The best Santa steam trains in the UK

There’s nothing fairly as magical because the look in your little one’s face once they see Santa – and whereas there are grotto experiences galore, for an unforgettable Christmas reminiscence, you possibly can’t beat a trip on the most effective Santa steam trains within the UK. UPDATED FOR 2026

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Some are quick and candy, so good for youthful children, whereas different Christmas steam trains take you off on a journey of over an hour, together with carols, candy treats, video games and the all-important Santa assembly.

And fortunately in case you’re searching for festive Santa practice rides close to you, there are increasingly more choices across the UK, from London’s Santa Steam Categorical to the Polar Categorical, Christmas lights practice rides and extra – so I’ve picked out among the greatest Santa steam trains within the UK with children.

The Polar Categorical

The Polar Categorical is unquestionably probably the most well-known – and the preferred – of all of the Santa steam practice rides the world over, due to the Warner Bros film again in 2004 (itself primarily based on the much-loved e book).

Greater than only a easy Santa steam practice trip, this excellent festive experiences is understood for being extra immersive, to make your children really feel like they’re driving the true deal.

Wearing your cosiest pyjamas (you possibly can even get your individual personalised Polar Categorical pair), you’ll meet well-known characters from the film in addition to the person in purple himself, Santa, and a few even have story read-a-longs if you wish to deliver your individual e book. 

As you possibly can think about, tickets for The Polar Categorical get booked up quick, so that you do have to plan effectively upfront to keep away from disappointment. Thankfully, there are various Polar Categorical departure stations throughout the nation so if one is absolutely booked, you do have a number of different choices to select from, some with premium tickets together with some particular festive extras like a silver sleigh bell. 

There are sometimes new areas added, with a brand new departure from London in 2024, however to search out your nearest Polar Categorical expertise, these are among the greatest Christmas steam trains themed across the story.

London

The most recent UK Polar Categorical to depart can be steaming out of London this December, departing from Euston station for a journey lasting round an hour (permit 90 minutes-two hours for the entire expertise), on a magical journey which can transport you from north London to the North Pole.

Runs on choose dates from December 5-December 23, 2026. Guide at London Polar Categorical. Because the London departure leaves from a busy station, occasions might change with late discover and as much as an hour’s delay, so do be sure to hold your plans versatile.

Yorkshire

One of many largest Christmas experiences within the UK, the hour-long expertise is again in Yorkshire for its fifth yr, departing from Leeming Bar station. There’s additionally an enormous assortment of Polar Categorical merchandise on the cease afterwards (you will have been warned!)

Runs on chosen dates from November 13-December 23, 2026. Guide at Wensleydale Railway.

You may also trip the Polar Categorical within the Yorkshire Dales, on the Embsay and Bolton Abbey Railway, on dates from November 13-December 24, 2026, with relaxed sensory experiences additionally out there.

Staffordshire

Uncover the that means of Christmas on this journey from Froghall Station, this hour-long festive expertise consists of the choice to have your e book signed by Santa.

Runs on choose dates from November 7-December 23, 2026. Guide at Churnet Valley Railway.

Birmingham

Departing from Birmingham Moor Road, the story is delivered to life on board the heritage carriages, on an 80-minute journey to the North Pole and again.

TBC for 2026. Guide with Classic Trains.

Shropshire

Beforehand voted one of the best Polar Categorical expertise within the Midlands, this journey leaves from Telford – and it’s value figuring out that tickets are solely bought in pairs (or multiples of two). There are additionally particular SEND tickets out there.

Runs on chosen dates from November 21-December 23, 2026. Guide at Telford Steam railway.

Mid Norfolk Railway

Departing for the North Pole from Dereham in Norfolk, together with story-telling, scorching chocolate, a gathering with Santa and a present.

Runs on chosen dates from November 14-December 23, 2026. Guide at Mid Norfolk Railway.

Kent

This Polar Categorical experiences takes you from Tunbridge Wells West, with an hour on the practice and extra enjoyable afterwards, together with the prospect to put in writing to Santa and take a look at the store.

