Holiday Model Railroad Return to Brandywine Museum of Art, Blending Art, Tradition and Family Magic

The holiday model railroad at the Brandywine Art Museum create memories for train lovers of all ages.

The museum’s beloved Brandywine Holiday Model Railroad holiday train exhibit is drawing families, rail enthusiasts, and art lovers

CHADDS FORD, Pa.— For more than half a century, the holiday season at the Brandywine River Museum of Art has been defined by the gentle hum of locomotives, the glow of miniature villages, and the sense of wonder that comes when art and tradition meet.

Now on display through January 4, 2026, the museum’s beloved Brandywine Railroad holiday train exhibit once again anchors the region’s seasonal calendar, drawing families, rail enthusiasts and art lovers from across Delaware, Pennsylvania and beyond.

First introduced in 1972, the Brandywine Railroad has grown into a sprawling O-gauge layout featuring more than 2,000 feet of track and over 1,000 pieces, including locomotives, passenger cars, freight trains and trolleys. The trains wind through meticulously crafted scenes — small towns, farms, factories, drive-in theaters and even a carnival — creating an immersive experience that feels both nostalgic and alive.

The display showcases trains from iconic makers such as Lionel, Williams, Atlas, Mike’s Train House and K-Line, all set within hand-built landscapes that reward repeat visits. Unlike static model exhibits, the Brandywine Railroad is constantly in motion, captivating visitors of all ages.

A Holiday Tradition With Broad Appeal

The train display is the centerpiece of the museum’s Holidays at Brandywine celebration, which transforms the campus into a festive destination from mid-November through early January. Families with young children are drawn to the movement and scale of the trains, while longtime visitors return year after year to rediscover favorite scenes and spot new details.

The museum also emphasizes accessibility and inclusion, offering sensory-friendly experiences and popular family events such as Breakfast with the Trains, which allow children to explore the exhibit in a relaxed, engaging environment.

Adding a distinctly local touch, the museum’s atrium and galleries are decorated with handmade “Critter” ornaments, created by volunteers and displayed on towering holiday trees — a hallmark of Brandywine’s community-driven spirit.

Where Art and Engineering Meet

What sets the Brandywine Railroad apart from traditional holiday train displays is its integration within a world-class art museum. Visitors move seamlessly from the animated rail scenes into galleries featuring American illustration, landscape painting and works connected to the Wyeth family legacy.

The trains themselves are treated as works of design, reflecting craftsmanship, storytelling and visual composition — values that mirror the museum’s broader artistic mission.

More to See Between the Holidays

The train exhibit remains on view throughout the often-quiet stretch between Christmas and New Year’s, making the museum an appealing destination when many holiday attractions have already closed.

In addition to the Brandywine Railroad, visitors can experience several seasonal and winter-themed offerings:

• “Home for the Holidays: Cards and Hearths from the Collection” — a festive exhibition exploring historic holiday cards and domestic traditions

• Miniature Dollhouse Displays, paired with original artworks created for holiday greeting cards

• A fully decorated atrium featuring the museum’s signature holiday trees

Special programming continues into the new year, including “Stories in Focus: A Photo-Inspired Journey” on January 3, a creative workshop inspired by the exhibition No Solace in the Shade by artist Jerrell Gibbs.

Earlier in the season, visitors can also attend “Wyeth White: Andrew Wyeth Paints Snow” on December 14, a talk by Victoria Browning Wyeth offering personal insight into how winter landscapes shaped her grandfather’s work in Chadds Ford.

A Seasonal Destination Close to Home

With its combination of moving trains, fine art, holiday décor and family-friendly programming, the Brandywine River Museum of Art continues to stand out as a regional holiday destination — especially for those looking to slow down and reconnect with tradition after Christmas.

The Brandywine Railroad is on display November 15, 2025, through January 4, 2026. Timed tickets are recommended during peak holiday weekends.

For many families, the trains are not just a display — they are a seasonal ritual, marking the return of a holiday experience that feels both timeless and new.

Staff Writer

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