights may not be used at any time.
Everyone, including the photographer, must purchase an admission ticket to enter the Gardens.
Rice or confetti may not be thrown, and food and beverages are not permitted in the Gardens.
The photos may be used for personal use only.
The photography session must not interfere with the enjoyment of Longwood's other guests.
It is not necessary to inform Longwood of your plans in advance, but it is necessary to fill out a permission form at the Visitor Services Desk in the Visitor Center.
Other Brandywine Valley Attractions
What else is in the area? How do I get there?
There are several accommodations in our area. Please view our page on other Brandywine Valley attractions for more information.
