Christmas Train Rides in Connecticut (2026)
Connecticut’s best-known holiday train leaves the 1892 station in Essex for a night ride up the Connecticut River valley, but it is far from the only one. The Naugatuck Railroad runs a daytime Santa train and an evening lights train out of Thomaston, the country’s oldest suburban trolley line takes kids to Santa in East Haven, and Danbury’s railway museum runs its own Santa trains. None is a licensed Polar Express; the nearest licensed rides are in Rhode Island and Massachusetts, and our Christmas train map lists them all.
The short version
- North Pole Express, Essex: Nov 20 to Dec 23, $60 to $120
- Santa Express, Thomaston: Nov 27 to Dec 23, see fare list
- Northern Lights Limited, Thomaston: Evenings, see calendar, from about $35
- Next Stop, Santa!, East Haven: Nov 27 to Dec 20, from $13
- Santa Trains, Danbury: Dates coming, To be announced
- No licensed Polar Express runs in Connecticut in 2026; the closest options are in the drive-time table
Connecticut holiday trains at a glance
- Holiday trains
- 5 confirmed for 2026
- Licensed Polar Express
- None in Connecticut in 2026
- Season
- November 20 to December 23, 2026
- Lowest fare
- From $13 (Shore Line Trolley Museum)
- After Christmas
- No rides found
- Last checked
Plan your date
When each Connecticut Christmas train runs
North Pole Express in Essex has the longest season, November 20 to December 23. Each bar spans a ride’s season, not every day in it, so check the railroad’s calendar for exact dates.
- North Pole ExpressEssex · Nov 20 to Dec 23
- Next Stop, Santa!East Haven · Nov 27 to Dec 20
- Santa ExpressThomaston · Nov 27 to Dec 23
Look inside the book
Riding a Connecticut Christmas train? Read Rally first.
Rally Takes the Train is a corgi’s first train ride, from the early wake-up to the dark tunnel to the sunshine on the other side. It takes about five minutes to read, so it fits in the car on the way to the station. Turn a few pages here.
Rally Takes the Train
Eight pages from the book
Turn the page
That's 8 of 25 pages
See who’s waiting at the station
Grandmommy and Papa are at the last stop. Get the full hand-painted book, $13.99 on Amazon.
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Every page is real watercolor on paper, painted by hand by Leslie Dunn. Nothing in this book was made with AI.
Connecticut Christmas Trains for 2026
On the map
Where Connecticut’s Christmas trains leave from
- 1Thomaston: Santa Express
- 1Thomaston: Northern Lights Limited
- 2Danbury: Santa Trains
- 3Essex: North Pole Express
- 4East Haven: Next Stop, Santa!
Licensed Polar Express Other holiday trains. Faint dots are Connecticut towns, for shape.
A steam railroad, a museum railroad with two Christmas trains, a trolley and a railyard.
Connecticut's 2026 Christmas trains at a glance
| Ride | Town | Season | Price | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Essex Steam Train | Essex | Nov 20 to Dec 23 | $60 to $120 | On sale online |
| Railroad Museum of New England | Thomaston | Nov 27 to Dec 23 | See fare list | On sale now |
| Railroad Museum of New England | Thomaston | Evenings, see calendar | From about $35 | On sale now |
| Shore Line Trolley Museum | East Haven | Nov 27 to Dec 20 | From $13 | On sale online |
| Danbury Railway Museum | Danbury | Dates coming | To be announced | Coming soon |
Essex: the North Pole Express on the Essex Steam Train
North Pole trainEssex Steam Train & Riverboat (Valley Railroad Company) · Essex
- Operator
- Essex Steam Train & Riverboat (Valley Railroad Company)(opens in a new tab)
- Boards at
- Essex Station, Essex
- Season
- Friday to Sunday November 20 to 22 and 27 to 29; Tuesday to Sunday December 1 to 20; and December 22 and 23, 2026; departures 2:00 to 8:00 pm, weekdays from 4:00 pm
- Ride length
- About 90 minutes round trip
- What's included
- Santa and Mrs. Claus, sing-alongs, hot chocolate and sugar cookies, and a small gift for each child
- Price
- Coach $60 weekdays and $70 weekends; First Class $95 to $105; Premium First $120
- Tickets
- Online only; no phone or walk-up sales; all sales final
- Best ages
- All ages; pajamas welcome
The Valley Railroad’s North Pole Express is Connecticut’s biggest Christmas train: a 90-minute night ride from Essex Station along the river with Santa and Mrs. Claus aboard, sing-alongs, hot chocolate and sugar cookies, and a small gift for every child. Kids are invited to come in pajamas, and the railroad reminds families that it is cold at the North Pole, so bring a coat for the platform.
