The whimsical Garden Railway at Longwood Gardens has been delighting visitors for over 20 years in the fall and holiday seasons and will be on view from October 3, 2025 to January 11, 2026. Located outdoors, close to the Terrace Restaurant, the railway blends horticulture, engineering, and fun for guests of all ages.
During A Longwood Christmas, from November 21, 2025 through January 11, 2026, the railway is one of many attractions throughout the gardens. Outdoors, stroll among illuminated trees and an amazing tunnel of light. Tickets are for specific dates and times and sell out quickly – go online to purchase today. Special to our visitors: untimed tickets available only at participating accommodations.
Bring the family to the American Helicopter Museum for Model Train Weekend, running from November 28 - 30. Model train displays take over the whole museum, while also taking in one of the Brandywine Valley's most unique museums, boasting a large collection of rotary wing aircraft.
Another nearby holiday treasure - Yuletide at Winterthur celebrates the heritage of holiday toy trains with their Model Train Display on view from December 21, 2025 through January 1, 2026.
The Brandywine Railroad train display at the Brandywine Museum of Art is on view from November 23, 2025 through January 3, 2026. It has been a favorite holiday experience for over 50 years. Generations have reveled in the 2000 feet of track and antique railway that roll through a small village, farm, factories, a drive-in movie theater and even a carnival. Experience a special behind the scenes visit with the beloved Brandywine Railroad at Breakfast with the Trains on Sunday November 23, Saturday December 20 and Saturday January 3, 2025. Discover how the extensive layout is created and maintained. Events include a private tour of the trains in action with Brandywine Railroad engineers, before public hours, and a continental breakfast in the Milestone Café.
For more holiday fun on the rail, train lovers can enjoy the West Chester Railroad Santa Express. Join Santa on this 75 minute journey in the decorated, and heated train as it rolls through the Brandywine countryside. Santa will be meeting all passengers during the ride, so don’t forget the list! Plan some time in downtown West Chester before or after the ride for a meal and all-important holiday shopping.
