Trains & cheer at Winterthur - Chadds Ford Live

The classic Twelve Days of Christmas may include lords a-leaping, ladies dancing, and a few too many birds, but Yuletide at Winterthur styles the holiday a bit differently this year. Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library has added a variety of new displays, including “Twelve Days of Christmas,” a fantastical toy train display that presents antique favorites for children both young and young at heart.

“I got my first set when I was four, and it has been all downhill ever since,” said Kirk Lindvig, the chief engineer, conductor, and designer of the display. The display features trains from Lindvig’s own collection of Lionel Standard Gauge model toy trains, as well as a wide variety of tracks, stations, figurines, landscapes, and more. Introduced in 1906, the trains are larger than many of the sets seen at other holiday train displays and in homes.

Original sets would have been powered by “wet-cell” batteries, glass jars filled with acid and lead plates, or plugged directly into lamp outlets in homes lucky enough to have steady electricity. The setup at Winterthur is considerably more modern, with over 800 feet of track running through five different loops—no jars of acid in sight. The trains include a mix of antique trains and more modern reproductions, which were made by Williams Electric Trains starting in the 1970s and other Standard-gauge train engineers in more recent years.

This is the second year of the train display at Winterthur. It takes over the Brown Horticulture Learning Center, creating a lovely winter wonderland and a perfect spot to take a break on a chilly winter day. “Kids connect with these trains,” said Jeannette Lindvig, Kirk’s wife who has been part of the Winterthur community for many years. But based on the curious visitors who stopped in as the display was being created, it brings warm memories to visitors of all ages.

Lindvig is familiar with creating holiday magic through train displays, having worked on the Brandywine Railroad at the Brandywine Museum of Art for decades. When it came to creating this display, he decided to indulge in his love for the larger Standard Gauge trains. “I woke up at 3 a.m. to a vision of the track lines and displays,” he said. It includes an inventive two-story train station with regular announcements of arrivals and departures, skaters on a frozen pond, various woodland creatures, a small amusement park, and much more. The background shows an idyllic mountain scene, a recreation of art from antique train catalogs.

It is a unique Yuletide at Winterthur this year. Inspired by Ann Lowe: American Couturier, on view through Jan. 7, the displays feature custom fashion by local designers Shawn Pinckney and Asata Maisé Beeks. Even the decorated trees have a fashionable twist, with finery, fabrics, gowns, and cocktail party scenes fit for the height of glamour. (To find out more about Ann Lowe: American Couturier, check out this article in Chadds Ford Live.)

There are many other surprises, including a giant gingerbread replica of the Enchanted Woods, outdoor light displays, the towering Dried-Flower Tree made with flowers and herbs grown on the grounds, and many other decorative touches. Keep an eye out as you travel through the grounds—ornaments made by local ceramic artist Samara Weaver are hidden along the paths, which visitors lucky enough to find are invited to take home and enjoy.

There are also hints of more to come, including a few pieces from the upcoming Transformations: Contemporary Artists at Winterthur exhibition on display, such as the larger-than-life vibrant dress made from iconic fabric rosettes, greenery, and decorative elements by artist and designer Katya Roelse. The exhibit will show contemporary art which reflects artistic connections to Winterthur’s collections.

“Jeannette and I both love Winterthur,” said Lindvig. “This is our way of giving back.” Their contribution of trains, time, and technology, as well as his fellow Standard Gauge enthusiasts who will bring their own trains to show off during the exhibit, invites everyone to enjoy the ride as they go full steam ahead through the holiday season.

Yuletide at Winterthur is on display through January 7. The “Twelve Days of Christmas” toy train display will be open from Dec. 22, through Jan. 2. Ann Lowe: American Couturier is on view through Jan. 7, 2024. Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library is located at 5105 Kennett Pike, Wilmington. More information can be found at Winterthur.org.

(All photos by Victoria Rose.)

About Victoria Rose

Victoria Rose (she/her) is an editor, writer, avid reader, self-described geek, and fan of all things creative. Her passion for words has led to her current career as a freelance editor, and she is the owner of Flickering Words, an editing service. When not wielding a red pen (or cursor), she loves reading books of all genres, playing video, board, and word games, baking ridiculous creations to show off on the internet, or enjoying the gorgeous outdoors. She is a board member of the West Chester Film Festival and part of the Thirsty Monsters, a team of streamers from around the world who fundraise for various charities supporting LGBTQIA+ and accessibility rights. She can be found online @WordsFlickering or the Brandywine Art Guide @BrandywineArtGuide.