The best Santa steam trains in the UK

There’s nothing quite as magical as the look on your child’s face when they see Santa – and while there are grotto experiences galore, for an unforgettable Christmas memory, you can’t beat a ride on one of the best Santa steam trains in the UK. UPDATED FOR 2026

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Some are short and sweet, so perfect for younger kids, while other Christmas steam trains take you off on a journey of over an hour, including carols, sweet treats, games and the all-important Santa meeting.

And happily if you’re looking for festive Santa train rides near you, there are more and more options around the UK, from London’s Santa Steam Express to the Polar Express, Christmas lights train rides and more – so I’ve picked out some of the best Santa steam trains in the UK with kids.

The Polar Express

The Polar Express is surely the most famous – and the most popular – of all the Santa steam train rides across the world, thanks to the Warner Bros movie back in 2004 (itself based on the much-loved book).

More than just a simple Santa steam train ride, this wonderful festive experiences is known for being more immersive, to make your kids feel like they’re riding the real deal.

Dressed in your cosiest pyjamas (you can even get your own personalised Polar Express pair), you’ll meet well-known characters from the movie as well as the man in red himself, Santa, and some also have story read-a-longs if you want to bring your own book. 

As you can imagine, tickets for The Polar Express get booked up fast, so you do need to plan well in advance to avoid disappointment. Fortunately, there are many Polar Express departure stations across the country so if one is fully booked, you do have several other options to choose from, some with premium tickets including some special festive extras like a silver sleigh bell. 

There are often new locations added, with a new departure from London in 2024, but to find your nearest Polar Express experience, these are some of the best Christmas steam trains themed around the story.

London

The latest UK Polar Express to depart will be steaming out of London this December, departing from Euston station for a journey lasting around an hour (allow 90 minutes-two hours for the whole experience), on a magical journey which will transport you from north London to the North Pole.

Runs on select dates from December 5-December 23, 2026. Book at London Polar Express. As the London departure leaves from a busy station, times may change with late notice and up to an hour’s delay, so do make sure you keep your plans flexible.

Yorkshire

One of the largest Christmas experiences in the UK, the hour-long experience is back in Yorkshire for its fifth year, departing from Leeming Bar station. There’s also a huge collection of Polar Express merchandise at the stop afterwards (you have been warned!)

Runs on selected dates from November 13-December 23, 2026. Book at Wensleydale Railway.

You can also ride the Polar Express in the Yorkshire Dales, on the Embsay and Bolton Abbey Railway, on dates from November 13-December 24, 2026, with relaxed sensory experiences also available.

Staffordshire

Discover the meaning of Christmas on this journey from Froghall Station, this hour-long festive experience includes the option to have your book signed by Santa.

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

Birmingham

Departing from Birmingham Moor Street, the story is brought to life on board the heritage carriages, on an 80-minute journey to the North Pole and back.

TBC for 2026. Book with Vintage Trains.

Shropshire

Previously voted the best Polar Express experience in the Midlands, this journey leaves from Telford – and it’s worth knowing that tickets are only sold in pairs (or multiples of two). There are also special SEND tickets available.

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

Mid Norfolk Railway

Departing for the North Pole from Dereham in Norfolk, including story-telling, hot chocolate, a meeting with Santa and a gift.

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

Kent

This Polar Express experiences takes you from Tunbridge Wells West, with an hour on the train and more fun afterwards, including the chance to write to Santa and check out the shop.

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

South Devon

The station of Buckfastleigh gets a festive makeover as your departure point for this hour-long Polar Express experience in South Devon.

Runs on selected dates from November 27-December 23, 2026 – ideal if you’re looking to keep the Christmas magic going. Book at South Devon Railway.

Seaton Tramway, Devon

You’re spoiled for choice in Devon – and while the Seaton Tramway isn’t a traditional steam train (as its name suggests, it’s a tram), it can feel an even more personal experience with space for just 24 in the tram car.

It’s also a longer experience, lasting around two hours 30 minutes including a stop at the North Pole. Runs on selected dates from November 27-December 24, 2026. Book at Seaton Tramway.

Angus, Scotland

The Polar Express doesn’t just operate in England, with the chance to climb aboard at Brechin, in Angus, for the same fabulous festive magic.

