5 Special Places in Connecticut to Meet Santa Claus

If you want to make sure your kids get that one-on-one with Santa, Danbury Fair is the perfect solution. Mr. Claus will be listening to children's Christmas wishes every single day, up to and including December 24. Santa has also reserved time for you to have pictures taken with your pet (cats and dogs only) on Dec.11 and Dec.18. For specific days and times, visit danburyfairmall.com.

This is one of Santa's destinations leading up to Christmas.  My three-year-old grandson, Bradley, rode the Essex Steam Train over this past summer and had such an amazing time, he couldn't stop talking about it for a whole week. Imagine this old-fashioned steam train all decked out in vintage Christmas decorations as your child meets Santa and Mrs. Claus during the one hour train ride. There are different packages to choose from and they sell out quickly. For all the info and to buy tickets, click on essexsteamtrain.com.  

Hop aboard a vintage train to Santa's Toyland at the Railway Museum in Danbury. Your child's visit includes the train ride, a free gift, a visit with Santa in Toyland along with a chance to see all the fascinating exhibits inside Danbury's Railway Museum. For days, times, or to purchase tickets, click on, danburyrailmuseum.com. 

In case you haven't noticed, Santa loves traveling by train from time to time. The Northern Lights Limited is located in Litchfield County in the town of Thomaston, CT. just off Rt.8. Santa is always on board to meet with you and your child for the 90-minute train ride and will even introduce you to some of his elves. There are different packages available to choose from and they fill up quickly and all trains depart from the Railroad Museum of New England. To choose your package and ride with Santa, click on rmne.org. 

The Stepping Stones Museum in Norwalk is a wonderland for kids and their parents and during December it's one of Santas favorite places to meet your children. Every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday through Dec. 24 Santa and his friends love to mix and mingle with children of all ages. Don't forget to bring along your camera. For more info, click on steppingstonesmuseum.org.