Tickets are sold only online, with no phone or walk-up sales and no refunds or exchanges. Seats are assigned by car, so buy your whole party on one order. Arrive 30 minutes early; boarding starts about 10 minutes before departure and the train will not wait. Parking is at the station, and the village fills up on December weekends.
Check dates and tickets with Essex Steam Train(opens in a new tab)Thomaston: the Naugatuck Railroad Santa Express
Santa trainRailroad Museum of New England (Naugatuck Railroad) · Thomaston
- Operator
- Railroad Museum of New England (Naugatuck Railroad)(opens in a new tab)
- Boards at
- Thomaston Station, Thomaston
- Season
- November 27 to 29, December 4 to 6, 11 to 13, 18 to 20, and December 23, 2026, at noon and 2:15 pm (the November 29 noon train is a separate sensory-friendly ride)
- Ride length
- About 90 minutes
- What's included
- Santa, Mrs. Claus, elves and reindeer visiting the cars, carols, and a gift, a bell and a cookie for every child
- Price
- Coach seats sold as a bench for two; lounge seats and private lounges cost more; see the museum's fare list
- Tickets
- On sale now; trains frequently sell out
- Best ages
- All ages; under 2 free on a lap; no car seats or strollers on board
The Railroad Museum of New England runs the Naugatuck Railroad through the river valley north of Waterbury, and its afternoon Santa Express is a 90-minute ride with the train decorated inside and out. Santa and Mrs. Claus come through with elves and reindeer, everyone sings carols, and each child gets a gift from the toy bag, a bell and a cookie. There is also an autism-friendly version on November 29.
Pick up your printed tickets at will call; you need the paper ticket to board. Coach seats are sold as pairs on a bench with no seat saving, so board together. Car seats and strollers are not allowed, some cars have no restroom, and the trains are not handicap accessible. The museum notes your GPS may send you over the bridge; take the ramp beside it instead.
Check dates and tickets with Railroad Museum of New England(opens in a new tab)Thomaston: the Northern Lights Limited after dark
Evening lights trainRailroad Museum of New England (Naugatuck Railroad) · Thomaston
- Operator
- Railroad Museum of New England (Naugatuck Railroad)(opens in a new tab)
- Boards at
- Thomaston Station, Thomaston
- Season
- December evenings at 5:00 and 7:15 pm; see the museum's calendar for 2026 dates
- Ride length
- An evening round trip with a stop at Santa's Workshop
- What's included
- A lit train, a stop at Santa's Workshop to pick up Santa and Mrs. Claus, visits in every car, elves and reindeer, carols, and a gift, bell and cookie for each child
- Price
- Coach about $35 a seat (sold as a pair); lounge seats about $80; snack boxes and premium parking extra
- Tickets
- On sale now; frequently sells out
- Best ages
- All ages
The museum’s evening train lights every car in a soft glow and heads straight for Santa’s Workshop, where Santa and Mrs. Claus climb aboard. They take turns visiting every family while elves and reindeer entertain, and each child gets the same gift, bell and cookie as on the day train.
Departures are at 5:00 and 7:15 pm. Children’s Santa snack boxes can be added for $15, and a limited number of premium parking passes put you on the pavement near the station. The same will-call and no-refund rules apply as on the Santa Express.
