Essex was in the national spotlight on Tuesday as The Today Show visited as part of its "Merriest Main Streets" holiday series.
It was a joyful morning in Ivoryton as dozens of people packed onto the patio of the Ivoryton Playhouse to show the country what makes this little town so magical during the holidays.
Here they have the Ivoryton Illuminations that come to life the first Saturday in December and continue every night of the month.
The lights are all set up by a team of volunteers.
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“We set up all the lights, we put them on the trees, it’s really wonderful. We all get together and have a great time while helping the community," said Corina Pagliuco, of Essex.
The Illuminations began 14 years ago thanks to Chris Shane.
“I've always loved Christmas light all of my life, just my thing. And I overtime you tend to accumulate. And by the time my daughter was 18, I was up to 50,000 of them at my house. Unfortunately, 18-year-old girls can be a bit hysterical. And to make a long story short, she never be so grossed out and embarrassed in her life. And it was basically her or the lights," said Ivoryton Village Alliance President Chris Shane.
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Shane said he called his good friend at The Playhouse and together they decided to put them on display for the whole town to enjoy at The Green.
“Downtown Essex is historic and beautiful, and has the quintessential New England look, Ivoryton didn't have anything at Christmas. So, we decided we were going to just have a Christmas Extravaganza," said Ivoryton Playhouse Executive Artistic Director Jacqueline Hubbard.
It's continued to grow over the years to at one point, half a million lights with as many as 2,000 people on opening night.
The lights are just one piece of the magic that locals say draws people in for the holidays.
As you drive through downtown Essex, you will see a beautiful and historic place filled with local shops. Your journey ends at the Connecticut River Museum next to the river. Up on their third floor is a train show that is now in its 30th year.
"Steve Kryon has been bringing his amazing collection of trains to our third floor during the holiday season. And it has really become a holiday tradition. They are wonderful for kids of all ages. And they're great fun to see and really you know, when you think about Christmas time and trains around the Christmas tree, this is that but so much bigger and so much better," said Connecticut River Museum Executive Director Elizabeth Kaeser.
The Essex Steam Train's North Pole Express is also a huge attraction for tourists who want to journey back in time to the North Pole to see Santa. Every year, tickets sell out in a matter of hours.
“A very magical train ride to the North Pole. And we have special guests in each car that are the hosts along the way. There's a lot of music, a lot of dancing games, and it's just really interactive family time," said Essex Steam Train President Kevin Dodd.
People in Ivoryton said they always knew their town was special, but it's exciting for the country to know as well.
“I think this is wonderful. I think it’s so cool how a tiny little town like Ivoryton and Essex, like this is amazing. We’re able to get on national television," said Pagliuco.
“It’s very energized and it’s awesome to be a part of it and great to see the families coming out," added Josh Painter, of Essex.
