These are the best Santa train rides in the UK for Christmas 2024

Looking for something different to do in the run up to Christmas with the kids? Then take a look at these Christmas train rides which offer a really festive experience for families and best of all you get to see Santa.

From a railway journey through the Brecon Beacons or the Polar Express from Edinburgh Waverley to the Santa Special trains in East Lancashire – all of these trains have had a festive makeover and passengers are treated to a magical journey through some of the most beautiful locations in the UK.

There is still time to get these Santa train rides booked, but hurry, they are selling out fast.

The Polar Express

The Polar Express is the most famous and some of the most popular Christmas train rides because of the 2004 movie. For Christmas 2023, there are 13 Polar Express train rides spread across the country – three of which are brand new for this year.

These trail journeys offer a really immersive experience, kids will feel like they are just in the actual movie. Many come dressed in their PJ’s just like the movie (you can buy a Polar Express PJ’s) and onboard you will enjoy hot chocolate and cookies and will meet characters from the movie as well as Santa himself

There are Polar Express trains departing from stations all over the UK including Devon, Oxfordshire, Birmingham and Yorkshire – there are also new stations this year that includes a Polar Express journey departing from Waverley Station in Edinburgh.

Where: Various locations across the UK
When: Friday 24th November – Sunday 24th December 2023
How Long: Overall experience will last approximately 2.5 hours.
More Information: Further details and booking for the Polar Express can be found here.

The North Yorkshire Moors Railway, Pickering and Grosmont, North Yorkshire

Join Santa and his team of elves before you embark on a magical adventure aboard the Santa Express which takes you on a festive journey with Santa. During this enchanting Christmas experience which departs from Pickering & Grosmont Stations, Santa’s helpers onboard will keep everyone occupied with fun and games before you get to meet Santa. Santa will come and visit you at your seat onboard the train, where you can share your Christmas list with him at this unique setting. Best of all children receive both a present from Santa and their own backpack.

Where: Seaton Tramway, Harbour Road, Seaton, Devon, EX12 2WD
When: Friday 24th November – Sunday 24th December 2023
How Long: Overall experience will last approximately 2.5 hours.
More Information: Further details and booking for the Devon Polar Express Tram Ride can be found here.

Avon Valley Railway Santa Special, Bristol

Once onboard their festive trains, you’ll enjoy a mince pie or festive biscuit and Santa will pass through the train saying hello to everyone. Then, when you return to Bitton Station each family group will meet Santa again where children will receive a present. There will also be the chance for your family group to take photographs and creating those special festive memories

Where: Avon Valley Railway, Bitton Station, Bath Road, Bitton, Bristol, BS30 6HD
When: Saturday 25th November – Sunday 24th December 2023
How Long: Overall experience will last approximately 50 minutes.
More Information: Further details and booking for the Avon Valley Railway Santa Special can be found here.

Santa’s Special Train at the Epping Ongar Railway, Essex

The experience starts as you join their vintage London bus service at either Epping Underground station or in Ongar. When you arrive at North Weald Station you will get the chance to get in the spirit with something from their festive food stall whilst you listen to the live brass band!

Not long after arriving the excitement mounts as you cross the footbridge to join Santa’s fantastically festive Special Train, which will take you on a return journey via the ancient Epping Forest to Ongar. Whilst you wait for Santa, entertainers will be onboard to keep everyone busy – there is even an opportunity for children to write a letter to Santa

Where: Epping Ongar Railway, Ongar Station, Ongar. Essex, CM5 9BN
When: Saturday 25^th November – 24^th December 2023
How Long: Overall experience will last approximately 2.5 hours.
More Information: Further details and booking for the Santa’s Special Train can be found here.

Llangollen Railway Santa Specials, North Wales

Before boarding adults are given a festive tipple and mince pie and children receive a drink and sweet treat. Once onboard the decorated steam train, the journey transports you through the Dee Valley from Llangollen to Lapland (Carrog), during the journey children will receive a present from Santa.

Where: Llangollen Railway, The Station, Abbey Road, Llangollen, Denbighshire, LL20 8SN
When: Thursday 2^nd December – 24^th December 2023
How Long: Overall experience will last approximately 2.15 hours.
More Information: Further details and booking for the Santa’s Specials can be found here.

