Santa Specials - Where to See Santa on a Train - North East and Beyond
- Kelly
- Nov 11
- 5 min read
Santa Special, Santa Express, Polar Express - There are so many different names for these popular, festive train services and this year, there are plenty to choose from, across the North East and beyond.
Various heritage railways offer a differing range of magical experiences at various prices. When our boys were younger, we were regular visitors to the Santa Specials on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway. The boys loved these visits, but we have also heard good things about some of the experiences offered by other railways.
Some of the railways across the region are yet to announce full details, but here is a guide to what had been announced so far.
This post will be updated whenever we receive any further details.
North Yorkshire Moors Railway Santa Express - 29, 30 November, 6, 7, 13, 14, 20 to 24 December
From £29.50 per person.
"At Pickering station, families will be welcomed by the sights and sounds of the Santa Express steam train with Christmas decorations, traditional games, and live singing to get everyone in the Christmas spirit. Once on board, Santa’s team of elves will keep everyone entertained with sing-alongs, Christmas-cracker jokes, and plenty of fun. Each child will also receive a special keepsake to take home."
Stephenson Railway - Elf Express
From 29th November and selected dates after
From £20 per person. Group tickets also available for private compartments.
"Make this Christmas truly magical aboard our Elf Express. Enjoy a live performance from Santa and his Elves, before boarding a festive-themed heritage train ride.
Meet our mischievous Chief Elf and the jolly man himself, Santa Claus, as they join you on a journey packed with entertainment, Christmas tunes, and festive fun. Capture the magic with plenty of photo opportunities, enjoy a hot drink and seasonal sweet treat, as well as a special gift from Santa."
Heatherslaw Railway Santa Specials -
From 29th November and selected dates after
£20 per person. Gift included
"Passengers are invited for a return journey from Heatherslaw along our magically extended line to the 'North Pole Station'. The trains will be hauled by steam* locomotives Bunty, and Lady Augusta.
*Diesel may be substituted if necessary.
Santa will welcome families at the North Pole Station and present each child with a quality gift whilst his helpers entertain the rest of the passengers.
Refreshments will be available to purchase separately. "
Unfortunately Weardale Railway has Cancelled for 2025
Tanfield Railway - The North Pole Express.
SOLD OUT
Wensleydale Railway The Polar Express -
Various dates from 14th November
Various ticket options starting from £35 per person
"If you’ve never experienced the magic of the Polar Express, this just might be your crucial year. The Polar Express is steaming back to the Yorkshire Dales ready to amaze, delight and create memories you’ll cherish in years to come. Get your pajamas and dressing gowns on and your Polar Express tickets in hand and get ready to take part in the train ride of your life! A fully immersive theatrical experience lies in wait for you beyond the station of Leeming Bar at Wensleydale Railway – if you just believe. "
Keighley & Worth Valley Railway Elf Explorer
Various dates from 29th November
From £25 per person
"A magical Christmas experience that is guaranteed to light up your children’s faces and get the whole family in the mood for the Festive Season. This theatrical journey on board a beautiful steam train is the perfect way to travel, and we know that Father Christmas thinks so too…!
Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway Tinsel Trains -
From 6th December and selected dates after
£125 per compartment for 4 people. £25 per extra guest.
Your compartment will be embellished with all things ‘Christmassy’ and filled with seasonal tunes, it’s the perfect environment to soak up the festive atmosphere.
Whilst onboard our Porter will serve Adults with a seasonal drink and snack, while the Children receive a personally labelled, age specific present, handpicked by Father Christmas and his Railway Elves.
After meeting the colourful Christmas Characters the main man, Father Christmas, comes to visit your families compartment. From your doorway he will give out presents to all the good children onboard. The perfect opportunity to capture a photo of the big man himself as he meets your family.
Embsay & Bolton Abbey Railway The Polar Express
Various dates from 14th November
Prices from £50.95 per person
"The anticipation amongst the passengers is incredible. With everyone wrapped up warm in their cosiest pyjamas, all guests will climb aboard with our friendly chefs helping you to find your seats. When you start on your journey, you’ll be astounded as iconic moments from the movie come to life around you. Singing, dancing chefs will serve everyone the most delicious warm hot chocolate, and glorious chocolatey cookies. From the newest to oldest family members, all are invited to share Christmas dreams and memories with the film’s most beloved characters."
Whistlestop Valley Santa Express -
Various dates from 29th November
From £25.95 per person
The Santa Express feature a trip aboard the heated carriages hauled by one of our steam locomotives*; transporting you to the North Pole!
Enjoy the magical Christmas Elf show before your train ride to the North Pole. Whilst at the North Pole, you will have a one-on-one meeting with the big guy himself inside his cosy grotto, filled with sacks of presents for the good girls & boys. Santa's cheeky elf will be causing Christmas mischief at the Shelley North Pole - will you spot them?!
There'll be a complimentary edible festive treat and drink for everyone plus the opportunity to make up a bag of magical reindeer food to take home with you and write out your Christmas wish to hang on the magical Wishing Tree. You'll also be able to have a Yuletide whizz around the duck pond on our ride-on miniature train at the front of Clayton West Station.
Scarborough North Bay Railway Santa Specials -
Various dates from 13th December
£16.95
Fun for all the family – all aboard the magical Jingle Belle or Flying Snowman! Immerse yourself in festive wonder as this very special train takes you on a journey to the North Yorkshire Pole.
Whilst waiting to see Santa, inside Mrs Claus' Kitchen, adults can enjoy complimentary seasonal refreshments including mince pies, hot chocolate and mulled wine, with juice and biscuits for children.
There will be the chance to have a ride on Santa’s sleigh, write your letter to Santa, make your own Reindeer food and much more to keep all entertained!
Once it is your time, you will be led by our mischievous elves to the beautifully decorated Grotto to spend some quality one to one time with the man himself and receive an extra special gift.
Your Santa Special experience will last for approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes.
Aln Valley Railway Santa Specials
13th & 14th December
Meet Santa & his elves on the festive decorated train. Includes a gift for each child a drink, cookie and goody bag.
£28 per child, £8 per adult
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