Runs on chosen dates from November 7-December 30, 2026. Guide at Spa Valley Railway

South Devon

The station of Buckfastleigh will get a festive makeover as your departure level for this hour-long Polar Categorical expertise in South Devon.

Runs on chosen dates from November 27-December 23, 2026 – superb in case you’re seeking to hold the Christmas magic going. Guide at South Devon Railway.

Seaton Tramway, Devon

You’re spoiled for alternative in Devon – and whereas the Seaton Tramway isn’t a conventional steam practice (as its title suggests, it’s a tram), it might really feel an much more private expertise with area for simply 24 within the tram automobile.

It’s additionally an extended expertise, lasting round two hours half-hour together with a cease on the North Pole. Runs on chosen dates from November 27-December 24, 2026. Guide at Seaton Tramway.

Angus, Scotland

The Polar Categorical doesn’t simply function in England, with the prospect to climb aboard at Brechin, in Angus, for a similar fabulous festive magic.

Runs on chosen dates from November 28-December 20, 2026. Guide with Caledonian Railway.

Edinburgh

The Polar Categorical practice trip is returning to Edinburgh as soon as extra after launching in 2023 – at all times magical in December, the brand new Christmas practice trip is including an additional festive sparkle to the Scottish capital. In case your coronary heart is about on a steam practice, it’s value figuring out that is pulled by a diesel locomotive.

Departing from Edinburgh Waverley station, from November 27-December 30, 2026. Guide tickets for the Edinburgh Polar Categorical right here.

Brecon Mountain Railway

A brand new addition for 2026, the Polar Categorical is coming to the Brecon Mountains in Wales, travelling by means of among the UK’s most dramatic surroundings – you’d hardly be shocked in case you actually do encounter herds of caribou on this great wild panorama.

Operating from November 13-December 23, 2026. Guide tickets for the Brecon Mountain Railway Polar Categorical right here.

Polar Categorical Expertise: have to know

The way to e book: Every Polar Categorical location has its personal reserving web site with a purpose to e book tickets.

Worth: Ticket costs begin at roughly £30.95, however fluctuate relying on location and kind of ticket, with each commonplace and premium ticket choices on supply for a lot of areas.

Dates: Usually, the Polar Categorical Christmas practice rides begin round mid-November, some operating up till December 23. Some areas start barely earlier, whereas others cease as early as December 17 and a handful hold going virtually to the brand new yr. 

When to e book: Asap! Tickets go on sale as early as February, and in case you’re searching for one of many final Polar Categorical practice rides – together with on Christmas Eve this yr – these seats do get snapped up first.

Santa Steam Categorical, London

Beforehand the one Santa steam practice expertise in London, the Santa Steam Categorical departs from Victoria station – and it’s again once more in 2026.

With puzzles and video games for teenagers, in addition to a singsong with the elves, an opportunity to satisfy each Mrs Claus and Santa, plus loads of treats for each children and adults. Children additionally go residence with a present after the 90-minute journey.

Steam Goals Santa Steam Categorical London: have to know

The way to e book: Guide on-line with Steam Goals

Worth: Tickets value from £45 (for adults and youngsters aged 2-16)

Dates: Runs on December 12 and 19 solely, with 4 journeys every day throughout 2026

When to e book: Tickets are on sale now

Learn my full assessment of the London Santa Steam Categorical expertise with children, in addition to concepts of extra issues to do at Christmas in London with children

Dartmouth Steam Railway’s Prepare of Lights, Devon

Dartmouth Steam Railway’s Prepare of Lights is well the most effective Christmas practice rides within the UK – and one of many few choices which runs after Christmas Eve as effectively.

Ranging from the station at Paignton, the platform and carriages are embellished with hundreds of lights. Then after a enjoyable 15-minute practice trip alongside the beautiful coastal Devon path to Churston, you begin your journey to some enchanting woods embellished with a fantastically festive gentle present.

Ending with a view of the twinkling lights of Dartmouth itself, mirrored within the river, there’s likelihood to take pictures from Kingswear earlier than heading again to see if all once more from a distinct path.

