Trains, trains and live entertainment for the holidays are available for kids and adults to ponder this Friday and Saturday afternoon at the Wilton Historical Society’s Great Trains Holiday Show.
Dressed for the holidays, the Wilton Historical Society’s historic 18th and 19th century buildings are transformed into a train-lovers delight with many different model train layouts winding through tiny towns with a variety of different kinds of buildings, tunnels and landscapes!
The model train displays enchant visitors of all ages with lots of buttons to push and knowledgeable “train engineers” on hand to “talk trains.”
In a special train room for the youngest guests, Thomas the Tank Engine and Brio trains are ready for hands-on fun.
New this year: Model trains are tooting upstairs in the Toy Loft, which is filled with the favorite toys of yesteryear, where the very popular Alvin the Chipmunk layout can be found.
Model train enthusiasts can see nine layouts, including G, HO, O, N, S gauge and Lego trains.
The Great Trains Holiday Show runs from 12 noon to 4 p.m., Friday, Nov. 23 and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 24.
On Saturday, there will be a live performance by puppeteer/singer/storyteller Tom H. Hanford from 2 to 3 p.m.
Join Hanford as he performs seasonal songs and stories for kids. His programs combine music, storytelling, and colorful painted masks.
In recent years Tom has taken his interactive shows for children to Old Sturbridge Village and The Berkshire Museum in Massachusetts, Clermont State Historic Site, The Farmers Museum, Olana, and Erie Canal Village in New York State, and many other museums, historic sites, festivals, schools and libraries.
Leave some time for the kids to enjoy an art project. From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. they can color a wooden train engine, perfect for using as an ornament. Art project fee: Members – $5 per child, max $15 per family; Non-members $10 per child, max $30 per family.
The Great Trains Holiday Show will run from Friday, November 23, 2018 through Monday, January 21, 2019. Wednesdays – Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sundays 12 noon to 4 p.m.