Sun, Moon & Stars

Autism-Friendly Santa Express

Thank you for another amzing YEar, see you in 2025!


For 2024 Sun, Moon & Stars, Inc is thrilled to continue its partnership with the Railroad Museum of New England to offer an autism-friendly version of our Santa Express.

This train ride is considered judgement-free with sensory considerations (lowered volume for the holiday music). The bells will be handed out at the end of the excursion to further reduce the volume inside the train.    The train ride is 1 ½ hour long.   It is a relaxing time to spend with family and friends as Santa, Mrs. Claus and their elves walk through the train and visit with each child.   You are more than welcome to bring items to keep your child occupied during the train ride.

Please feel free to visit sunmoonandstars.org for more information regarding Sun, Moon & Stars, Inc.

Any questions regarding this train ride, please email christine@sunmoonandstars.org

Classes of Service

COACH: (80 PERSON CAPACITY)

  • Seating in our restored New England Railroad passengers cars

  • Visits with each child by Santa and Mrs. Claus

  • Visits by Santa's elves and other characters

  • Heated

  • TICKETS SOLD IN MULTIPLES OF 2

NAUGATUCK LOUNGE: (40 PERSON CAPACITY)

  • Hot chocolate

  • Premier gift bag for kids

  • Exclusively produced Connecticut made bells

  • Freshly baked cookie

  • Onboard bar service

  • Premium time with Santa & Mrs. Claus

  • Special Gift from Santa

  • Brass ornaments for adults

  • Heated

SANTA’S LOUNGE (25 PERSON CAPACITY)

  • Hot chocolate

  • Premier gift bag for kids

  • Exclusively produced Connecticut made bells

  • Freshly baked cookie

  • Onboard bar service

  • Premium time with Santa & Mrs. Claus

  • Onboard restrooms

  • Special Gift from Santa

  • Brass ornaments for adults

  • Observation area

  • Heat and AC

PREMIUM COACH: (28 PERSON CAPACITY)

  • Hot chocolate

  • Premier gift bag for kids

  • Exclusively produced Connecticut made bells

  • Freshly baked cookie

  • Onboard bar service

  • Premium time with Santa & Mrs. Claus

  • Onboard restrooms

  • Special Gift from Santa

  • Brass ornaments for adults

  • Comfy reclining seats in groups of two with fold down trays

  • Heat and AC

  • TICKETS SOLD IN MULTIPLES OF 2

We ask that no outside food or drink be brought on board due to the historic nature of the cars.

Hot Chocolate and Cookies are available for purchase from the Nutmeg Fudge Company at Thomaston Station

Please note, the Rutland 260, Tavern Lounge 43, and Observation Lounge Hickory Creek First Class Cars are not available this year

Date: Sunday, december 1st

Times: 12:00 pm and 2:15 pM

Coach: $25.00 Adults and Children

Lounge: $75.00 Adults and Children

new, Santa’s lounge: $75.00 Adults and Children

new, premium coach: $75.00 Adults and Children

Disclaimer:

Sun, Moon & Stars organizes community events and collaborates with local establishments to provide its member-families with a judgment-free and supportive environment.

Sun, Moon & Stars does not provide therapeutic services or behavioral support at any such event. Each of our children has unique abilities and/or limitations and it is therefore critical that you are prepared to accommodate your child’s individual needs during a Sun, Moon & Stars activity or outing.

We welcome you to invite additional family members or your behavioral therapist to accompany and assist you with making you and your child’s experience at a Sun, Moon & Stars event successful. Our goal is to provide a safe and comfortable atmosphere for all.

NOTE: Tickets are NOT mailed. Tickets are to be picked up at the “Will Call” counter inside the Historic Thomaston Station the day of the event. All trains leave on time, so please pick up tickets and be at the station at least 30 minutes prior to departure.

To make your visit as smooth and enjoyable as possible, we have some important information to bring to your attention:

ADDITIONAL NOTES:

  • There are no restrooms for coach class. Our restrooms are located just south of the station.

  • Santa’s Lounge and the Naugatuck Lounge are NOT wheelchair accessible

  • TICKETS SOLD IN MULTIPLES OF 2 for Premium Coach and Coach class

  • These trains sell out, please buy your tickets early online at the link above.

  • Child Tickets for ages 1-12. Toddlers under 1 year ride for free, but MUST be seated on an Adult’s lap. Car seats are not allowed.

  • Pick up tickets at Thomaston Station’s WILL CALL window on the day of the event, tickets are printed with your name and car assignment. Tickets are NOT mailed.

  • ALL tickets are non-refundable/non-exchangeable.

  • Board your train at Thomaston Station, 242 E. Main St. in Thomaston, CT.

  • Please arrive at the Station 30 minutes before departure time. Trains depart @ scheduled time. No refunds will be given for missed trains.

  • No assigned seating or seat saving. Your entire party must board together in order to sit with one another. A car host will seat each party together.

  • Train is canceled ONLY if State of CT issues orders that roads are officially closed. We then offer refunds/rescheduling.

  • No Outside Alcohol is Permitted