Check dates and tickets with Railroad Museum of New England(opens in a new tab)East Haven: Next Stop, Santa! at the Shore Line Trolley Museum
Santa trolleyShore Line Trolley Museum · East Haven
- Operator
- Shore Line Trolley Museum(opens in a new tab)
- Boards at
- Shore Line Trolley Museum, Sprague Visitor's Center, East Haven
- Season
- November 27 to 29 and weekends December 5 and 6, 12 and 13, and 19 and 20, 2026; timed trolley rides hourly from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm
- Ride length
- A short heated trolley ride, plus time with Santa and the museum
- What's included
- A ride to Santa on a heated, decorated trolley, a small gift, photos with Santa, hot chocolate, and a walk among the decorated trolleys
- Price
- From $13 plus a booking fee
- Tickets
- Timed tickets sold online in advance
- Best ages
- All ages
Next Stop, Santa! is the gentlest holiday ride in Connecticut and one of the cheapest. A heated, decorated historic trolley carries families to Santa, where kids share their lists, get a small gift and plenty of photos, then warm up with hot chocolate and wander the barns full of holiday trolleys.
Most of the event is outdoors, so dress warmly. The trolleys have two or three steps to board; the visitor center has accessible exhibits and restrooms. Free parking is behind the building. Tickets are timed and sold online ahead of time.
Check dates and tickets with Shore Line Trolley Museum(opens in a new tab)Danbury: Santa Trains at the Danbury Railway Museum
Santa trainDanbury Railway Museum · Danbury
- Operator
- Danbury Railway Museum(opens in a new tab)
- Boards at
- Danbury Railway Museum, Danbury
- Season
- December; tickets on sale soon for 2026
- Ride length
- A short ride in the museum's railyard
- What's included
- A train ride with Santa at the museum
- Price
- To be announced
- Tickets
- Tickets on sale soon
- Best ages
- All ages; best for preschoolers
The Danbury Railway Museum, in the restored 1903 Union Station downtown, runs Santa Trains in its railyard each December. They are short rides, made for preschoolers, and the museum building and yard full of old equipment are part of the visit.
When we checked in October the museum’s homepage said Santa Train tickets would be on sale soon, with no 2026 dates posted yet. It is the closest holiday train for Fairfield County and the Hudson Valley line towns.
Check dates and tickets with Danbury Railway Museum(opens in a new tab)Which Connecticut Christmas Train Fits Your Family
The big night out
Essex’s North Pole Express. Buy online early, since there are no walk-up sales.
A daytime train with Santa
Thomaston’s Santa Express at noon or 2:15, with a gift, bell and cookie for every child.
Toddlers and a small budget
East Haven’s Santa trolley, from $13, or Danbury’s short yard rides once dates are posted.
Kids who want the movie
Rhode Island’s licensed Polar Express in Woonsocket is about an hour from Hartford; see our Rhode Island page.
How Far Connecticut Christmas Trains Are From Your Town
Typical drive times without holiday traffic on I-95 or I-84.
| Starting from | To | Drive |
|---|---|---|
| Hartford | Essex | About 45 minutes |
| New Haven | Essex | About 35 minutes |
| Hartford | Thomaston | About 40 minutes |
| Waterbury | Thomaston | About 15 minutes |
| New Haven | East Haven | About 10 minutes |
| Stamford | Danbury | About 40 minutes |
| Hartford | Woonsocket, RI (licensed Polar Express) | About 1 hour 15 minutes |
Eastern Connecticut families are also close to Cape Cod’s licensed ride and Edaville’s lights train on our Massachusetts page, and Fairfield County is near the Hudson Valley rides on our New York page.
Free to print
Something for the ride along the river
Free printable Rally pages with a red train, a maze and a word search. Print them the night before.
Get the free printablesConnecticut Holiday Train Details Worth Knowing
No refunds, almost anywhere
Essex sales are final, and the Naugatuck Railroad issues no refunds unless you buy its ticket protection. Pick your date carefully.
Car seats, strollers and restrooms
Thomaston’s trains do not allow car seats or strollers, and not every car has a restroom. Use the station restrooms before boarding.