Runs on selected dates from November 28-December 20, 2026. Book with Caledonian Railway.

Edinburgh

The Polar Express train ride is returning to Edinburgh once more after launching in 2023 – always magical in December, the new Christmas train ride is adding an extra festive sparkle to the Scottish capital. If your heart is set on a steam train, it’s worth knowing this is pulled by a diesel locomotive.

Departing from Edinburgh Waverley station, from November 27-December 30, 2026. Book tickets for the Edinburgh Polar Express here.

Brecon Mountain Railway

A new addition for 2026, the Polar Express is coming to the Brecon Mountains in Wales, travelling through some of the UK’s most dramatic scenery – you’d hardly be surprised if you really do encounter herds of caribou in this wonderful wild landscape.

Running from November 13-December 23, 2026. Book tickets for the Brecon Mountain Railway Polar Express here.

Polar Express Experience: need to know

• How to book: Each Polar Express location has its own booking website in order to book tickets.
• Price: Ticket prices start at approximately £30.95, but vary depending on location and type of ticket, with both standard and premium ticket options on offer for many locations.
• Dates: Typically, the Polar Express Christmas train rides start around mid-November, some running up until December 23. Some locations begin slightly earlier, while others stop as early as December 17 and a handful keep going almost to the new year. 
• When to book: Asap! Tickets go on sale as early as February, and if you’re looking for one of the last Polar Express train rides – including on Christmas Eve this year – those seats do get snapped up first.

Santa Steam Express, London

Previously the only Santa steam train experience in London, the Santa Steam Express departs from Victoria station – and it’s back again in 2026.

With puzzles and games for kids, as well as a singsong with the elves, a chance to meet both Mrs Claus and Santa, plus plenty of treats for both kids and adults. Kids also go home with a gift after the 90-minute journey.

Steam Dreams Santa Steam Express London: need to know

• How to book: Book online with Steam Dreams
• Price: Tickets cost from £45 (for adults and children aged 2-16)
• Dates: Runs on December 12 and 19 only, with four journeys each day during 2026
• When to book: Tickets are on sale now

Read my full review of the London Santa Steam Express experience with kids, as well as ideas of more things to do at Christmas in London with kids

Dartmouth Steam Railway’s Train of Lights, Devon

Dartmouth Steam Railway’s Train of Lights is easily one of the best Christmas train rides in the UK – and one of the few options which runs after Christmas Eve as well.

Starting from the station at Paignton, the platform and carriages are decorated with thousands of lights. Then after a fun 15-minute train ride along the lovely coastal Devon route to Churston, you start your journey to some enchanting woods decorated with a beautifully festive light show.

Finishing with a view of the twinkling lights of Dartmouth itself, reflected in the river, there’s chance to take photos from Kingswear before heading back to see if all again from a different direction.

Something very different from the other Santa steam trains on this list, but easily one of the most unmissable festive family experiences in the UK. Nothing like an array of sparkly lights to brighten up the darkest coldest months, right?

If you want to see Santa as well, there’s an option to book this experience plus the train of lights (but it’s not included in train tickets alone).

Dartmouth Steam Railway Train of Lights: need to know

• How to book: Pre-booking is essential via the Dartmouth Steam Railway website
• Price: Prices start at £24 for children and £31.50 for adults
• Dates: From November 27 to December 30, 2026
• When to book: Tickets go on sale in March

For more things to do in Darmouth with kids, check out my top picks

Avon Valley Railway Santa Special, Bristol

Hop on board the Avon Valley Railway Santa Special for a 50-minute journey from Bitton Station – as well as meeting Santa during the steam train ride, you’ll also get a gift from him back at the station, with a chance to take a photo together.

This year, one of the elves has revealed the gift is going to be a soft toy (last year, it was a plush donkey) – and there’ll also be Christmas donkeys to say hi to at Bitton Station before and after your trip.

Avon Valley Railway Santa Special: need to know

• How to book: Book via the Avon Valley Railway website
• Price: Tickets cost from £18 per person
• Dates: Selected dates from November 22-December 24, 2026 
• When to book: Tickets go on sale in late June

Kent & East Sussex Santa steam trains 

Santa has been visiting families on the trains at the Kent and East Sussex Railway for almost five decades now, so you can feel reassured that there’ll be no hiccups in your festive fun.

