Connecticut’s annual Haunted Trolley experience is trading Halloween chills for Christmas cheer — and a holiday-themed mystery — with the return of “Who Sleighed Santa?,” subtitled “Rudolph’s Revenge.” The limited-engagement live event will take place aboard a historic trolley at the Shore Line Trolley Museum, transforming what begins as a festive nighttime “holly trolley” ride filled with caroling into a song-filled whodunnit where every passenger could be a suspect.
Presented over two weekends only — Friday and Saturday, Dec. 11-12 and Dec. 18-19 — the interactive experience blends music, comedy, audience participation, theatrics and holiday spirit. Shows are scheduled at 6, 7, 8 and 9 p.m., with each adventure limited to just 40 passengers.
The evening begins with a pre-show orientation, where guests meet Santa and are introduced to the mystery. From there, riders board the trolley for an immersive program featuring a possible murder, holiday songs, audience involvement, deliberately embarrassing singalongs and a healthy dose of comedy.
Starring Charles F. Rosenay, Nancy Sasso Janis and Larry Chaney, “Who Sleighed Santa?” also gives the audience a central role in the action. The event is open to all ages, though organizers note it may not be appropriate for young children who still believe in Santa and could be confused by the mystery. While there are no scares, the program may include adult humor. Guests under age 16 must attend with an adult.
Advance admission is $29 per person, with timed admissions listed for Friday and Saturday at 7:30 and 8:30 p.m. A limited number of $49 VIP upgrades are also available, offering first boarding, priority trolley seating and a souvenir logo shirt. Tickets are available through TicketLeap at https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/special-events/who-sleighed-santa-2026
The Shore Line Trolley Museum, located at 17 River St. in East Haven, is a nonprofit organization recognized by the U.S. Department of the Interior as the nation’s oldest continuously operated suburban trolley line. Its line and equipment are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
“Who Sleighed Santa?” is sponsored by Transilvania Restaurant & Bar of East Haven.
For more information, email hauntedtrolley@gmail.com or call (203) 795-4737.
