Santa Express — Railroad Museum of New England

The Railroad Museum of New England runs the Santa Express as its afternoon Christmas train from Thomaston Station in Connecticut. The operator describes a train decorated inside and out with the Christmas spirit that travels through the "winter wilderness" while passengers are visited by Santa and Mrs. Claus and by Santa's team of elves and reindeer. The ride includes Christmas carols and lasts about 90 minutes. Every child receives a special gift from Santa's toy bag, a bell from Santa and a cookie from Santa's kitchen.

The museum sells several classes of service, from Coach seats to its Sky Lounge, Santa's Lounge and Naugatuck Lounge, with premium parking passes and children's Santa snack boxes as extras. It also runs an evening Christmas train, the Northern Lights Limited, and an autism-friendly version of the Santa Express, which are separate offerings.

An approximately 90-minute daytime ride with a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus, his elves and reindeer, and Christmas carols. Every child receives a gift from Santa's toy bag, a bell and a cookie from Santa's kitchen. Hot chocolate and cookies are on sale at the station from the Nutmeg Fudge Company.

Boards at Thomaston Station, 242 East Main Street, Thomaston, Connecticut; the operator says that your GPS may route you across the bridge, but you should drive down the ramp alongside the right-hand side of the bridge. Arrive at least 30 minutes before departure: trains leave on time and no refunds are issued for missed trains. Tickets are printed with your name and car assignment and must be picked up at the Will Call window at the station on the day; you need the paper ticket to board. Tickets are non-refundable and non-exchangeable unless a ticket protection plan is purchased. Children under 2 ride free on an adult's lap; car seats and strollers are not permitted on board. Coach seats are sold as a bench seat for two people. There is no seat saving: Coach passengers who want to sit together must board together. Some cars have restrooms and some do not; restrooms are available at the station. The trains are not handicapped accessible. No outside alcohol is permitted, and outside food is not allowed on the train. Trains are cancelled only if the State of Connecticut officially closes roads because of weather.