East Lancashire Railway Santa Specials, Lancashire

You start your festive adventure at Bury Bolton Street Station where you will journey through a winter wonderland. You get to see Mrs Claus and a talking Christmas Tree, and maybe even stop for a quick singalong with their carol singing choir of polar bears, before boarding your train.

Once you’re settled into your seat, a steam train will transport you to Rawtenstall and back on an approximately 80-minute round trip. Along the way the festive fun continues as you meet your favourite Christmas characters and get the chance to belt out a couple of festive classics with the brass band. Whilst travelling, Santa himself will visit your carriage with a gift for every little one, and there will be plenty of time to have a chat with him and take a Santa selfie or two.

Grown-ups can look forward to mince pies and a festive tipple or soft drink. For the children there will be a Fruit Shoot, chocolate and an activity pack.

Where: The East Lancashire Railway, Bolton Street Station, Bury, Lancashire, BL9 0EY.
When: Saturday 25^th November – 24^th December 2023
How Long: Overall experience will last approximately 1.20 hours.
More Information: Further details and booking for the Santa’s Specials can be found here.

The Enchanted Express, Severn Valley Railway

The festive magic begins on this train journey, with the instantly recognisable voice of Dame Julie Walters guides you on board The Enchanted Express at Bridgnorth station.

Inspired by the classic poem ‘Twas The Night Before Christmas, join train driver Luna Loco, Pip the Christmas Mouse, Brigadier Dimple the Toy Soldier, Violet the Sugarplum Fairy, Mama Lumi the Post Elf and Father Christmas himself, on a magical steam train journey in your very own private compartment.

As you settle down into your comfy seats (dressed in pyjamas, of course), listen to the enchanted Christmas tale and festive music as the train takes you through a winter wonderland. Along the journey, you’ll meet the characters who’ll personally sign your hardback book, with each child receiving a quality gift from Father Christmas – don’t forget to ask him for a photo before he carries on his journey!

Where: Severn Valley Railway, Bridgnorth Station WV16 5DP
When: Saturday 2^nd December – Sunday 24th December 2023
How Long: Overall experience will last approximately 1.25 hours.
More Information: Further details and booking for the Enchanted Express can be found here.

The Brecon Mountain Railway Santa Special, South Wales

On this railway journey, this magical steam train takes you all the way to the Santa in his grotto in the small village of Pontsticill. Before your journey you can enjoy mince pies at Pant station where cream teas and hot drinks are also available.

Where: Pant Station, Merthyr Tydfil, Mid Glamorgan CF48 2DD, GB
When: Saturday 25th November – Thursday 21st December 2023
How Long: Overall experience will last approximately 1.5 hours.
More Information: Further details and booking for the Brecon Mountain Railway Santa Special can be found here.

Bo’ness and Kinneil Santa Steam Trains, Bo’ness, West Lothian, Scotland

The steam trains and carriages have been festively decorated for a trip to the North Pole. Whilst a seat in the shared carriage is nice, I would recommend booking one of their private standard or first class compartments onboard.

Kids will enjoy filling in their Christmas wish card and posting it at the magic post box before you meet Santa on board the train who will be handing out presents. There are also refreshments and entertainment including festive singers and a magician.

Where: Bo’ness Station, Union Street, Bo’ness, EH51 9AQ
When: Saturday and Sundays in December up to the 24th December 2023
How Long: Overall experience will last approximately 1 hour.
More Information: Further details and booking for the Santa Steam Trainscan be found here.

The Seaton Tramway, Devon

This is a different Polar Express experience which has been reimagined using a classic tram instead. Located on the seafront in Devon, passengers hop on board the single track tram cars for this unique journey to the North Pole. Onboard you’ll enjoy the story of the Polar Express and well as enjoying the hot cocoa and cookies delivered by dancing chefs.

On arrival at the North Pole the journey continues with a festive light show with characters from the story which even features a special guest. Kids will love meeting Santa and receiving a silver sleigh bell gift before getting back onboard for carol singing on the return trip back to Seaton Station.