| Discover the renowned O-gauge model train display of more than 1,000 pieces with trains running on nearly 2,000 feet of track and a special tribute to Trains of Spain; dozens of rare antique dolls, dressed in beautiful period clothing; and thousands of whimsical Critters (ornaments and decorations handcrafted by Brandywine Conservancy volunteers from natural materials) displayed on towering trees soaring up through the museum's three-story rotunda, all part of A Brandywine Christmas starting November 29 through January 5. |
| Events and programs will take place throughout the holiday season, from performances by area musicians and local school choirs to a special Polar Express pajama night. The museum will remain open until 9 p.m. on Thursdays in December, with holiday entertainment and programs. Special programs are also planned on Saturdays. |
The annual Christmas exhibition of the Brandywine River Museum Railroad includes loco-
motives, passenger and freight trains, clockwork sets and trolleys that pass through a small town, a farm, factories and even a carnival.
Antique dolls from the museum's collection will be on view in an enchanting new display that recreates the living room of the N.C. Wyeth House. The dolls were donated by the family of artist and composer Ann Wyeth McCoy (1915-2005) and are dressed in beautiful period clothing, some made by Mrs. McCoy from antique fabric. Visitors will also enjoy the return of Mrs. McCoy's dollhouse. It features several dolls displayed in rooms filled with furniture, rugs and other accessories. There are also several miniature reproductions of paintings by N.C., Andrew and Jamie Wyeth.
Critters - created from the environment - Trees throughout the museum will be adorned with Critter dogs, cats, angels, birds, flowers and more! Brandywine Critters come in dozens of shapes and sizes, from small, individual ornaments to large, tabletop decoration, all made by hand by volunteers. The annual Critter Sale takes place on Saturday, December 7 & Sunday, December 8 from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Bring a doll or stuffed animal and enjoy a cookie - Children who bring their favorite "friend" to the museum for their visit to A Brandywine Christmas will receive a free cookie in our museum restaurant. It's the perfect way to relax at the end of a visit and reminisce on a Christmas memory in the making.
The performances below are included with museum admission.
Music for the Holidays Back to Top
Mary Groce, harpist
Saturdays, November 30, December 14, 21, 28, and January 4, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Wilmington Handbell Ensemble
Thursday, December 5, 7:30 p.m.
Kennett Symphony Children's Chorus
Saturday, December 7, 2 p.m.
Brotherly Love Choral Performance
Thursday, December 12, 7:30 p.m.
Pennsylvania Academy of Performing Arts Chamber Choir
December 14, 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.
Brandywine Valley Chorale
Thursday, December 19, 7:30 p.m.
Rick Copes, pianist
Thursday, December 26, 5 to 7 p.m.
Holiday Performances by Area School Choirs Back to top
Pequea Valley High School Chorus
Tuesday, December 10, 10 a.m.
Wilmington Friends Kids Choir
Friday, December 13, 11 a.m.
The Tatnall School
Saturday, December 14, 3 p.m.
Interboro High School Singers and Concert Choir
Monday December 16, 10 a.m.
Interboro Middle School Chorus
Tuesday, December 17, 10 a.m.
Octorara Senior High School Chorus
Wednesday, December 18, 10 a.m.
Octorara Senior High School Chorus
Thursday, December 19, 10 a.m.
Festival Caroling
Sundays, December 1, 8, 15 and 22, 2 to 4 p.m.
Join international opera singer Peter Campbell, accompanied by pianist Laura Cilia, for caroling in the second floor lobby.
Meet Nutcracker Dancers
Dancers from the Brandywine Ballet
Saturday, November 30, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Dancers from the Pennsylvania Ballet
Thursday, December 5, 7 to 9 p.m.
Dancers from the Wilmington Ballet Academy of Dance
Saturday, December 7, 1 to 3 p.m.
Thursday Evenings in December Back to Top
The restaurant will be open until 7:30 p.m. (with a special entrée) and the museum shop will be open until 9 p.m.
Polar Express Read-Aloud Pajama Night
December 5, 7 - 8 p.m.
Children are invited to wear their pajamas as they delight in the tale of The Polar Express and enjoy hot chocolate and cookies. "Nutcracker" dancers from the Pennsylvania Ballet will greet from 7 - 9 p.m. $12 per adult and $8 per child; $6 for members, which includes museum admission. Tickets limited; reserve online or by calling the museum shop at 610-388-8326.
A Pirate Christmas Story
December 12 and 26, 6 p.m.
Listen to an amazing holiday tale of pirates on the night before Christmas in the museum's first floor gallery. Suitable for all ages.
"Secrets of the Brandywine River Museum Railroad"
December 19, 6:30 p.m.
Steven Clarke, coordinator of model trains, will discuss the history of this popular holiday tradition.
Family Holiday Fun on Saturdays Back to top
"Nutcracker" Family Workshop
Saturday, November 30, 10 a.m.
Brandywine Ballet Company dancers will greet families as they tour the holiday doll exhibition and make ballerina themed crafts. $8 per child, $12 per adult; $6 for members includes museum admission. Tickets limited; reserve online or by calling the museum shop at 610-388-8326.
Toccata for Toy Trains
December 14 and 21, repeated showings of this 14-minute film from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
This short film made by designers Charles and Ray Eames in 1957, with music by Elmer Bernstein, features antique toy trains on a journey through town and country.
Family Holiday Workshop
January 4, 10 a.m. - noon
Families will have fun playing "seek and find" in the museum's train and doll displays and then creating train- and doll-themed crafts. All activities are free with museum admission.
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Open until 9 p.m. on December 5, 12, 19 and 26 Open until 6 p.m. December 27 - 30 |
| The Brandywine River Museum, located on U.S. Route 1 in Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania, is open daily (except Christmas Day) from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Admission is $12 for adults, $8 for seniors ages 65 and over, $6 for children ages 6 and older and free for children 5 and younger and Brandywine Conservancy members. For more information, call 610-388-2700 or visit www.brandywinemuseum.org |
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A Brandywine Christmas is made possible by Otto's BMW. Additional support is provided by Herr Foods Inc., Lord & Taylor and The Frelinghuysen Foundation.
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