During this 75-minute Santa steam train ride from Tenterden, you can snack on mince pies and chocolates as you wait for the man in red to put in an appearance, not to mention watching magic tricks and receiving a gift, as well as a free family photo.

There’s also chance to wander around Winter Wonderland, and ride the vintage gallopers.

Kent & East Sussex Santa steam trains: need to know

• How to book: Book online at the Kent & East Sussex Railways website
• Price: Prices vary, but start from £100 for 2 people in standard class or £260 for four people in first class. It’s also possible to book private compartments for families and groups
• Dates: Selected dates between November 29 and December 24, as well as a quiet day option on November 29
• When to book: Tickets usually go on sale in June

Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway Santa Specials, Kent

There have been Santa Specials running at the Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway in Kent since 1981, so their festive train rides are a traditional fixture. As well as a steam train journey from New Romney to Hythe (and back) on the Santa Special, there’s a visit to Santa in his grotto with a gift for every child.

You can also visit the Model Railway exhibition before climbing aboard the steam train, and there are sometimes extra train rides at Hythe too.

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

• How to book: Book via the Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway website
• Price: Tickets price tbc for 2026 (cost £29.50 in 2025)
• Dates: Selected dates from November 28-December 24, 2026 and usually includes a couple of quiet train options
• When to book: Tickets usually go on sale in the summer

Bluebell Railway Santa Specials, Sussex

Pick from two fun seasonal specials in Sussex this Christmas. If you’re looking for the best Santa steam trains in the UK, the Bluebell Railway Santa Specials are returning for 2026.

Families get their own private compartment, plus mince pies and chocolate coins as you travel to Horsted Keynes from either Sheffield Park, with the whole experience taking around two hours.

As well as visiting Santa, including time for a photo, there’s a present to collect from his workshop and some traditional amusements as well.

Or there’s also Santa Steam Lights, with a fantastic illuminated steam train ride from Sheffield Park to Horsted Keynes (and back), after a big switch-on performance – some December journeys are special Santa Steam Lights trips for added festive fun. Takes around 90 minutes, including time to take photos of the train all lit up.

Bluebell Railway Santa Specials: need to know

• How to book: Book via the Bluebell Railway website
• Price: Tickets for Santa Specials cost from £220 for a compartment, with individual tickets also available, or from £35 per ticket for Santa SteamLights
• Dates: The Santa Specials run on selected dates from November 28 until December 24, while Santa Steam Lights runs from November 21 until December 30, 2026
• When to book: Tickets on sale now

Dean Forest Railway Santa Special, Gloucestershire

Venture out into the forest to find Santa this Christmas, aboard the Dean Forest Railway Santa Special – departing from Norchard Station, it stops at Parkend Station before travelling on to Lydney Junction and back to Norchard.

Along the way, Santa visits everyone in their seats, before a chance to see his elves and pick up presents later in the journey. For some added indulgence, you can add a Christmas afternoon tea, as well as lighter options to snack along the way during the 75-minute trip – and everyone gets a mince pie!

Dean Forest Railway Santa special: need to know

• How to book: Book via the Dean Forest Railway website
• Price: From £22.50 per person
• Dates: Selected dates from November 28-December 24, 2026
• When to book: Tickets on sale now

Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway Santa Express

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

With singing penguins at the Grotto when you arrive, there’s also a chance to meet Santa and get a present from the elves, along with mince pies and drinks, including mulled wine for adults – the whole experience lasts for around 2 1/2 hours.

Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway Santa Express: need to know

• How to book: Book via the GWSR website
• Price: Ticket price tbc (last year, they cost £28.50 per person)
• Dates: Selected dates from November 28-December 23, 2026
• When to book: Tickets go on sale on September 1

Severn Valley Railway Santa Trains, Worcestershire & Shropshire

Walk through a winter wonderland at Kidderminster Station, picking up a hot drink and sweet treat on the way, for your steam train ride to Arley Station, enjoying a live panto with festive characters. On the return journey, there’s a gift for each child too.

Or join the brand new Elf Express, from Bridgnorth Station, with a whole string of characters visiting your private compartment – including Santa Claus. This is more than just a train ride, you’ll get a whole festive immersive experience.