One thing very totally different from the opposite Santa steam trains on this record, however simply probably the most unmissable festive household experiences within the UK. Nothing like an array of sparkly lights to brighten up the darkest coldest months, proper?

If you wish to see Santa as effectively, there’s an choice to e book this expertise plus the practice of lights (however it’s not included in practice tickets alone).

Dartmouth Steam Railway Prepare of Lights: have to know

The way to e book: Pre-booking is crucial by way of the Dartmouth Steam Railway web site

Worth: Costs begin at £24 for youngsters and £31.50 for adults

Dates: From November 27 to December 30, 2026

When to e book: Tickets go on sale in March

For extra issues to do in Darmouth with children, try my prime picks

Avon Valley Railway Santa Particular, Bristol

Hop on board the Avon Valley Railway Santa Particular for a 50-minute journey from Bitton Station – in addition to assembly Santa throughout the steam practice trip, you’ll additionally get a present from him again on the station, with an opportunity to take a photograph collectively.

This yr, one of many elves has revealed the present goes to be a tender toy (final yr, it was an opulent donkey) – and there’ll even be Christmas donkeys to say hello to at Bitton Station earlier than and after your journey.

Avon Valley Railway Santa Particular: have to know

The way to e book: Guide by way of the Avon Valley Railway web site

Worth: Tickets value from £18 per particular person

Dates: Chosen dates from November 22-December 24, 2026 

When to e book: Tickets go on sale in late June

Kent & East Sussex Santa steam trains 

Santa has been visiting households on the trains on the Kent and East Sussex Railway for nearly 5 a long time now, so you possibly can really feel reassured that there’ll be no hiccups in your festive enjoyable.

Throughout this 75-minute Santa steam practice trip from Tenterden, you possibly can snack on mince pies and candies as you look ahead to the person in purple to place in an look, to not point out watching magic methods and receiving a present, in addition to a free household picture.

There’s additionally likelihood to wander round Winter Wonderland, and trip the classic gallopers.

Kent & East Sussex Santa steam trains: have to know

The way to e book: Guide on-line on the Kent & East Sussex Railways web site

Worth: Costs fluctuate, however begin from £100 for two folks in commonplace class or £260 for 4 folks in top quality. It’s additionally potential to e book personal compartments for households and teams

Dates: Chosen dates between November 29 and December 24, in addition to a quiet day choice on November 29

When to e book: Tickets often go on sale in June

Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway Santa Specials, Kent

There have been Santa Specials operating on the Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway in Kent since 1981, so their festive practice rides are a conventional fixture. In addition to a steam practice journey from New Romney to Hythe (and again) on the Santa Particular, there’s a go to to Santa in his grotto with a present for each little one.

You may also go to the Mannequin Railway exhibition earlier than climbing aboard the steam practice, and there are generally additional practice rides at Hythe too.

Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway Santa Specials: have to know

The way to e book: Guide by way of the Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway web site

Worth: Tickets value tbc for 2026 (value £29.50 in 2025)

Dates: Chosen dates from November 28-December 24, 2026 and often consists of a few quiet practice choices

When to e book: Tickets often go on sale in the summertime

Bluebell Railway Santa Specials, Sussex

Choose from two enjoyable seasonal specials in Sussex this Christmas. Should you’re searching for one of the best Santa steam trains within the UK, the Bluebell Railway Santa Specials are returning for 2026.

Households get their very own personal compartment, plus mince pies and chocolate cash as you journey to Horsted Keynes from both Sheffield Park, with the entire expertise taking round two hours.

In addition to visiting Santa, together with time for a photograph, there’s a gift to gather from his workshop and a few conventional amusements as effectively.

Or there’s additionally Santa Steam Lights, with a unbelievable illuminated steam practice trip from Sheffield Park to Horsted Keynes (and again), after a giant switch-on efficiency – some December journeys are particular Santa Steam Lights journeys for added festive enjoyable. Takes round 90 minutes, together with time to take pictures of the practice all lit up.

