• Celebrate the season with Longwood Gardens’ tradition of its whimsical and wonderful Garden Railway. It’s a fanciful blend of horticulture, engineering, and fun, and Garden Railway is turning 25 this year. Celebrate 25 years of this display located outdoors near the Beer Garden. The collection of large-scale model trains includes steam, diesel, electric, and specialty engines that rumble along nearly 500 feet of track amid textural foliage, flowering plants, and woody plants. It’s free with garden admission. The display runs through Jan. 11.
• West Chester University’s Department of Theatre & Dance presents Little Women, The Broadway Musical, on Nov. 20–23. Based on Louisa May Alcott’s beloved novel, this musical adaptation brings to life the enduring story of the March sisters—Jo, Meg, Beth, and Amy—as they navigate growing up during the Civil War era. Performances take place in the MainStage Theatre, E.O. Bull Center for the Arts, 2 East Rosedale Avenue, West Chester. Performance times are Thursday, Nov. 20 – Saturday, Nov. 22 at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, Nov. 23 at 2 p.m. General admission tickets range from $14–$24, with discounts available for students and seniors with a valid ID. Tickets may be purchased online at www.wcupatix.com/theatreanddance.
• Chester County’s community brings together a multitude of cultures, traditions, and heritages. This December, the Chester County History Center will share a spirit of unity and togetherness with its second annual Season of Lights, a celebration inviting all community members to share in the warmth of the holiday season. On Sunday, Nov. 30, the History Center will host the Lights On! event from 3:30 -7 p.m., an opening celebration that will offer a feast for the senses with a diverse array of culinary delights, family programs, and entertainment to bring friends and neighbors together in celebration.
• The Grand’s 49th annual Grand Gala, presented by Bank of America, will take place on Friday, Dec. 5, with a special performance by music legend Bruce Hornsby, featuring the Delaware Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Rob Moose. The evening will also honor Tom & Martha Carper with the 2025 Grand Medal for Excellence in the Performing Arts. The event starts at 8 p.m. at The Grand, followed by the Ultimate After Party at The Hotel DuPont. All proceeds benefit The Grand’s Community Engagement Programs. Tickets start at $250 and include the concert and afterparty. Tickets and more information at https://www.thegrandwilmington.org/gala.
• Brandywine Museum of Art’s annual Critter Sale is this weekend, Nov. 20 – 23, from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Browse and shop from thousands of unique, handcrafted ornaments and tabletop decorations made from all-natural materials by our dedicated and talented volunteers. Each Critter has its own unique personality and expression — no two are exactly the same. From whimsical animals — like cats, dogs, reindeer, and bears — to heavenly angels and stars, Critters come in all shapes and sizes. The sale is held in person at the Brandywine Museum of Art, located on the second floor of the museum in the Waterview Room. Credit and debit card sales only. Can’t make it in person? Critters are also available for purchase online and can be shipped across the country. Visit www.brandywine.org/critters.
• December is right around the corner, and Mt. Cuba Center’s Winter Holiday Workshops are here! As a special festive treat, we’d like to offer you the chance to make your class experience even more joyful by bringing a friend along to join you! For a limited time, we’re offering a $10 discount on registration for a friend when you register together. Take home your own festive creation in one of the several workshops. The event kicks off with wreath-making on Friday and Saturday, Dec. 5 and 6. The wreath-making workshop is $85. Register here. https://tickets.mtcubacenter.org/webstore/shop/viewItems.aspx?cg=ga&c=ART#16851. Bring hand pruners and gardening gloves.
About Rich Schwartzman
Rich Schwartzman has been reporting on events in the greater Chadds Ford area since September 2001 when he became the founding editor of The Chadds Ford Post. In April 2009 he became managing editor of ChaddsFordLive. He is also an award-winning photographer.
