Santa Steam Trains: Heritage Railway Christmas Specials

Every December, dozens of Britain's volunteer-run heritage railways run Christmas trains: a steam-hauled trip with Santa walking the carriages, a present for each child, and usually mince pies and mulled wine for the adults. They are one of the most reliably enjoyable family outings of the season — and one of the quickest to sell out.

At a glance

When: weekends from late November, and most days in the week before Christmas. Cost: ticketed, with a present for each child included. Booking: weekend trains usually sell out by October. Best for: young families.

How they work

Most follow a similar pattern. You book a seat on a specific departure, the train runs a return trip of an hour or so along the line, and Father Christmas and his helpers visit every compartment. Many now add a show or a decorated station before boarding. Tickets cover children and adults alike, and the children's present is included.

A few of the best-known

North Yorkshire Moors Railway

The Santa Express runs from Pickering to Levisham and back through the moors, on weekends from late November and on the days just before Christmas. The line is one of the most scenic in the country, and Pickering makes a good base for a moors weekend.

Keighley & Worth Valley Railway

The Elf Explorer starts at Oxenhope, with a Victorian-style Christmas street and a show before a one-hour steam journey. It runs from 28 November to 20 December 2026, and Haworth, home of the Brontës, is on the line.

Bluebell Railway, Sussex

Santa specials run between Sheffield Park and Horsted Keynes on selected dates from late November to Christmas Eve, each child getting an activity pack at their seat.

Severn Valley Railway

The SVR runs its Christmas trains from Kidderminster to Arley, combining the journey with a seasonal theatre show at the other end.

When to book

As early as you can

Most lines release their Christmas trains in late summer, and weekend departures in December are usually gone well before the end of October. Weekday trains in early December are the easiest to get.

Choose the right train

Some lines run several styles of Christmas train — Santa specials for young children, evening light trains, and Christmas dining trains for adults. Check which one you are booking.

Making a weekend of it

Across the country

These are only a few. Heritage lines in Scotland and Wales run Christmas trains too, including the Strathspey Railway at Aviemore, and the Heritage Railway Association lists member lines across the country. A smaller line often means an easier booking and a less crowded train.

Heritage lines tend to run through good walking country, so a Santa train pairs naturally with a cottage break. For more family ideas, see our guides to family staycations and Christmas staycations.