Severn Valley Railway Santa trains: need to know

• How to book: Book via the Severn Valley Railway website
• Price: Priced from £140 for a table of 4 for the Santa Trains, from £164 for a compartment for the Elf Express
• Dates: Weekends from November 28-December 24, 2026, including a Relaxed Santa Train on December 6, 13 and 20. Elf Express runs at weekends from November 28 to December 20, plus December 23 and 24.
• When to book: Tickets on sale now

Evesham Vale Light Railway Santa specials, Worcestershire

TBC FOR 2026 Evesham Vale Light Railway has a Christmas adventure with a twist – hop on the Christmas Express to take the 1 ¼ mile steam train ride around the Country Park to the North Pole.

Back at Twyford Station, there are treats and drinks for adults and kids, before meeting Santa and his elves in his festive log cabin to get a present.

Evesham Vale Light Railway Santa specials: need to know

• How to book: Book via the Evesham Vale Light Railway website
• Price: Ticket price tbc (previously cost £11 for adults, £15 for children)
• Dates: TBC. Previously ran on selected dates from November 29-December 24
• When to book: Tickets usually go on sale in mid September

Steam Into Christmas with Didcot Railway, Oxfordshire

Can you help save Christmas? This twist on the usual festive steam train ride makes it extra fun for kids – poor Santa has lost his reindeer, and if they’re not found, Christmas is cancelled.

Visitors are challenged to help track down Rudolf and his friends, with reindeer stations tucked away among all the trains at the 21-acre museum at Didcot Railway Centre – and a small gift at each one, along with a special passport and stocking.

Then you can let Santa know the good news as you visit him in his giant toy workshop, plus a free gift to thank you for all your hard work, and unlimited train rides on Santa steam train.

Steam Into Christmas with Didcot Railway: need to know

• How to book: Book online via the the Didcot Railway website
• Price: £22 for adults and £27.50 for children (less for members)
• Dates: Selected dates between December 5 and December 23, 2026. 
• When to book: Tickets on sale now (these usually go on sale in January/February so it’s worth snapping them up fast in the New Year)

Bure Valley’s Festive Express, Norfolk

If you can’t decide whether you want to do a Christmas steam train experience or head to Santa’s Grotto, the Festive Express combines both so you needn’t choose.

Running from Aylsham Station, the hour-long Bure Valley Festive Express includes a 30-minute Christmas train ride, before spotting Santa on his sleigh and heading into his grotto where everyone receives a personalised gift. There are also festive refreshments for the journey to Brampton and your own heated private compartment.

Or the Noel Night Train is another fun festive option, that’s great with slightly older kids who want a taste of Christmas magic.

Bure Valley Festive Express: need to know

• How to book: Book online via the Bure Valley Railway website
• Price: £26 per person
• Dates: Selected dates from December 5-24, 2026
• When to book: Tickets on sale now

North Norfolk Railway Norfolk Lights Express

There are two different festive options from the North Norfolk Railway, including the Norfolk Lights Express which is back for 2026.

The illuminated train is a great way to brighten up the dark nights and a fun alternative if you’ve got older kids (recommended for 8+) – plus you can even start your New Year feeling bright.

Or if it’s Santa which takes your fancy, there are also Santa Special steam train rides to meet Father Christmas, with seasonal refreshments and a present for each child.

North Norfolk Railway Norfolk Lights Express: need to know

• How to book: Book via the Norfolk Norfolk Railway website
• Price: Prices TBC. Last year tickets for the Norfolk Lights Express cost from £20, or £159 for a compartment of six. Tickets cost £26 for the Santa Special trains, with compartments for six also available for £159
• Dates: The Norfolk Lights Express runs on selected dates from November 14 to January 3, 2027, the Santa Special steam trains run on weekends from November 28 to December 20, 2026, as well as December 21-23
• When to book: Tickets on sale at the end of July – check the Special Events page for the latest information

Epping Ongar Railway Santa Special, Essex

There’s not just a festive steam train ride with the Epping Ongar Santa Special, as you also start with a journey on a heritage bus from either Epping or Ongar to North Weald. There, it’s time to board the festive train as a brass band plays, before heading off through Epping Forest to Ongar.

