Bring the magic of Christmas to life with a journey on a steam train to visit Santa. We list the best Santa railway experiences in the East of England.
Create special memories with the whole family as you hop abroad for festive fun and ride through the countryside. You’ll need to be quick; tickets sell out fast!
Mid Norfolk Railway, 13 November – 23 December
Recreating the magic of the iconic festive film ‘The Polar ExpressTM’, the theatrical train ride will take families on an immersive experience of sights, sounds and festivities from Dereham Station. From the moment the conductor shouts “All aboard”, the magic begins. Chefs and waiters dance through the carriages serving cookies and hot chocolate and share the story of The Polar Express. Santa will hop aboard to spread his festive cheer and deliver a present to each child. This is one of the most magical family Christmas experiences of the season so early booking is advised. Price: Standard from £26, premium from £39.50
Audley End Miniature Railway 20 November – 24 December
One of the most popular railway experiences in the region, this is a traditional Christmas experience which will create ever-lasting memories. Designed to be a winter wonderland, the small train runs through the woodlands adorned in Christmas decorations, complete with dancing elves and festive fairies. So much more than a train journey, children will have the opportunity to send a letter to the North Pole, meet Santa and receive a gift, visit the gingerbread house and playground, make reindeer food and watch Mother Christmas’ interactive show. Tickets sell out fast! Price: Adults and children over 92cm £18-£25, children under 92cm £9-£12.50.
Nene Valley Railway, 27 November – 24 December
The traditional railway and steam engine creates the perfect Christmas experience. Santa will meet and greet each child with a gift on arrival. It’s then a party aboard the classic carriages as festive cheer fills the air and everyone tucks into seasonal food and drink. There are four ticket options available including the opportunity to have your very own private first-class lounge with personal server. Price: Adults from £18, children from £18.
North Norfolk Railway, Weekends 27 November – 19 December, daily from 20-24 December
A truly magical experience for children, journey through the glorious North Norfolk countryside to meet Santa. The festive feeling begins as the puffing steam train rolls into the platform at Sheringham Station. Grab a warming cup of soup or hot drink from The Old Luggage Office then hop aboard. With a toot of the horn, the train starts its route to the charming Edwardian station at Weybourne. Seasonal refreshments will be waiting then it’s a stroll through the beautifully decorated Christmas Tree Kingdom to meet Santa and his elves. There’s a gift for every child and photo opportunities before the return journey back to Sheringham.
The railway will also host the ‘Norfolk Lights Express’ from 15 November to 3 January. The train will shine brightly, illuminated with colourful lights as it journeys through the countryside.
Price: From £22, babes in arms £10 for Santa Specials. Norfolk Lights Express £18 per person. Book here.
Bressingham Railway, 28 November – 24 December
The village and gardens sparkle with rows of festoon lighting and festive décor. Take a journey on the steam train on the Fen Railway, then visit Santa, his wife and elves in the grotto. Though some safety restrictions are in place, which includes no live entertainment in the village hall and no sitting with Santa directly, there’s still a magical element to this event. Tickets include a train ride, visit to Santa with a gift, a ride on the gallopers and entry to the Dad’s Army Exhibition which will also be decorated for Christmas. Price: Adults from £12.50, children aged 3-12 years from £15.50 and under 3s from £8. Find out more.
Mid Suffolk Light Railway, Weekends in December
A lovely festive event, the train departs from Brockford Station and takes children on a journey to meet Santa at a decorated ‘North Pole Halt’. There’s a Christmas market too! Price: £25 for a compartment for up to two people. Book your ticket here.
Bure Valley Railway, 4-24 December
Departing from Wroxham Station, take a trip to see Father Christmas in his grotto where he’ll be waiting in his railway sleigh with gifts for children. There are songs, games and festive refreshments. With so much fun on offer, it’s no wonder this Christmas event has been running for over 25 years. Price: Adult £15, children £15. Book your ticket.
Leighton Buzzard Railway 4-24 December
There’s a choice of festive fun this December as the railway hosts its Santa Steam Specials for children in the lead up to Christmas with the opportunity to enjoy a 25-minute train journey and meet Santa in his grotto at Pages Park. While Santa takes a break over the festive period, the Mince Pie Specials will offer train enthusiasts a chance to enjoy the historic narrow-gauge railway and festive refreshments on 27, 28 and 29 December. Price: Santa Specials; adults £10, children £11. Mince Pie Specials; adults £8, children £5.
East Anglian Railway Museum, Selected dates from 4-19 December
A must for Thomas the Tank Engine fans! Children’s favourite trains, Thomas and friends, steam into Chappel & Wakes Colne Station for festive fun. Little ones can take
a ride behind Thomas, meet The Fat Controller and Sodor station sweepers, Rusty and Dusty. There is plenty to keep children entertained with re-enactments, storytelling, model railways, themed activities and an optional visit to see Father Christmas. Price: Adults £16.50, children £12.10, under 2s free.
Epping Ongar Railway Light Fantastic; 19 November – 9 January Santa Specials; 4-24 December
There’s a choice of two wonderful experiences at the railway this winter. Steam and diesel trains will sparkle with colourful lights for the ‘Light Fantastic’ event from 19 November to 9 January, an illuminative experience with dazzling displays and on-board music and narrative. Then there’s the ‘Santa Specials’, available on selected dates from 4 to 24 December. The station comes alive with festive spirit as the elves keep little ones entertained before they board the train for a meet and greet. Each child will receive a gift, there are festive treats and the chance to write a letter to Santa. Price: Light Fantastic £20 per person. Santa Specials from £160 for up to six people. Book here.
Colne Valley Railway, Weekends in December and 21-22 December
A lovely Christmas day out for children. The experience begins with a visit to Santa’s grotto, it’s then all aboard the diesel train to collect a present from Santa’s toy shop. Price: From £40. Book your tickets.