Bluebell Railway Santa Specials: have to know

The way to e book: Guide by way of the Bluebell Railway web site

Worth: Tickets for Santa Specials value from £220 for a compartment, with particular person tickets additionally out there, or from £35 per ticket for Santa SteamLights

Dates: The Santa Specials run on chosen dates from November 28 till December 24, whereas Santa Steam Lights runs from November 21 till December 30, 2026

When to e book: Tickets on sale now

Dean Forest Railway Santa Particular, Gloucestershire

Enterprise out into the forest to search out Santa this Christmas, aboard the Dean Forest Railway Santa Particular – departing from Norchard Station, it stops at Parkend Station earlier than travelling on to Lydney Junction and again to Norchard.

Alongside the best way, Santa visits everybody of their seats, earlier than an opportunity to see his elves and decide up presents later within the journey. For some added indulgence, you possibly can add a Christmas afternoon tea, in addition to lighter choices to snack alongside the best way throughout the 75-minute journey – and everybody will get a mince pie!

Dean Forest Railway Santa particular: have to know

The way to e book: Guide by way of the Dean Forest Railway web site

Worth: From £22.50 per particular person

Dates: Chosen dates from November 28-December 24, 2026

When to e book: Tickets on sale now

Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway Santa Categorical

Hop on board for a trip to the North Pole, with the Santa Categorical from Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway.

With singing penguins on the Grotto while you arrive, there’s additionally an opportunity to satisfy Santa and get a gift from the elves, together with mince pies and drinks, together with mulled wine for adults – the entire expertise lasts for round 2 1/2 hours.

Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway Santa Categorical: have to know

The way to e book: Guide by way of the GWSR web site

Worth: Ticket value tbc (final yr, they value £28.50 per particular person)

Dates: Chosen dates from November 28-December 23, 2026

When to e book: Tickets go on sale on September 1

Severn Valley Railway Santa Trains, Worcestershire & Shropshire

Stroll by means of a winter wonderland at Kidderminster Station, selecting up a scorching drink and candy deal with on the best way, to your steam practice trip to Arley Station, having fun with a stay panto with festive characters. On the return journey, there’s a present for every little one too.

Or be a part of the model new Elf Categorical, from Bridgnorth Station, with an entire string of characters visiting your personal compartment – together with Santa Claus. That is greater than only a practice trip, you’ll get an entire festive immersive expertise.

Severn Valley Railway Santa trains: have to know

The way to e book: Guide by way of the Severn Valley Railway web site

Worth: Priced from £140 for a desk of 4 for the Santa Trains, from £164 for a compartment for the Elf Categorical

Dates: Weekends from November 28-December 24, 2026, together with a Relaxed Santa Prepare on December 6, 13 and 20. Elf Categorical runs at weekends from November 28 to December 20, plus December 23 and 24.

When to e book: Tickets on sale now

Evesham Vale Gentle Railway Santa specials, Worcestershire

TBC FOR 2026 Evesham Vale Gentle Railway has a Christmas journey with a twist – hop on the Christmas Categorical to take the 1 ¼ mile steam practice trip across the Nation Park to the North Pole.

Again at Twyford Station, there are treats and drinks for adults and children, earlier than assembly Santa and his elves in his festive log cabin to get a gift.

Evesham Vale Gentle Railway Santa specials: have to know

The way to e book: Guide by way of the Evesham Vale Gentle Railway web site

Worth: Ticket value tbc (beforehand value £11 for adults, £15 for youngsters)

Dates: TBC. Beforehand ran on chosen dates from November 29-December 24

When to e book: Tickets often go on sale in mid September

Steam Into Christmas with Didcot Railway, Oxfordshire

Are you able to assist save Christmas? This twist on the same old festive steam practice trip makes it additional enjoyable for teenagers – poor Santa has misplaced his reindeer, and in the event that they’re not discovered, Christmas is cancelled.

Guests are challenged to assist monitor down Rudolf and his buddies, with reindeer stations tucked away amongst all of the trains on the 21-acre museum at Didcot Railway Centre – and a small present at every one, together with a particular passport and stocking.