As well as meeting Santa and his friends on the train, complete with present, there’s entertainment, the chance to write a letter to Santa or enter the drawing competition.

Epping Ongar Railway Santa Special: need to know

• How to book: Book via the Epping Ongar Railway website
• Price: Tickets cost from £65 for two, from £240 for a private compartment for six
• Dates: Selected dates from November 28-December 24, 2026
• When to book: Tickets on sale now

Christmas at the Railway at Nene Valley Railway, Peterborough

The Christmas steam train ride from the Nene Valley Railway gets another new look this year, with Christmas at the Railway.

The Santa Specials begin with a Festive Golden Ticket and a chance to buy easonal food and drink, join in a fetive singsong and meet a few festive characters before you board, including Mrs Claus. Kids can also bring their letter to Santa and drop it off at his Post Office.

One you’re on board, it’s time to meet Santa to receive your gift, as well as a meeting a few elves. Departs from and returns to Wansford Station, lasting around two hours including the time off the train – you can arrive up to an hour beforehand. You can also order food to enjoy on board when you book tickets (or bring your own).

Keep an eye out for the Christmas at the Railway Thomas Specials on December 21 and 22 as well.

Nene Valley Railway Christmas steam trains: need to know

• How to book: Book via the Nene Valley Railway website
• Price: Priced from £30 per ticket, £240 for a private compartment for up to six
• Dates: Trains run on selected dates from November 28-December 24, 2026. Quiet trains on November 29 and December 5
• When to book: Tickets on sale now

Peak Rail Santa Specials, Peak District

Leaving Matlock Station in the beautiful Peak District, you can enjoy one of the UK’s most scenic Santa Specials – if your kids have eyes for anything except Santa and presents, of course!

There’s entertainment and singing along the way too, plus a mince pie to enjoy.

Peak Rail Santa specials: need to know

• How to book: Book via the Peak Rail website
• Price: Prices start from £40 for a table of 2, with tables for 4 and compartments for 6 also available (as well as two tables for 3)
• Dates: Selected dates from December 5-24, 2026
• When to book: Tickets go on sale on August 1, 2026

North Yorkshire Moors Railway Santa Express

Starting your journey in Grosmont, this special Santa train whisks you off through the North Yorkshire Moors for a lovely Christmas day out.

Mr Claus and his helpers will be aboard, passing through the vintage carriages, with soft toy presents for the kids (as long as they’re on the nice list, of course!) There’s also games to play on the one-hour journey.

North York Moors Railway Santa Express: need to know

• How to book: Tickets available on the NYMR website
• Price: Tickets cost from £29.50-£39.50 per person
• Dates: Selected dates between November 28 and December 24, 2026
• When to book: Tickets on sale now

East Lancashire Railway Santa specials, Lancashire

Take a journey through the Irwell Valley, travelling from Bury Bolton Street station through a winter wonderland. Watch out for the carol singing polar bears before you get onto the train!

The Christmas steam train ride lasts for around 80 minutes, travelling to Rawtenstall and back, meeting Santa, Mrs Claus and some other festive favourites, plus carols and a gift for kids. There are mince pies and a festive drink for adults, plus treats and an activity pack for kids.

East Lancashire Railway Santa specials: need to know

• How to book: Book via the East Lancashire Railway website
• Price: Tickets cost from £25 for adults, from £24.50 for kids
• Dates: Selected dates from November 28-December 24, 2026
• When to book: Tickets on sale now

Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway Santa Express, Cumbria

The train journey through the beautiful Cumbria countryside is always one of the most fairytale stretches of heritage railways in the UK, so hopping on board a Santa Express train is extra magical.

Meet the elves at Ravenglass for some storytelling, before finding your seats on the Santa Express for the 40-minute journey to Dalegarth, where you meet Santa Claus in his grotto, with magicians and puppet shows to entertain as well. There’s an activity pack and refreshments for all kids (and some treats for the adults too) plus you can normally book extra festive food as an added treat.

Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway Santa Express: need to know

• How to book: Book via the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway website
• Price: Ticket price TBC for 2026 (previously cost from £25)
• Dates: Selected dates from November 21-December 24, 2026
• When to book: Tickets usually go on sale in early September, sign up to get updates as they sell out very fast.

