Did you know that Santa Claus loves trains? For proof, visit Western Connecticut where the man in red can be found presiding over weekend workshops in his own private rail cars and riding the rails with Mrs. Claus on his time off.
You can find Santa and Mrs. Claus taking a break every weekend from November 29 through December 22 aboard the Santa Express, a restored 1920s vintage train from the New England Railroad Museum in Thomaston. Even when he is off duty, Santa doesn’t forget his young admirers. He brings along a bag of gifts for small passengers.
This is a special outing for train buffs, the only rail ride in North America that crosses the face of a dam and the view from Thomaston Dam is spectacular. The 80-minute ride from the historic 1881 Thomaston Station also hugs the edge of the Naugatuck River, and passes through lovely state forest lands.
In this busy season, Santa often has to work late, and special Northern Lights Limited tours from Thomaston let passengers make a stop at Santa’s Train Workshop, where he makes time to come aboard and greet everyone.
At the end of the ride, a model train layout is in action at the station, and a large selection of railroad theme gifts, books, and memorabilia is available.
The Santa Express begins its runs on November 30, then every Saturday and Sunday through December 22 at 12 noon and 2:15 pm. The Northern Lights Limited departs on November 29 and 30 and December 1 at 5 p.m. and 7:15 p.m. Tickets and information are available from the Railroad Museum of New England, online at www.rmne.org, or by phoning (860) 283-7245.
Connecticut Travel 
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