Vintage Trains To Visit Santa Claus

DANBURY — That portly gent from the North Pole is once again paying visits to Danbury Railway Museum and children of all ages can take a ride in a vintage train through the historic railyard to visit him.

Vintage Trains Rides to Santa are running on Saturdays and Sundays, December 11–12 and 18–19, from noon to 4:30 pm each weekend. Trains depart every half-hour, noon to 3:30 pm on Saturdays; 12:30 to 3:30 pm on Sundays.

Cost is $8 for ages 2 and up (free for under age 2), and each child will receive a small gift from Santa. Based on the popularity of this event the past couple of years, reservations are suggested

The short train ride in a fully restored 1953 New Haven Railroad Rail Diesel Car (RDC) will take riders through the railyard, past the only powered turntable in Connecticut — recently listed on the National Historic Register — and more than 70 vintage railroad cars, locomotives and many unique pieces of railroad history.

The train ride terminates at Santa’s own private railcar, where guests are greeted by Mrs Claus and some of Santa’s helpers.

The exhibits and multiple operating model train layouts inside the restored 1903 Danbury station will also be open, as will the museum’s well-stocked gift shop. Also inside the station, visitors will find hot chocolate, temporary tattoos, and other activities for the little ones.

Danbury Railway Museum is a nonprofit organization, staffed solely by volunteers, and is dedicated to the preservation of, and education about, railroad history. The museum is located in the Danbury Station and railyard at 120 White Street.

For further information, visit danbury.org/drm, send e-mail to info@danburyrail.org, or call the museum at 203-778-8337. Walk-ins are welcomed at the museum, but reservations are also available online. Visit the museum’s website, click on the Santa logo, and then follow the prompts to the link that says “Reserve Tickets Here.”