Holiday Train Rides With Santa in Connecticut

To be honest, I don’t know the last time I saw Santa in a sleigh.  Nope, over the past several years, I’ve seen Santa arrive to greet crowds of believers in a fire truck, a police car, a helicopter, and a Porsche (really, Santa??).  At this point, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Santa arriving in town via a nuclear submarine. 

So it was no surprise when my 5 year old came home from school telling me her friend Abby saw Santa on a train.  And she’s absolutely right – there a few amazing Holiday Trains in Connecticut where you and your kids can enjoy both your love of trains and the holiday season! 

Danbury Railway Museum, Danbury, CT
A $9 ticket includes a train ride, a visit with Santa in Toyland, and a small gift (for children).  On Saturday, December 15th, trains run every 30 minutes between 12pm-3:30pm, and on Sunday, December 16th, trains run every 30 minutes between 12:30pm-3:30pm.

120 White Street, Danbury, CT, 203.778.8337

Naugatuck Railroad, Thomaston, CT
Come ride the Santa Express, Saturday and Sundays at 2pm in December.  Enjoy the 1 hour and 2 minute train ride along the river, and enjoy watching your children visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus aboard the train.  Tickets are $16/adults, and $14/children, and reservations are highly recommended. 

242 East Main Street, Thomaston, CT, 06787, 203.283.7245

Shoreline Trolley Museum, East Haven, CT
Visit the Trolley Museum weekends in December to visit with Santa and enjoy some holiday cheer.  Tickets are $10/adult and $6/child, and include all day admittance to the museum and multiple trolley rides.  Between Thanksgiving and Christmas, the museum is open on weekends from 10am and 8pm, with trolleys running every 30 minutes.  The last trolley leaves the station at 7:30pm.

17 River Street, East Haven, CT 06512, 203.467.6927

Fairfield Museum and History Center, Fairfield, CT
If model trains are more to your taste, visit the Holiday Express Train Show at the Fairfield Museum and History Center.   The show is open Saturdays and Sundays in December from 12-4 and weekdays from 11am-1pm through December 21st.   Come admire the amazing display of model trains running through a winter wonderland.  

370 Beach Road, Fairfield, CT, 06824, 203.259.1598

Connecticut River Museum, Essex, CT
Visit the Connecticut River Museum to view their annual Holiday Train display.  The museum is open daily from 10am-5pm, except Mondays.  Tickets are $8/adult and $5/child (children under 6 are admitted free of charge). The Holiday Train display runs through February 10th, 2013.  

67 Main Street, Essex, CT, 06426, 860.767.8269

Happy Holidays to your and your little conductors!