Getting there by train
Old Saybrook, about 10 minutes from Essex, is a stop on Amtrak’s Northeast Regional; see our Northeast Regional with kids guide. Hartford and New Haven are on the Hartford Line, covered on our Hartford Line with kids page.
Waiting by the Suitcase
Rally begins our book up early, toys packed, waiting for the big day. If your kids are the kind who wake at dawn on a train day, Thomaston’s noon Santa Express and East Haven’s morning trolley mean nobody has to wait until dark.
My mom dreamed up Rally’s first train ride, and I finished the book for her; our story page tells how it came to be. Print a few of our free Rally coloring pages before you go.
A train story for Connecticut kidsRally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi on his first train ride, hand-painted in watercolor. $13.99 on Amazon, ages 0 to 8.
Buy on Amazon
More for holiday train families
- Find a Christmas train near you: type your town and see every ride in the country sorted by distance
- Christmas train guide by state: licensed rides, costs and booking tips
- Christmas trains in Rhode Island
- Christmas trains in Massachusetts
- Christmas trains in New York
- Every Amtrak route with kids, for a real train trip after the holidays
- Free Rally activity pack and coloring pages to print before the ride
Sources
- Essex Steam Train & Riverboat(opens in a new tab)
- Railroad Museum of New England: Santa Express(opens in a new tab)
- Railroad Museum of New England: Northern Lights Limited(opens in a new tab)
- Shore Line Trolley Museum: events(opens in a new tab)
- Danbury Railway Museum(opens in a new tab)
- American-Rails: Connecticut Christmas Train Rides (2026)(opens in a new tab)
Checked against each railroad’s own pages on . THE POLAR EXPRESS is a trademark of Warner Bros. Entertainment. Each ride is run by the railroad or museum named above; Rally Takes the Train is a family picture book and is not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by Warner Bros. Entertainment, Rail Events or any railroad listed here. Book only through the operator’s own site, and confirm dates and prices there before you go.
Connecticut Christmas trains: questions parents ask
Is there a Polar Express train ride in Connecticut?
No. Connecticut has no licensed Polar Express ride in 2026. Its holiday trains include the North Pole Express on the Essex Steam Train, the Santa Express and Northern Lights Limited in Thomaston, and Next Stop, Santa! at the Shore Line Trolley Museum. The closest licensed rides are in Woonsocket, Rhode Island, and Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts.
What Christmas train rides are in Connecticut in 2026?
We confirmed five holiday train rides in Connecticut for 2026: the North Pole Express in Essex; the Santa Express in Thomaston; the Northern Lights Limited in Thomaston; Next Stop, Santa! in East Haven; the Santa Trains in Danbury. None of them is a licensed Polar Express ride, which Connecticut does not have in 2026. The season starts November 20 with the North Pole Express in Essex and ends December 23.
What Christmas events are there in Essex, Connecticut, this year?
For families, Essex has North Pole Express from Essex Steam Train (November 20 to December 23, $60 to $120). It includes Santa and Mrs. Claus, sing-alongs, hot chocolate and sugar cookies, and a small gift for each child. Plan on about 90 minutes round trip. For other Essex, Connecticut, events like parades and tree lightings, check the town or chamber of commerce calendar.
What holiday events for kids are in Thomaston, Connecticut, in 2026?
Two holiday train events run in Thomaston in 2026: Santa Express from Railroad Museum of New England (November 27 to December 23, see fare list); Northern Lights Limited from Railroad Museum of New England (evenings, see calendar, from about $35). The Santa Express in Thomaston includes Santa, Mrs. Claus, elves and reindeer visiting the cars, carols, and a gift, a bell and a cookie for every child. For other Thomaston, Connecticut, events like parades and tree lightings, check the town or chamber of commerce calendar.
What holiday events for kids are in East Haven, Connecticut, in 2026?
For families, East Haven has Next Stop, Santa! from Shore Line Trolley Museum (November 27 to December 20, from $13). It includes a ride to Santa on a heated, decorated trolley, a small gift, photos with Santa, hot chocolate, and a walk among the decorated trolleys. For other East Haven, Connecticut, events like parades and tree lightings, check the town or chamber of commerce calendar.