Then you possibly can let Santa know the excellent news as you go to him in his large toy workshop, plus a free present to thanks for all of your arduous work, and limitless practice rides on Santa steam practice.

Steam Into Christmas with Didcot Railway: have to know

The way to e book: Guide on-line by way of the the Didcot Railway web site

Worth: £22 for adults and £27.50 for youngsters (much less for members)

Dates: Chosen dates between December 5 and December 23, 2026. 

When to e book: Tickets on sale now (these often go on sale in January/February so it’s value snapping them up quick within the New Yr)

Bure Valley’s Festive Categorical, Norfolk

Should you can’t resolve whether or not you need to do a Christmas steam practice expertise or head to Santa’s Grotto, the Festive Categorical combines each so that you needn’t select.

Operating from Aylsham Station, the hour-long Bure Valley Festive Categorical features a 30-minute Christmas practice trip, earlier than recognizing Santa on his sleigh and heading into his grotto the place everybody receives a personalised present. There are additionally festive refreshments for the journey to Brampton and your individual heated personal compartment.

Or the Noel Evening Prepare is one other enjoyable festive choice, that’s nice with barely older children who desire a style of Christmas magic.

Bure Valley Festive Categorical: have to know

The way to e book: Guide on-line by way of the Bure Valley Railway web site

Worth: £26 per particular person

Dates: Chosen dates from December 5-24, 2026

When to e book: Tickets on sale now

North Norfolk Railway Norfolk Lights Categorical

There are two totally different festive choices from the North Norfolk Railway, together with the Norfolk Lights Categorical which is again for 2026.

The illuminated practice is a good way to brighten up the darkish nights and a enjoyable various in case you’ve bought older children (really helpful for 8+) – plus you possibly can even begin your New Yr feeling vivid.

Or if it’s Santa which takes your fancy, there are additionally Santa Particular steam practice rides to satisfy Father Christmas, with seasonal refreshments and a gift for every little one.

North Norfolk Railway Norfolk Lights Categorical: have to know

The way to e book: Guide by way of the Norfolk Norfolk Railway web site

Worth: Costs TBC. Final yr tickets for the Norfolk Lights Categorical value from £20, or £159 for a compartment of six. Tickets value £26 for the Santa Particular trains, with compartments for six additionally out there for £159

Dates: The Norfolk Lights Categorical runs on chosen dates from November 14 to January 3, 2027, the Santa Particular steam trains run on weekends from November 28 to December 20, 2026, in addition to December 21-23

When to e book: Tickets on sale on the finish of July – examine the Particular Occasions web page for the most recent data

Epping Ongar Railway Santa Particular, Essex

There’s not only a festive steam practice trip with the Epping Ongar Santa Particular, as you additionally begin with a journey on a heritage bus from both Epping or Ongar to North Weald. There, it’s time to board the festive practice as a brass band performs, earlier than heading off by means of Epping Forest to Ongar.

In addition to assembly Santa and his buddies on the practice, full with current, there’s leisure, the prospect to put in writing a letter to Santa or enter the drawing competitors.

Epping Ongar Railway Santa Particular: have to know

The way to e book: Guide by way of the Epping Ongar Railway web site

Worth: Tickets value from £65 for 2, from £240 for a non-public compartment for six

Dates: Chosen dates from November 28-December 24, 2026

When to e book: Tickets on sale now

Christmas on the Railway at Nene Valley Railway, Peterborough

The Christmas steam practice trip from the Nene Valley Railway will get one other new look this yr, with Christmas on the Railway.

The Santa Specials start with a Festive Golden Ticket and an opportunity to purchase easonal food and drinks, take part a fetive singsong and meet a number of festive characters earlier than you board, together with Mrs Claus. Children can even deliver their letter to Santa and drop it off at his Put up Workplace.

One you’re on board, it’s time to satisfy Santa to obtain your present, in addition to a gathering a number of elves. Departs from and returns to Wansford Station, lasting round two hours together with the day off the practice – you possibly can arrive as much as an hour beforehand. You may also order meals to get pleasure from on board while you e book tickets (or deliver your individual).

