Holiday Programs to Begin at Fairfield Museum

FAIRFIELD, CT - For a decade, adults and children from across the region have delighted in the magic of the holidays at the Fairfield Museum’s Holiday Express Train Show. The 10^th annual show features a new and improved display of model trains winding through beautiful scenery and will run from December 5 through January 3, 2016. The entire Museum will be gloriously decorated for the season by Luxevents & Co.

Opening Night is Friday, December 4th from 5-8:30 p.m.

New this year, a remarkable Victorian dollhouse will be on display throughout the season. And, in the spirit of holiday giving, the Museum will host a toy drive for Al’s Angels on Saturday, December 12^th and a food drive for Operation Hope on Monday, December 14^th.

The Museum has put together an exciting and varied list of workshops and activities that will take place all month long. For more information and to pre-register, visit: http://www.fairfieldhistory.org/holiday-express-train-show/

Holiday Card Workshop: Greetings & Cheer! Sunday, December 6, 1-3pm. Ages 8 +.

Members: Free; Non-Members: $5. Bring your family and friends to learn how to design and decorate holiday cards with festive rubber stamps, metallic pens and colorful collages. Bring your own cards and envelopes to decorate or create handmade cards with fun embellishments. Don’t forget your address book; we’ll also learn simple calligraphy and writing flourishes. Refreshments and holiday music included! Co-sponsored by the Great American Stamp Shop in Westport. RSVP online to reserve your spot.

Hanukkah Countdown Monday, December 7, 10am – 11am. Ages 5 +. Free with admission. Create a Hanukkah countdown calendar that you can fill with fun clues to hide surprises throughout the holiday. RSVP online to reserve your spot.

Letters to Santa Tuesday, December 8, 10am – 11am. Ages 5 +. $2 per letter. Letter writing is a skill that will never go out of style! Teach your little tykes the importance of please and thank you by filling out a letter form with words and pictures of their wish list. RSVP online to reserve your spot. 

Choo Choo Storytime Wednesdays, December 9, 16 & 23, 10:30am – 11am. Free.Enjoy your favorite – and new – stories about all things trains! Discover adventures on the tracks with books that spark the imagination.

Candy House Workshop Saturday, December 12. Two Workshops: 10am – 11:30am OR 12pm – 1:30pm.Members: $10; Non-Members: $15 per house.Each additional house: Members: $8; Non-Members; $10. Celebrate the magic of the season by creating a sweet and colorful Candy House. Let your imagination bring to life a holiday scene decorated with gumdrops, peppermints, marshmallows, licorice and delicious treats! RSVP online to reserve your spot.

Al’s Angels Toy Drive Saturday, December 12, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Help Al’s Angels provide children with holiday gifts. Bring a NEW, unwrapped toy for a girl or boy, newborn to 10 years old to the Fairfield Museum when you come to view the Holiday Express Train Show or make your Candy House. The toys will be distributed to children with cancer, rare blood diseases and financial hardship.

Operation Hope Food Drive Monday, December 14, 11am – 1pm. $1 off admission per person for each item donated. Bring a non-perishable item to donate towards Operation Hope. Please check our website for a list of items that are especially important for those in need during this holiday season. Items needed = boxed mac & cheese, peanut butter & jelly and canned soups. 

Feed the Birds Workshop Tuesday, December 15, 10:00am – 11am. Ages 5 + . $2 per project. Create a miniature hanging bird feeder with an ice cream cone, sunflower butter and edible delights for our feathered friends! RSVP online to reserve your spot. 

Watch a Steam Train! Sunday, December 27 & Monday, December 28. Free with admission.Watch real steam rise from a model train that travels around an elevated track. Collector Harvey Campbell will share his knowledge and enthusiasm about how these unique trains work.

Build a Train Workshop Tuesday, December 29 & Wednesday, December 30, 11am – 12pm OR 1:00pm – 2:00pm.Workshop for ages 6 – 10. $5. Put together wooden parts with glue to construct a mini model train. Finish your toy by painting it with colorful and creative designs. *It is recommended that participants bring a painting smock. RSVP online to reserve your spot.

Special thanks to our sponsors and community partners: Central Connecticut G-Gaugers, Housatonic Model Railroad Club, Connecticut G-Scalers Club, Hatfield Insurance Agency, Roland & Co., Hobbytown USA, Moffly Media and WSHU. 

Admission
Fairfield Museum and History Center Members: Free.
$5 Adults; $3 Seniors & Students (6-22); Children age 5 and younger: Free.

Membership Special: Become a Museum Member during the Train Show and receive an additional 6 months for free! Members receive free admission throughout the year, discounts on programs, advance notice of exhibits, special events and programs, and 10% off in the gift shop. Join today!

Holiday Express Schedule

Weekends: Saturday, December 5 – Sunday, January 3: 10am - 4pm

Weekdays: Monday, December 7 – 23: 11am - 1pm

Holiday Vacation Hours:

Thursday, December 24 – Friday, January 1: 10am - 4pm (including Christmas Eve & New Year’s Eve)

Closed on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day