All aboard the Essex Steam Train & Riverboat North Pole Express for the 2025 holiday season!
Tickets are almost completely sold out. However, there are seats available on the December 2, 8 p.m. train! If you managed to score tickets to the exciting holiday event, we have a few tips & tricks for you, including some great restaurants to eat at nearby before or after your 90 minute ride!
Pajamas
Be sure to put your kids in their favorite holiday PJ’s! It really adds to the Night Before Christmas feeling, especially on nighttime train ride and makes for great photos… plus if they fall asleep on the way home you don’t have to worry about changing them! So, it’s definitely a win-win!
Give Yourself Enough Time To Get There!
It’s about an hour and 15 minute to an hour and a half drive from Stamford. But, let’s face it… there’s always traffic (and you’ll have to find a spot in the busy parking lot) to make that longer! Be sure it doesn’t get in the way of your plans by giving yourself more than enough time to get to the station! Plus, if you’re going on a nighttime train ride, a little extra time will allow for a great opportunity to check out the holiday lights on the way! If you are going during the day, you’ll have time to look around at the decorations at the train station before your ride. It’s recommended that you arrive at least 30 minutes before your train’s departure.
Nearby Restaurants
Downtown Essex is adorable a very short drive from the train. It’s a great place to walk around and even has a little grassy park where the kids can run around and get energy out if they need to! Be sure to stop in to Nora Murphy’s The Little Shop for the beautiful items and decor! Toys Ahoy is the toy shop in town!
The Griswold Inn has a great restaurant for lunch, dinner and Sunday breakfast! Only about a 5 minute ride from Essex Station.
The Black Seal Restaurant is a personal favorite for lunch and dinner… and the staff is really friendly! We have loved everything we ate on our visits! Only about a 5 minute ride from Essex Station.
The Rusty Rail Tavern has a kids menu that includes a make your own s’mores kit to make at the trailside firepits and a free hot chocolate bar! Reservations highly encouraged.
Olive Oyl’s is a great lunch option located in the heart of Essex village. (Closes at 5 p.m.) Only about a 5 minute ride from Essex Station.
Scotch Plains Tavern offers indoor and outdoor patio dining by the fire pits and heaters.
Pizza Works has train displays and fun for kids. Reservations are highly recommended!
Surfridge Brewing Company East is a family friendly place to grab food.
Deep River Roasters is a great place to stop for coffee before or after your ride.
Other Holiday Events in the Area
If you’re looking for more holiday magic either before or after your journey to the North Pole, there are a few great ones in and around Essex!
32nd Annual Holiday Train Show at CT River Museum, Essex
Friday, November 21 – Sunday, February 1
Holiday Light Spectacular at Olde Mistick Village, Mystic
Friday, November 21 – January 31
Santa Visits Mystic Aquarium
Select dates beginning Friday, November 28
Lantern Light Tours at Mystic Seaport Museum
December 5, 6, 12, 13, 18, 19, & 20