Preserve an eye fixed out for the Christmas on the Railway Thomas Specials on December 21 and 22 as effectively.

Nene Valley Railway Christmas steam trains: have to know

The way to e book: Guide by way of the Nene Valley Railway web site

Worth: Priced from £30 per ticket, £240 for a non-public compartment for as much as six

Dates: Trains run on chosen dates from November 28-December 24, 2026. Quiet trains on November 29 and December 5

When to e book: Tickets on sale now

Peak Rail Santa Specials, Peak District

Leaving Matlock Station within the stunning Peak District, you possibly can get pleasure from one of many UK’s most scenic Santa Specials – in case your children have eyes for something besides Santa and presents, in fact!

There’s leisure and singing alongside the best way too, plus a mince pie to get pleasure from.

Peak Rail Santa specials: have to know

The way to e book: Guide by way of the Peak Rail web site

Worth: Costs begin from £40 for a desk of two, with tables for 4 and compartments for six additionally out there (in addition to two tables for 3)

Dates: Chosen dates from December 5-24, 2026

When to e book: Tickets go on sale on August 1, 2026

North Yorkshire Moors Railway Santa Categorical

Beginning your journey in Grosmont, this particular Santa practice whisks you off by means of the North Yorkshire Moors for a beautiful Christmas time out.

Mr Claus and his helpers can be aboard, passing by means of the classic carriages, with tender toy presents for the children (so long as they’re on the good record, in fact!) There’s additionally video games to play on the one-hour journey.

North York Moors Railway Santa Categorical: have to know

The way to e book: Tickets out there on the NYMR web site

Worth: Tickets value from £29.50-£39.50 per particular person

Dates: Chosen dates between November 28 and December 24, 2026

When to e book: Tickets on sale now

East Lancashire Railway Santa specials, Lancashire

Take a journey by means of the Irwell Valley, travelling from Bury Bolton Road station by means of a winter wonderland. Be careful for the carol singing polar bears earlier than you get onto the practice!

The Christmas steam practice trip lasts for round 80 minutes, travelling to Rawtenstall and again, assembly Santa, Mrs Claus and another festive favourites, plus carols and a present for teenagers. There are mince pies and a festive drink for adults, plus treats and an exercise pack for teenagers.

East Lancashire Railway Santa specials: have to know

The way to e book: Guide by way of the East Lancashire Railway web site

Worth: Tickets value from £25 for adults, from £24.50 for teenagers

Dates: Chosen dates from November 28-December 24, 2026

When to e book: Tickets on sale now

Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway Santa Categorical, Cumbria

The practice journey by means of the gorgeous Cumbria countryside is at all times probably the most fairytale stretches of heritage railways within the UK, so hopping on board a Santa Categorical practice is additional magical.

Meet the elves at Ravenglass for some storytelling, earlier than discovering your seats on the Santa Categorical for the 40-minute journey to Dalegarth, the place you meet Santa Claus in his grotto, with magicians and puppet reveals to entertain as effectively. There’s an exercise pack and refreshments for all children (and a few treats for the adults too) plus you possibly can usually e book additional festive meals as an added deal with.

Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway Santa Categorical: have to know

The way to e book: Guide by way of the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway web site

Worth: Ticket value TBC for 2026 (beforehand value from £25)

Dates: Chosen dates from November 21-December 24, 2026

When to e book: Tickets often go on sale in early September, signal as much as get updates as they promote out very quick.

Bo’ness & Kinneil Railway Santa Prepare, Falkirk

TBC FOR 2026 The Bo’ness Santa steam practice is one other nice festive choice in case you stay in Scotland, with a heritage practice adorned with fairy lights and Christmas decorations transporting household to Birkhill – aka the North Pole (South).

After assembly Father Christmas and writing out your want lists, you’ll publish your desires within the North Pole publish field, earlier than heading again once more to Bo’ness station, with seasonal treats to get pleasure from plus stay music and magic methods.

Bo’ness Santa Prepare: have to know

The way to e book: Guide tickets by way of the Bo’ness and Kinneil Railway web site. 

