Fairfield, CT – A cherished holiday tradition full of model trains, magical wintery landscapes, and loads of family fun chugs into town on Friday, December 3rd. The Fairfield Museum’s Holiday Express Model Train Show opens on the night of Fairfield’s Tree Lighting, Friday, Dec. 3 from 5pm to 8pm with cookies, cider, and a special reduced admission of $3 per person or $10 for a family of four. Museum Members and children ages 5 and under are FREE. This year’s Holiday Express Train Show is generously sponsored by People’s United Bank.
Young and old alike will delight in the large and small scale model trains winding around spectacular winter villages and beautiful holiday scenery. Trains will be operating Monday-Thursday from 10am-1pm and Fridays-Sunday from 10am -4pm. This much-loved holiday event is made possible by members of the Housatonic Model Railroad Club, the Connecticut G-Scalers Club and the Central Connecticut G-Gaugers Club.
A special Museum Membership promotion will run from December 3rd through January 2nd. Anyone who joins as a Museum Member will receive an extra 6 months of FREE member benefits – which means all visits to this year’s and next year’s Holiday Express Train Show will be free of charge. Members also receive discounts on programs year-round like summer camp, unlimited free admission to the research library, guest passes for friends, invitations to members-only events and a ten-percent discount at the Museum Shop, where items are always tax free.
The Fairfield Museum will be hosting an exciting schedule of family activities during the Holiday Express Model Train Show, including:
Open Play at the Victorian Cottage
Every Wednesday morning from 10am-12pm the Fairfield’s Victorian Cottage will be open just for little ones and their favorite adults. This intimate space was developed just for kids aged 18 months to 5 years old and is full of fun. Kids can play with an interactive city, build a garden, create at the art station, read books, and more.
Recommended for children aged 18 months to 4 years
Free with Museum admission and Museum Members are always free. To register visit fairfieldhistory.org.
Show and Tell: Workshops for Kids ages 2-5
Join the Fairfield Museum for a monthly program developed just for kids ages 2-5 (and their favorite adults). Each month we have a different theme based on the Museum’s exhibits. Together we will read a “just right” story, investigate a special object from the Museum’s collection and make an art project inspired by what we have learned.
Museum admission plus $10 per family. Members may participate for $8 per family. Registration required.
November 18 from 10-11 am
Girl Power!
Rosie Revere, Engineer
Girls rule the world! Come read Rosie Revere, Engineer with us and learn about powerful women in history. Then we will make a muti-media portrait of a strong woman in our lives.
December 9 from 10-11 am
Choo Choo!
The Little Engine that Could and/or Mr Tootwhistle’s Invention
Holiday Express Train Show Opening Night
Friday, December 3, 5:30-8:30 pm
Warm up at the Fairfield Museum after the town’s tree lighting ceremony and be one of the first to see the new displays at the Holiday Express Train Show! Kids and adults alike will delight in the magic of the model trains winding around a winter wonderland of spectacular trees and beautiful holiday scenery.
Family Holiday Workshops
This holiday season, families are invited to experiment, play, and create together at the Fairfield Museum in these interactive workshops. These programs are best for kids ages 4 and up. Families can register at fairfieldhs.org.
Holiday Card Printmaking Workshop
Saturday, December 4 at 10, 12, and 2
Look at the Museum’s collection of historic holiday cards and create your own. Each participant will experiment with printmaking to create their own unique holiday cards.
$8 for adults and $5 for children. Registration required.
Build a Train
Saturday, December 11 at 10, 12, and 2
Choo choo! Have you ever wanted to build your very own train? Now’s your chance to assemble and paint a wooden model train. You can also create your own wintry landscapes for your train.
$8 for adults and $5 for children. Registration required.
Candy House
Saturday, December 18 at 10, 12, and 2
Yum! Create your own candy house! Decorate a holiday house with gobs of frosty icing, graham-cracker roofs, gumdrop windows, licorice fences and many more delicious candies!
$25 per house. Registration required.
Extra-Special Train Viewings
We’re also offering extra-special train viewings and discussions with collectors, including one highlighting O Gauge Polar Express Trains. Dates TBD.
Museum Membership
Help support the Fairfield Museum! If you become a member in December, you get 18 months for the price of a 12-month membership! This offer is valid for new members only.
Members can get exclusive, before hours access to the Holiday Express Train show on Saturday, December 4, 11, and 18, discounts on programs, and free admission all year long.
About the Fairfield Museum and History Center:
Fairfield Museum and History Center, located at 370 Beach Road, Fairfield, CT, is a vibrant nexus of community life offering dynamic family programs and exhibitions, sparking dialogue and deliberating the challenges of the future. Central to our community-focused mission is a desire to provide important historical context to pressing issues of our time, and to offer a safe, trustworthy environment where multiple perspectives can be heard, and collective solutions explored. www.fairfieldhistory.orgor call (203) 259-1598.