The Polar Express in Essex

Essex, CT is home to a small railroad yard with several old fashioned steam engines, passenger train cars, and freight cars, a cafe car, gift shop, and small museum with model toy trains. 

During Christmas time, the Essex Steamtrain station is outfitted with Christmas lights and staffed with a cast of characters to bring the "Polar Express" movie to life.

Friendly conductors awaited our arrival, so with kids in pajamams, friends Jen, Chris, Jackson, Lilah, Tony, Dori, Isabella, and ourselves took a 1.5 hour ride aboard the Polar Express steam train, heading to the "North Pole" and back again.  The Sugar Plum fairy was amazing - singing, acting, and entertaining us the entire trip with games ("name that Christmas tune", "what Christmas movie was this quote from?", etc), dancing in the isles, and Christmas carols, while Santa's elves and "Sleepy Servers" came on board to bring hot chocolate and cookies.  Upon arrival, Santa and Ms. Claus came on board to give small gifts to the kids (small, loud bells).  It was an amazing fantasy world created for kids big and small.  It was definitely worth more than the $30 per person admission.  Next year however I would consider upgrading to 1st class for more room, more comfortable chairs, and a full bar (I still hear bells ringing in my ears).  I would say that we did pretty good for our first real train ride, though.