Northern Lights Limited | Christmas Train

Each holiday season, the Railroad Museum of New England runs the Northern Lights Limited, an evening Christmas train ride out of Thomaston Station. The train leaves after dark, and the lights on each car fill the whole train with a soft glow as it pulls away.

The first stop is Santa’s Workshop, where Santa and Mrs. Claus come aboard. They take turns visiting with passengers while the elves and reindeer keep everyone entertained. Every child goes home with a special gift from Santa’s toy bag, a bell, and a cookie from Santa’s kitchen.

Every passenger gets:

• A lighted, seasonally decorated train, inside and out
• A stop at Santa’s Workshop to pick up Santa and Mrs. Claus
• A visit from Santa, with hand-delivered gifts
• A Christmas carol sing-along
• A Letters to Santa station

Seating ranges from coach seats to Hi-Level and Premium Coach, the Sky Lounge, Santa’s Lounge, and the Naugatuck Lounge. Groups can reserve the private Lower Lounge, which holds 16 guests. Add a Premium Parking Pass ($20) for a spot on asphalt close to the station (limited to 20 per train), or a Children’s Santa Snack Box ($15) to pick up with your tickets. Hot chocolate and cookies from the Nutmeg Fudge Company are also sold at the station.