Connecticut Trolley Museum gearing up for holiday events; Santa to make several appearances

The Connecticut Trolley Museum is gearing up for one of its busiest times of the year, including traditional holiday events and some newer activities to get people in the holiday spirit.

Winterfest kicks off its 45th year on Nov. 24, from 5 to 9 p.m., and will feature more than 15,000 lights on the museum’s buildings and trolleys.

“The whole trolley line will be decorated with Christmas lights,” said museum Executive Director Gina Alimberti. “It really looks great when you are in one of our open cars, but you can also see it from our closed cars.”

The visitor center will be decorated like a “winter wonderland,” and the event will feature music, food, and fun. Several model layouts will be on display, and kids can take part in crafts and meet holiday characters.

Winterfest continues from 5 to 9 p.m. on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings through Dec. 23. The museum will also be open from Dec. 26 through Dec. 30 for school vacation break. Admission prices are $16 to $21 per person and all ticket sales must be made in advance, at www.ct-trolley.org.

Also on Nov. 24, kids of all ages can get their pictures taken with a certain jolly old elf. Photographer Marc Glucksman, of River Fall Photo, and the official photographer of Amtrak, will be taking portrait photos of kids and families with Santa, against the backdrop of a decorated trolley. The cost is $25 for Winterfest patrons (museum members receive half off) and $50 for non-Winterfest patrons (limit of five people per family). Reservations must be made in advance.

Glucksman is a lifelong photographer and electric traction fan. His work can be seen across a variety of publications and platforms, including the New York Times, CNN, and Trains Magazines.

On Dec. 9, there’s another opportunity to see Santa. Breakfast with Santa will take place for the first time, from 8 to 10:30 a.m. Breakfast includes eggs, pancakes, assorted doughnuts, coffee, juice, and water. All activities, breakfast, Santa, and Fire Truck Museum entrance is included with your admission price, which is $30 for any age and $25 for museum members.

The Connecticut Fire Museum, also located on the Trolley Museum’s grounds, has several antique fire trucks and apparatus, which will also be decorated for the holidays.

“We’re going to have a full breakfast, and the visitor center will be open, and of course Santa will be around to entertain children and take photos.”

Another popular event is also returning on Dec. 9 and 16, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., when kids can take a trolley ride with Santa, while one of his elves reads a holiday story.

“It’s a great way to see Santa one-on-one,” Alimberti said. “He’ll be on the trolley ride and engaged with you the whole time. He helps read the story, signs autographs, and sings with the kids. It’s a really unique experience to get close up with Santa for a good duration of time.”

The cost is $30 for any age and ticket sales must be made in advance. Museum members receive half off admission.

The Connecticut Trolley Museum is located at 58 North Road (Rt. 140) in East Windsor. For more information, call 860-627-6540 or visit www.ct-trolley.org.