What Christmas events are there in Danbury, Connecticut, this year?
For families, Danbury has Santa Trains from Danbury Railway Museum (dates coming, to be announced). It includes a train ride with Santa at the museum. Plan on a short ride in the museum's railyard. The museum is a restored 1903 New Haven Railroad station with a working turntable in its yard. For other Danbury, Connecticut, events like parades and tree lightings, check the town or chamber of commerce calendar.
Where can families near Hartford, Connecticut find a Christmas train ride?
From Hartford, typical winter drive times on clear roads are: Essex, about 45 minutes; Thomaston, about 40 minutes; Woonsocket, RI (licensed Polar Express), about 1 hour 15 minutes. Each Connecticut ride on this page lists dates, prices and the booking link, so Hartford families can compare before they drive.
Where can families near New Haven, Connecticut find a Christmas train ride?
From New Haven, typical winter drive times on clear roads are: Essex, about 35 minutes; East Haven, about 10 minutes. Each Connecticut ride on this page lists dates, prices and the booking link, so New Haven families can compare before they drive.
Where can families near Waterbury, Connecticut find a Christmas train ride?
From Waterbury, typical winter drive times on clear roads are: Thomaston, about 15 minutes. Each Connecticut ride on this page lists dates, prices and the booking link, so Waterbury families can compare before they drive.
Where can families near Stamford, Connecticut find a Christmas train ride?
From Stamford, typical winter drive times on clear roads are: Danbury, about 40 minutes. Each Connecticut ride on this page lists dates, prices and the booking link, so Stamford families can compare before they drive.
How much is the Essex North Pole Express?
Coach seats on the Essex Steam Train's North Pole Express have been listed at $60 on weekdays and $70 on weekends for 2026, with First Class from $95 and Premium First Class at $120. Tickets are sold online only, with no phone or walk-up sales, and all sales are final.
Can you buy Essex North Pole Express tickets at the station?
No. The Essex Steam Train sells North Pole Express tickets online only. There are no phone or walk-up sales, and there are no refunds, exchanges or credits. Seating is assigned by car, so the railroad asks families to buy every ticket for their party in a single order.
Can I bring a stroller on the Thomaston Santa Express?
No. The Railroad Museum of New England does not allow car seats or strollers on its Santa Express trains. Children under 2 ride free on an adult's lap, and coach seats are sold as a bench for two. Some cars do not have restrooms, so families should use the station restrooms first.
What is the cheapest Santa train in Connecticut?
The Shore Line Trolley Museum's Next Stop, Santa! in East Haven starts at $13 plus a booking fee. The ticket covers a heated trolley ride to Santa, a small gift, photos and hot chocolate. Timed rides run hourly from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm on select dates from November 27 to December 20.
Do any Connecticut Christmas trains run after Christmas?
No Connecticut holiday train we could confirm runs after Christmas in 2026. The last one on this page is the North Pole Express in Essex, which runs until December 23. For a ride after the 25th, look at the states near Connecticut in the drive-time table above. The ride runs at night up the Connecticut River valley from a station built in 1892, and the railroad warns that it is cold at the North Pole.
When do Connecticut Christmas train tickets go on sale?
On sale now: the Santa Express in Thomaston; the Northern Lights Limited in Thomaston. The North Pole Express in Essex: online only; no phone or walk-up sales; all sales final. Next Stop, Santa! in East Haven: timed tickets sold online in advance. The Santa Trains in Danbury: tickets on sale soon. Popular Connecticut dates go first, so buy as soon as your ride opens.
Which Connecticut Christmas trains have Santa?
All 5 Connecticut rides on this page include Santa. The North Pole Express in Essex: Santa and Mrs. Claus, sing-alongs, hot chocolate and sugar cookies, and a small gift for each child. The Santa Express in Thomaston: Santa, Mrs. Claus, elves and reindeer visiting the cars, carols, and a gift, a bell and a cookie for every child.
What is included with the North Pole Express in Essex?
