Top 5 Reasons to Visit Brandywine Valley this Christmas

Are you ready for visions of festive fountains to dance in your head? I sure was when we headed out to the Brandywine Valley last weekend. With everything from 500,000 twinkling lights to a festive train ride with Santa and Mrs. Claus, there’s something for young and old alike to enjoy. Check out my top 5 reasons to plan a family getaway to this festive area.

A Longwood Christmas

A Christmas wonderland makeover like you’ve never seen before. That is how I would describe the Longwood Gardens Christmas display we visited with three generations in tow. I’ve never seen a light extravaganza quite like this one before. I held tight to little hands and watched tiny eyes full of wonder take it all in. This is a family-friendly holiday memory you won’t soon forget.

West Chester Railroad – Santa Express

Banjo-playing carolers, a vintage locomotive and Santa and Mrs. Claus will take you on a festive Christmas train ride through the valley. Board the train in West Chester, PA, then chug across the tracks to Glen Mills, PA. A quick stop at the Glen Mills Train Station for a photo op with Santa and you’ll be back to your van before bedtime. Don’t forget to grab a cup of hot chocolate at the snack bar.

Delaware Museum of Natural History

OK, so this isn’t exactly a holiday stop, but it is worth a trip with your Littles. Just over the state line, in Wilmington, DE, this museum is perfect for the whole family. We went to see the current exhibit “Be the Dinosaur”, but the museum changes over that main exhibit on a regular basis. You will all get to see fossils, turtle and bird displays, an ocean extravaganza and a very large elephant. Our favorite stop was the beautiful green space where we stopped for lunch together.

Purebread Deli

We’re always on the lookout for family-friendly restaurants with delicious eats. My cousin suggested this dog-centric deli, and we weren’t disappointed. The food is delicious, and the environment is super kid-friendly. My kids liked the grilled chicken and cheese wrap and the dog-shaped magnet they got to take home with them.

Hilton Garden Inn Kennett Square

You know we’ve stayed in a lot of hotels over the last year and a half, and this set up was the most family-friendly we’ve seen so far. My husband’s parents stayed in a King Suite and my crazy crew bunked in the double, adjoining room next door. It is a great option for families that actually like to get a good night’s sleep when they are on a trip together.

If you are looking for the perfect multi-generational Christmas getaway, you won’t regret your family roatrip to Brandywine Valley. You’ll make fantastic memories together.

We were hosted by Chester County’s Brandywine Valley, Longwood Gardens, Delaware Museum of Natural History and Hilton Garden Inn Kennett Square. As always, all opinions are my own, and we’re grateful for these special family memories.