Bo’ness & Kinneil Railway Santa Train, Falkirk

TBC FOR 2026 The Bo’ness Santa steam train is another great festive option if you live in Scotland, with a heritage train adorned with fairy lights and Christmas decorations transporting family to Birkhill – aka the North Pole (South).

After meeting Father Christmas and writing out your wish lists, you’ll post your dreams in the North Pole post box, before heading back again to Bo’ness station, with seasonal treats to enjoy plus live music and magic tricks.

Bo’ness Santa Train: need to know

• How to book: Book tickets via the Bo’ness and Kinneil Railway website. 
• Price: TBC. Tickets previously cost £27, with private compartments also available
• Dates: TBC. Selected dates between December 6 and December 24 in 2025. 
• When to book: Tickets normally go on sale in September

For more ideas of the best things to do in Falkirk with kids, check out my top picks

Llangollen Railway Santa Special, Dee Valley

Santa hasn’t forgotten Wales either, with the chance to jump aboard the Santa Special from Llangollen Railway.

Travelling through the Dee Valley between Llangollen and Corwen, you’ll be able to soak up some views of the winter scenery as well as meeting Santa on the train. There are festive treats to enjoy on board too, including mulled wine for adults.

You can also preorder food – pick up your token at Llangollen and your food will be waiting at Carrog station (aka Lapland)

The Brecon Mountain Railway Santa Special: need to know

• How to book: Book via the Llangollen Railway website
• Price: Tickets cost from £32, or £222 for a first class carriage seating up to six
• Dates: The Santa Specials run from November 28-December 24, 2026
• When to book: Tickets on sale now

More Santa steam train rides

You can also find more Santa steam trains are various different heritage railways around the UK – some are not yet confirmed, or don’t take place every year.

Yeovil Railway Centre, Somerset

Santa Specials often run on selected dates during December. TBC for 2026, previously tickets cost £15 if prebooked

Isle of Wight Steam Railway, Hampshire 

TBC for 2026 but Santa Specials usually run on select dates during December. Check the list of upcoming events here

East Kent Railway Trust, Kent

Santa by Train events usually take place between late November and Christmas Eve. Check the list of upcoming events here, including Quiet Train options, or the Facebook page for details.

Leighton Buzzard railway, Bedfordshire

TBC for 2026 but previously the 25-minute Santa Steam Specials ran on select dates from late November until December 24. Check the list of upcoming events here

Cholsey and Wallingford Railway, Oxfordshire

The former Polar Express experiences through Oxfordshire with the Cholsey and Wallingford Railway stopped a few years back, but the Santa Express will be running again on select dates from November 28-December 22, 2026.

Mid Suffolk Light Railway, Suffolk

TBC for 2026 but Santa Specials usually run during December. Check the list of upcoming events here

Great Central Railway, Leicestershire

TBC for 2026 but last year the railway ran a special Christmas cracker ride on Christmas Day. Check the list of upcoming events here

Amerton Railway, Staffordshire

The Santa Specials will be taking place again in 2026, details tbc – tickets go on sale on September 1.

Midland Railway, Derbyshire

TBC for 2026 but Santa Specials usually run from late November until Christmas Eve. Check the list of upcoming events here

Middleton Railway, Leeds

TBC for 2026 but Santa Specials usually run during December. Check the list of upcoming events for more details.

Keighley & Worth Valley Railway, West Yorkshire

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

Ribble Steam Railway and Museum, Lancashire

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

West Lancashire Light Railway

The Santa Specials to Toyland run on selected dates from December 6-20, 2026 – booking usually opens in early October.

Strathspey Railway, Cairngorms, Scottish Highlands

Santa’s Elf Express is returning to the Highlands again in 2026, from November 28-December 24.

Llanberis Lake Railway, Eryri (Snowdonia)

The Lakeside Winter Wonder train ride usually runs from mid November until mid December but ongoing work means there’s nothing confirmed for 2026 – check the list of upcoming events for more details.

Gwili Railway, Carmarthen

The Santa Special train rides run at weekends in December.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links – any purchases you make are unaffected but I may receive a small commission

Main image courtesy Steam Dreams, Polar Express image courtesy of Depositphotos, Santa Express copyright MummyTravels

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