From towering trees in fiery reds, to the frosty cool tones of a frozen alpine stream, opposites attract this holiday season as Longwood Gardens celebrates the beautiful contrast of fire and ice during A Longwood Christmas, on view now through Jan. 9. Tickets are available now at longwoodgardens.org. From inviting, warm firepits to gather around, to thousands of colorful poinsettias, cyclamen, and other horticultural splendor that wows, to an invigorating stroll through half-a-million outdoor lights that dazzle A Longwood Christmas is the quintessential holiday experience.

Inside Longwood’s grand Conservatory, a whimsical wonderland awaits. The Exhibition Hall is transformed into a clear blue alpine stream with delicately flocked trees, a cascading waterfall, and suspended icicles gleaming above. A 21-foot flocked Fraser Fir, complete with an icy garland and silver bay laurel, beautifully reflect the festive scene.

Enjoy the Music Room where an inviting mountain retreat adorned for a holiday celebration awaits. The East Conservatory boasts the largest indoor tree in the display, a 22-foot tall Fraser Fir outfitted with flickering flame lanterns and red, gold, and amber ornaments. The Silver Garden is full of chilly cheer with a frozen succulent fountain, while the Acacia passage is a magical walkway of sparkling icicles.

Making its new-location debut in the Ballroom are the beloved children’s Christmas trees. These 12-foot trees showcase hundreds of ice-inspired creations made by local schools, playfully offset with an assortment of fire-inspired ornaments.

Brighter than ever

Take in the brilliance of half-a-million lights as you stroll down a blue-hued Flower Garden Drive, walk through a 200-foot tunnel of light in the Meadow Garden, and cozy up to three Longwood crafted fire pits with a warm seasonal beverage.

At the Small Lake, large, ornamental spheres enclosing flame-like lights adorn the tree-lined backdrop creating a fiery reflection on the water, while the Large Lake is dreamlike with floating luminaria, rippling with subtle movement.

The Wildlife Tree entices our furry friends to nibble on edible ornaments made from wheat, apples, and birdseed. The 18-foot Gardener’s Tree cleverly showcases our gardeners’ creativity with handcrafted ornaments and garland, newly situated outside the historic Peirce du-Pont House.

The Main Fountain Garden shimmers and flows as light effects mimicking water dance along to holiday music. Meanwhile, in the Open Air Theatre, fountains dance to holiday classics during five-minute shows that run throughout the day and evening. Young and old will delight in the holiday Garden Railway as it travels past miniature Longwood landmarks illuminated for the holiday season.

A Longwood Christmas runs through January 9, 2022. Admission to the Christmas display is by Timed Admission Ticket, with tickets purchased in advance for a specific date and time. Members require free, timed reservations every day. Gardens Premium Members do not require reservations. Tickets and reservations are available now at longwoodgardens.org.