The North Pole Express in Essex includes Santa and Mrs. Claus, sing-alongs, hot chocolate and sugar cookies, and a small gift for each child. For the Essex ride, plan on about 90 minutes round trip. The ride runs at night up the Connecticut River valley from a station built in 1892, and the railroad warns that it is cold at the North Pole.
What does the Santa Express in Thomaston cost in 2026?
Fares for the Santa Express in Thomaston: Coach seats sold as a bench for two; lounge seats and private lounges cost more; see the museum's fare list. The Santa Express runs November 27 to 29, December 4 to 6, 11 to 13, 18 to 20, and December 23, 2026, at noon and 2:15 pm (the November 29 noon train is a separate sensory-friendly ride).
What does the Northern Lights Limited in Thomaston cost in 2026?
Fares for the Northern Lights Limited in Thomaston: Coach about $35 a seat (sold as a pair); lounge seats about $80; snack boxes and premium parking extra. The Northern Lights Limited runs December evenings at 5:00 and 7:15 pm; see the museum's calendar for 2026 dates. Railroad Museum of New England tickets: on sale now; frequently sells out.
What does Next Stop, Santa! in East Haven cost in 2026?
Next Stop, Santa! in East Haven costs from $13 plus a booking fee. Next Stop, Santa! runs November 27 to 29 and weekends December 5 and 6, 12 and 13, and 19 and 20, 2026; timed trolley rides hourly from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm. Shore Line Trolley Museum tickets: timed tickets sold online in advance.
How much are the Santa Trains in Danbury?
Danbury Railway Museum had not announced 2026 prices for the Santa Trains in Danbury when we checked: to be announced. The Santa Trains run December; tickets on sale soon for 2026. Tickets on sale soon. Danbury Railway Museum age rules: all ages; best for preschoolers. The museum is a restored 1903 New Haven Railroad station with a working turntable in its yard.
Where do you board the North Pole Express in Essex?
The North Pole Express in Essex boards at Essex Station, 1 Railroad Avenue, in Essex. Arrive 30 minutes early; boarding starts about 10 minutes before departure and the train will not wait. Parking is at the station, and the village fills up on December weekends. Essex Steam Train tickets: online only; no phone or walk-up sales; all sales final.
What is included with the Santa Express in Thomaston?
The Santa Express in Thomaston includes Santa, Mrs. Claus, elves and reindeer visiting the cars, carols, and a gift, a bell and a cookie for every child. For the Thomaston ride, plan on about 90 minutes. Every child goes home with three things from Santa: a gift from his toy bag, a bell and a cookie from his kitchen.
What is included with the Northern Lights Limited in Thomaston?
The Northern Lights Limited in Thomaston includes a lit train, a stop at Santa's Workshop to pick up Santa and Mrs. Claus, visits in every car, elves and reindeer, carols, and a gift, bell and cookie for each child. Railroad Museum of New England ride length: an evening round trip with a stop at Santa's Workshop.
What happens on Next Stop, Santa! in East Haven?
Next Stop, Santa! in East Haven includes a ride to Santa on a heated, decorated trolley, a small gift, photos with Santa, hot chocolate, and a walk among the decorated trolleys. Shore Line Trolley Museum ride length: a short heated trolley ride, plus time with Santa and the museum. It runs on the oldest continuously operating suburban trolley line in the country, along the shore east of New Haven.
How long is the Santa Trains in Danbury?
Danbury Railway Museum ride length: a short ride in the museum's railyard. Included with the Santa Trains in Danbury: a train ride with Santa at the museum. The museum is a restored 1903 New Haven Railroad station with a working turntable in its yard. The Danbury Railway Museum, in the restored 1903 Union Station downtown, runs Santa Trains in its railyard each December. They are short rides, made for preschoolers, and the museum building and yard full of old equipment are part of the visit.
What should parents know before riding the North Pole Express in Essex?
Tickets are sold only online, with no phone or walk-up sales and no refunds or exchanges. Seats are assigned by car, so buy your whole party on one order. Arrive 30 minutes early; boarding starts about 10 minutes before departure and the train will not wait. Parking is at the station, and the village fills up on December weekends.