Log In

Do you hear the train coming? All Aboard!
Don’t miss out on this New England holiday tradition. The family-friendly Train Show exhibit is back for its 30th year at the Connecticut River Museum and is sure to surprise and delight visitors of all ages. See what train artist Steve Cryan has created this year! A fully operational nearly 30-foot train layout, “I SPY” scavenger hunts, and a toddler-sized viewing layout are all part of the fun!
NOTE: A members-only Train Show Opening Event will be held from 4-6 p.m. Nov. 21. Stay tuned for more information on the event opening.
Train show:
https://ctrivermuseum.org/events/30th-annual-train-show/
Train show member opening:
https://ctrivermuseum.org/events/members-event-30th-annual-train-show-opening/

Bright lights and magical nights are back this holiday season as the Holiday Lights Spectacular returns to Olde Mistick Village! The largest holiday light display in southern New England is FREE to the public and will run from November 18 through the end of January, 2024. Over a half-million lights will decorate the Village.

The Village’s holiday hours are as follows:
● 11/18-12/23 – M-Th-10am-6pm, Fri & Sat – 10am-8pm, Sun-11am-6pm
● 12/23 – New Year – M-Sat – 10am-6pm, Sun-11am-6pm

Contact: (860) 536-4941 | info@oldemistickvillage.com | http://oldemistickvillage.com

Join us at the Museum for a full day of holiday fun. Trees in the Rigging is Back Better Than Ever!
Together with the Essex Historical Society and Safe Harbor Dauntless & Essex Island, the Connecticut River Museum is pleased to reinvigorate the classic “Trees in the Rigging” event. This year we are expanding the celebration!
Starting at noon, inside the Museum, there will be craft projects for kids, and you can prepare for the holidays during Museum Store Sunday. On our North Deck, we will have a Holiday Fair with many treats to enjoy. Later, you can also celebrate the season by participating in a traditional, lantern-lit carol stroll from Essex Town Hall to the Connecticut River Museum. Spectators are invited to bring their own lanterns or flashlights. Check out the dazzling displays created by local boaters during the Boat Parade.

Schedule is as follows
12:00 pm: The Museum’s Holiday Fair opens on the North Deck and Holiday Craft Activities are available in the Boathouse!
4:00 pm: Land Parade Assembly at Essex Town Hall
4:30 pm: Land Parade heads from Essex Town Hall to the Connecticut River Museum
5:00 pm: Boat Parade begins. Boaters will be visible from the Museum’s lawn.
6:00 pm: Boat Parade concludes.

Learn more: https://ctrivermuseum.org/events/trees-in-the-rigging-2023 Questions? Email August at astromberger@ctrivermuseum.org.