Worth: TBC. Tickets beforehand value £27, with personal compartments additionally out there

Dates: TBC. Chosen dates between December 6 and December 24 in 2025. 

When to e book: Tickets usually go on sale in September

Llangollen Railway Santa Particular, Dee Valley

Santa hasn’t forgotten Wales both, with the prospect to leap aboard the Santa Particular from Llangollen Railway.

Travelling by means of the Dee Valley between Llangollen and Corwen, you’ll have the ability to take in some views of the winter surroundings in addition to assembly Santa on the practice. There are festive treats to get pleasure from on board too, together with mulled wine for adults.

You may also preorder meals – decide up your token at Llangollen and your meals can be ready at Carrog station (aka Lapland)

The Brecon Mountain Railway Santa Particular: have to know

The way to e book: Guide by way of the Llangollen Railway web site

Worth: Tickets value from £32, or £222 for a first-class carriage seating as much as six

Dates: The Santa Specials run from November 28-December 24, 2026

When to e book: Tickets on sale now

Extra Santa steam practice rides

You may also discover extra Santa steam trains are numerous totally different heritage railways across the UK – some should not but confirmed, or don’t happen yearly.

Yeovil Railway Centre, Somerset

Santa Specials usually run on chosen dates throughout December. TBC for 2026, beforehand tickets value £15 if prebooked

Isle of Wight Steam Railway, Hampshire 

TBC for 2026 however Santa Specials often run on choose dates throughout December. Test the record of upcoming occasions right here

East Kent Railway Belief, Kent

Santa by Prepare occasions often happen between late November and Christmas Eve. Test the record of upcoming occasions right here, together with Quiet Prepare choices, or the Fb web page for particulars.

Leighton Buzzard railway, Bedfordshire

TBC for 2026 however beforehand the 25-minute Santa Steam Specials ran on choose dates from late November till December 24. Test the record of upcoming occasions right here

Cholsey and Wallingford Railway, Oxfordshire

The previous Polar Categorical experiences by means of Oxfordshire with the Cholsey and Wallingford Railway stopped a number of years again, however the Santa Categorical can be operating once more on choose dates from November 28-December 22, 2026.

Mid Suffolk Gentle Railway, Suffolk

TBC for 2026 however Santa Specials often run throughout December. Test the record of upcoming occasions right here

Nice Central Railway, Leicestershire

TBC for 2026 however final yr the railway ran a particular Christmas cracker trip on Christmas Day. Test the record of upcoming occasions right here

Amerton Railway, Staffordshire

The Santa Specials can be going down once more in 2026, particulars tbc – tickets go on sale on September 1.

Midland Railway, Derbyshire

TBC for 2026 however Santa Specials often run from late November till Christmas Eve. Test the record of upcoming occasions right here

Middleton Railway, Leeds

TBC for 2026 however Santa Specials often run throughout December. Test the record of upcoming occasions for extra particulars.

Keighley & Value Valley Railway, West Yorkshire

The Elf Explorer trains run on chosen dates from November 28-December 24, 2026.

Ribble Steam Railway and Museum, Lancashire

The Santa Particular Steam Experiences run at weekends from December 5-20 plus additional trains on December 21 and 22.

West Lancashire Gentle Railway

The Santa Specials to Toyland run on chosen dates from December 6-20, 2026 – reserving often opens in early October.

Strathspey Railway, Cairngorms, Scottish Highlands

Santa’s Elf Categorical is returning to the Highlands once more in 2026, from November 28-December 24.

Llanberis Lake Railway, Eryri (Snowdonia)

The Lakeside Winter Surprise practice trip often runs from mid November till mid December however ongoing work means there’s nothing confirmed for 2026 – examine the record of upcoming occasions for extra particulars.

Gwili Railway, Carmarthen

The Santa Particular practice rides run at weekends in December.

Disclosure: This publish comprises affiliate hyperlinks – any purchases you make are unaffected however I could obtain a small fee

Essential picture courtesy Steam Goals, Polar Categorical picture courtesy of Depositphotos, Santa Categorical copyright MummyTravels

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