ALL NEW FOR 2020: The Essex Steam Train & Riverboat proudly presents our newest holiday adventure as we invite you and your family to experience our first ever, Reindeer on the Rails! We know that 2020 has been challenging for everyone and our mission is to wrap up this year with a safe, socially distanced, and magical experience to keep the spirit of Christmas alive for the young and young at heart. Join us for a safe, socially distanced, family excursion as you board our train for a 1-hour journey through the lower CT River Valley. Navigate through a whimsical evergreen and candy cane forest as you walk to your boarding location. Once aboard the train, kids will don their festive Reindeer Antlers (a gift from Rudolph himself!), piece together a fun Christmas craft ornament, and write a letter to Santa to be stamped and mailed at The Reindeer Express Post Office before departing Essex Station at the conclusion of each visit. Your table will be set with a continental family style breakfast or lunch platter while coffee, bottled juice and cocoa will be served to order. And don’t you worry….. even though Santa needs to keep himself at a safe social distance in order to ensure safe travels to so many homes on Christmas Eve, we are sure he will be taking a break from his workshop, and making a grand appearance outside to say hello to all of his little friends. Don’t forget to stop by Mrs. Claus’s bakeshop before you leave, say hello, get a cookie for your ride home and take a memorable photo by Santa’s sleigh!

Santa is coming to town, with safety in mind! Pre-purchase your photo package and schedule your contactless visit with Santa. The health and safety of our guests and staff is our top priority. Reservations to visit Santa are strongly encouraged.

The Town of Stratford’s annual Holiday Lighting Festival will be celebrated this year at the Town Hall on Tuesday, December 1st, beginning at 5:30 p.m. Highlights of the Holiday Lighting Festival will include performances by Stratford school choirs and the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus via fire truck, sirens and all. In addition, attendees can look forward to photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, children’s crafts, and hot chocolate and donuts.

Join hundreds of others and start a family tradition of coming for a trolley ride during the holiday season. Whether you ride a closed car or brave the cold to ride the open "electric sleigh", we promise you a good time and one that you'll remember for years. Join your motormen in singing traditional Christmas carols as the trolley makes its way through the "Tunnel of Lights". When you return, head inside the Visitors Center which has been transformed into a Winter Wonderland complete with model trains, decorations galore, and enjoy the holiday music. While enjoying the indoor displays, make sure to visit and take pictures with the big guy himself, Santa Claus. Santa will also have a gift for each child. Plan ahead - Santa's last day at the trolley museum is Sunday, December 20th, which then he'll be heading back to the North Pole to prepare for his travels around the world.