Winterfest and the “Tunnel of Lights”
Winterfest 2024 and the dazzling “Tunnel of Lights” return to the Connecticut Trolley Museum starting Friday, November 29th! Experience the magic every Friday, Saturday & Sunday night from November 29th through December 22nd, with extended hours from December 26th to December 30th during school vacation. This family-friendly holiday tradition runs from 5 PM to 9 PM and promises to immerse visitors in festive cheer with over 10,000 lights illuminating both the museum’s interior and exterior.
**Opening Night November 29th Santa will be visiting, bring a camera to capture a picture with Santa.
Outside, hop aboard one of the museum’s cozy, closed trolley cars and ride through the enchanting “Tunnel of Lights”.
For a more immersive experience, brave the winter chill on one of the open-air trolleys, entirely adorned with holiday lights for an unforgettable view of the tunnel. Bundle up, bring blankets, and enjoy the crisp air as you take in the festive atmosphere.
Inside, the Visitor Center transforms into a Winter Wonderland, featuring elaborate model train layouts, twinkling lights, and holiday decorations that will captivate visitors of all ages. With something magical around every corner, it is the perfect destination for families and holiday enthusiasts alike.
Admission ranges from $16 to $21 per person, and all tickets must be purchased in advance through the museum’s website at www.ct-trolley.org.
Museum Members enjoy half off admission, making it a wonderful time to join and celebrate the season at the Connecticut Trolley Museum!
Breakfast with Santa
Kick off the holiday season with a magical morning at “Breakfast with Santa” at the Connecticut Trolley Museum on Dec 7th! This unforgettable experience includes a delicious breakfast, a festive trolley ride, and access to the beautifully decorated Visitor Center—all while Santa himself makes a special appearance to spread holiday cheer.
Breakfast features a hearty and delicious spread, including fluffy scrambled eggs, pancakes, assorted donuts, freshly brewed coffee, juice, and water.
After enjoying your meal, take a memorable trolley ride through the scenic museum grounds, decked out in holiday splendor, and explore the Connecticut Fire Museum, located right next door. Marvel at a collection of antique fire trucks and historical fire apparatus, all included with your admission.
This family-friendly event offers a full morning of festive fun for all ages. Admission is $25 per person, with discounted tickets for museum members at just $20. Come celebrate the season in style, with Santa, delicious food, and a whole lot of holiday magic!
Storytime Trolley with Santa & Elf
A great program for our younger visitors. Storytime Trolley with Santa & his Elf will run on Saturday Dec 7th & 14th.
Visitors will enjoy a ride in a decorated vintage trolley car where Santa will visit with each child and be engaged the entire ride on the trolley.
Also, while on board Santa’s elf will read a holiday story and each child will complete a craft.
Following the Trolley ride, Museum guests will head to the Visitors Center which has been transformed into a Winter Wonderland with multiple model train layouts & lights galore. The cost is $25 for any age, half off for members and ticket sales must be made in advance.
Elf on the Elgin
All aboard the elegant Chicago, Aurora & Elgin Railroad #303, affectionately known as the ‘Roarin’ Elgin’ or the ‘Great Third Rail,’ for some old-fashioned holiday fun on December 8th & 15th. Passengers will board the historic car and enjoy a festive journey filled with hot chocolate in a souvenir cup, a cookie, and a candy cane—all served with holiday cheer by two friendly elves. As the train turns around, kids will have the chance to write letters to Santa, which will be collected on the Westbound trip and delivered straight to Santa’s mailbox in the Visitor Center. After the ride, families are welcome to explore the Visitor Center as we prepare for the next magical adventure. The cost is $30 for any age, half off for members and ticket sales must be made in advance.
Tickets are encouraged to be made in advance to secure your spot at www.ct-trolley.org. Walk-ins are welcome, but availability is not guaranteed.
These events will be held rain or shine, ensuring nothing stops your holiday festivities.
Please note that all ticket sales are final, and refunds or ticket transfers will only be honored up to seven days prior to the event date. After this period, no changes can be made. Transfers will have a charge associated with the transaction. No-shows will be charged the full price, so be sure to plan ahead and reserve your spot early for these festive experience! Please arrive 15 minutes prior to your departure time.
The Connecticut Trolley Museum is located at 58 North Road (Rt. 140) and is 15 minutes north of Hartford and 15 minutes south of Springfield. For more information, please call our business office at 860-627-6540 or visit our website at www.ct-trolley.org.
