The holiday season sparkles brighter each year at the Brandywine Museum of Art, and 2025 is no exception. Beginning November 15, 2025, through January 4, 2026, the museum invites visitors to experience the wonder of the season with the return of the beloved Brandywine Railroad, the debut of a new exhibition Home for the Holidays: Cards and Hearths from the Collection, and festive family events that bring art, imagination, and holiday joy to life.

The Brandywine Railroad — A Holiday Tradition Since 1972

For more than 50 years, the Brandywine Railroad has enchanted visitors of all ages. The expansive O-gauge model train display runs across 2,000 feet of track, featuring over 1,000 pieces, from classic locomotives and freight trains to charming trolleys that pass through miniature villages, farms, and even a carnival.

Look closely and you’ll find tiny drive-in movie theaters, bustling factories, and scenes that capture the magic of a storybook holiday. The display combines both toy and scale model trains from top makers like Lionel, Williams, and Atlas, offering a nostalgic glimpse into the golden age of model railroading. Visitors can even interact with the exhibit, pressing buttons and foot pedals to activate lights, sounds, and hidden surprises along the tracks.

“Home for the Holidays”: Cards, Dollhouses & Wyeth Family Heritage

New this year, Brandywine introduces Home for the Holidays: Cards and Hearths from the Collection, an intimate exhibition celebrating the artistry and warmth of the season. Visitors will discover a stunning selection of miniature dollhouse rooms, including two spaces from a nine-foot dollhouse designed by Ann Wyeth McCoy and built by her husband, artist John McCoy. Each intricate detail, from tiny furniture to handcrafted paintings, was created by members of the Wyeth family, offering a glimpse into their shared creativity and holiday traditions.BMA Santa

The exhibit also debuts the Peters-Herdeg dollhouse, a newly acquired replica of an 18th-century Brandywine Valley home. Rounding out the display are original holiday card designs created by the Wyeths and other notable American illustrators, showcasing how art, family, and the festive spirit have long intertwined in this storied region.

Critters, Cards & Creativity: The Holiday Critter Sale Returns

A Brandywine holiday wouldn’t be complete without the Museum’s famous Critter ornaments—handcrafted treasures made from natural materials like pinecones, acorns, teasel, and seed pods. These whimsical woodland creatures have been a local tradition since 1971, lovingly created each year by Brandywine’s volunteer artisans.

The annual Holiday Critter Sale runs November 20–23, 2025, with a members-only preview on November 19. New this year, collectors can look forward to a limited-edition series of Critters inspired by Philadelphia’s favorite sports teams—a playful twist on a cherished favorite. Proceeds benefit the Museum’s Art Education & Public Programming, supporting creativity throughout the community.

Holiday Events & Family Fun

Throughout the season, Brandywine’s atrium will glow with towering trees adorned with hundreds of handmade Critters and festive décor. Families can also enjoy special events designed to make the holidays unforgettable:

  • Sensory-Friendly Access Hours (Nov. 20 & Jan. 2):

    • A quieter, after-hours experience for guests with sensory sensitivities.

  • Breakfast with the Trains (Nov. 23, Dec. 20 & Jan. 3):

    • Enjoy early access to the Railroad and a continental breakfast in the Millstone Café.

  • Polar Express Read-Aloud Pajama Night (Dec. 3 & 19):

    • Hear the beloved story, sip hot chocolate, and explore the trains after hours.

  • Children’s Holiday Party (Dec. 10):

    • Meet Santa, enjoy sweet treats, and celebrate the season surrounded by art, Critters, and music.

  • Extended museum hours (Dec. 26–30, open until 6 p.m.) make it even easier to visit during the busy season.

Critter Ornament at the Brandywine River Museum

More to Explore

Holiday visitors can also experience two remarkable exhibitions:

Jerrell Gibbs: No Solace in the Shade, featuring bold, intimate portraits exploring community and identity.

Cropsey, Wyeth, and the American Landscape Tradition, anchored by the rediscovered masterpiece “Autumn in the Ramapo Valley, Erie Railway”—seen in the U.S. for the first time in 150 years.

Together, these exhibits highlight the Brandywine’s enduring dedication to showcasing American art and storytelling across generations.

The Brandywine Museum of Art is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. (closed Thanksgiving & Christmas Day; early close at 1 p.m. on Christmas Eve). Between December 26–30, the Museum will offer extended hours until 6 p.m. Whether you’re visiting for the model trains, the whimsical Critters, or a dose of Wyeth family holiday nostalgia, the Brandywine Museum of Art is the perfect stop for your seasonal celebrations.

Plan your visit at brandywine.org/museum and make this a holiday to remember in the heart of the Brandywine Valley!