Paintings and drawings that illustrate the stories of King Arthur, the Knights of the Round Table, and other tales of quests and chivalry will be on view during “A Brandywine Christmas” at the Brandywine River Museum of Art from Nov. 28 through Jan. 4.

“Enchanted Castles and Noble Knights” will present 35 works by Howard Pyle, N.C. Wyeth, Maxfield Parrish and others. The display will include Andrew Wyeth's model medieval castle, made for him in 1927 by his brother, Nathaniel, and painted by their father, N.C. Wyeth.

“A Brandywine Christmas” will also feature: Thousands of handmade "critter" ornaments on evergreens throughout the museum; a landscaped O-gauge model train layout; and holiday shops in the museum courtyard on weekends from Nov. 29 to Dec. 21. Artisans and other vendors will be selling foods and crafts.

On Nov. 30, Dec. 7, 14 and 21 from 2 to 4 p.m., Christmas carols will be performed by international opera singer Peter Campbell, accompanied by pianist Laura Cilia.

The museum and museum shop will remain open until 9 p.m.on Dec. 4, 11 and 18. During the extended hours, the museum cafe will serve light fare until 7:30 p.m., and there will be activities for children and live music starting at 7:30 p.m. The schedule is: Dec. 4, Media Chamber Chorale; Dec. 11, The Tonics; and Dec.18, the Wilmington Handbell Ensemble.

Programs and events during “A Brandywine Christmas” include:

 

Creative Castles family program

Nov. 29, 10 to 11 a.m.

Who lives in a castle? Find out in the exhibition, then decorate a castle fit for a princess or prince.

$12 for adults, $8 for children, includes museum admission. Reserve online, or by calling 610-388-8326.

 

Knights and Ladies Meet and Greet

Nov. 29, Dec. 6, 13, 20, 27 and Jan. 3 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.; and Dec. 4, 11 and 18 from 6 to 8 p.m.

Knights and ladies will greet visitors in the museum's lobby.

 

“Polar Express” Read-Aloud Pajama Night family program

Dec. 4, 7 to 8 p.m.

Children are invited to wear their pajamas as they hear “The Polar Express” and enjoy hot chocolate and cookies.

$12 for adults, $8 for children, includes museum admission. Reserve online, or by calling   610-388-8326 .

 

Critter Holiday Ornament Sale

Dec. 6 and 7, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Members preview on Dec. 5, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

 

Children's Christmas Party

Dec. 10, 6 to 8 p.m.

Visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus and enjoy entertainment, costumed characters, face painting, Cookie Land and holiday displays. Call 610-388-8112 for tickets ($15 for adults and $5 for children).

 

Breakfast with the Trains family program

Dec. 13, 8:30 to 10 a.m.

Join a behind-the-scenes visit and discover how the extensive model train layout, one of the world's largest, is created and what it takes to keep everything running. Includes a continental breakfast in the museum's cafe. Children will receive a Brandywine Railroad souvenir. All ages, accompanied by an adult, are welcome. $25 per person. Reserve online, or by calling 610-388-8326.

 

King Arthur in American Popular Culture lecture

Dec. 13, 2 p.m.

From the Excalibur Hotel in Las Vegas to “Game of Thrones,” the notion of knighthood influenced -- and continues to influence -- many areas of American popular culture. Alan Lupack and Barbara Tepa Lupack, creators of the award-winning website “The Camelot Project” and authors of “King Arthur in America,” will discuss how the moral view of chivalry and knighthood, originally popularized by Alfred Lord Tennyson, resulted in an explosion of illustrations in the late 19th and early 20th centuries and still emerges today. Included in museum admission.

 

Knights and Ladies in Training family program

Dec. 14, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., and 1 to 2:30 p.m.

Dec. 20, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., and 1 to 2:30 p.m.

Young knights and ladies can design a family coat of arms, decorate a crown, learn sword fighting movements and follow clues on a quest throughout the museum. Participants will be honored in a knighting ceremony at the conclusion of the program. Designed for children ages three and older accompanied by an adult. $12 for adults, $8 for children, includes museum admission. Reserve online, or by calling 610-388-8326.

 

The Brandywine River Museum of Art is on Route 1 in Chadds Ford. It is open daily (except Christmas Day) from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Admission is $12 for adults; $8 for ages 65 and older, $6 for students and children ages 6 to 12; free for children under six and Brandywine Conservancy & Museum of Art members. Museum admission is free on Sunday mornings from 9:30 a.m. to noon through Nov. 23. Visit www.brandywinemuseum.org, or call 610-388-2700.