The Elf Explorer
The experience begins at Oxenhope Station with festive letter writing, activities, and an interactive 20-minute Elf Show in the Exhibition Hall. Families then embark on a one-hour steam train ride brought to life by singing and dancing elves. During the journey, Father Christmas visits every family to hand each child a special gift, accompanied by chocolate coins and juice for kids, and mulled wine with a mince pie for adults.
What to Expect
Theatrical steam train journey featuring an interactive elf show and Santa visit.
Event Details
Duration
The overall experience lasts approximately two hours, including the Elf Show and a one-hour round trip by train. The Elf Show before boarding lasts 20 minutes.
Ages
All ages
Timed Entry
Yes
Organizer
Keighley and Worth Valley Railway Preservation Society
Food & Drink
Rudolph’s Refreshments serves hot sandwiches, pies, drinks, treats and snacks in the Exhibition Shed, and the bar offers festive drinks before boarding; onboard, children receive juice and chocolate coins while adults get mulled wine and a mince pie.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families with young children
Vibe
Theatrical and festive
Energy Level
Moderate
Budget
££
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
Moderate
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: Per person: £26 on November 28 and 29; £30 on December 5, 6, 12, and 13; £34 on December 19–23; £36 on December 24. An adult may have a child aged 0–6 months on their lap included in the price; a child aged 7–23 months on an adult’s lap costs an additional £10. Ticket price includes free travel on the Diesel Train or Special Bus Service. Oxenhope Station parking is £4 for a timed slot and must be pre-booked. – Get tickets
- Hours: 09.00, 10.30, 12.15, 13.45, and 15.15.
- Parking: Parking at Oxenhope Station costs £4 for a timed slot and is pre-bookable only. Visitors with accessibility seating can book one of two designated bays closer to the station. Visitors may also park at another railway station and take the diesel service to Oxenhope.
- Accessibility: Features a dedicated Accessibility Coach with wheelchair space and boarding ramp, plus accessible station toilets at Oxenhope, Haworth, and Keighley.
- Pets: Dogs other than assistance dogs are not permitted onboard. Visitors are asked to notify the railway if bringing an assistance dog.
Tips & Advice
- Arrive in plenty of time for check-in, festive activities and the pre-boarding Elf Show, which is part of the experience.
- Pre-book an Oxenhope parking slot, or park at another railway station and use the diesel service to reach Oxenhope.
- Leave pushchairs and buggies in your car because the train cannot accommodate them and the carriages have narrow doorways.
- Book the Accessibility Coach through the request form if needed, and allow extra care when boarding because its ramp is steep.
- Pick up any drinks for the journey before boarding, as the onboard train has no bar.
Special Events & Promotions
- Children aged 0–6 months can travel on an adult’s lap at no extra charge.
- Children aged 7–23 months can travel on an adult’s lap for an extra ticket charge.
- Tickets include free travel on the Diesel Train or Special Bus Service to Oxenhope.
- A brand-new immersive Christmas attraction at Oxenhope Station is new this year.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is The Elf Explorer suitable for?
It is a family experience for children and grown-ups. Children aged 0–6 months can sit on an adult’s lap, and lap seating is also available for children aged 7–23 months.
What happens before and during the train journey?
At Oxenhope, children can write letters to Father Christmas and take part in festive activities, followed by an interactive Elf Show with audience participation. Singing and dancing elves entertain passengers on the train, Father Christmas visits every family, and each child receives a gift.
What food and drinks are available?
Rudolph’s Refreshments in the Exhibition Shed serves hot food, drinks, snacks and treats. A bar in the marquee serves drinks before boarding; there is no bar on the train. Children receive juice and chocolate coins, and adults receive mulled wine and a mince pie onboard.
What should we know about accessibility and pushchairs?
An Accessibility Coach has space for wheelchair users and accompanying passengers, with a steep onboard ramp and narrow connecting doors. Pushchairs and buggies cannot be accommodated on the train. Accessible toilets are at Oxenhope, Haworth and Keighley stations.
Can we bring a dog, and where can we park?
Dogs other than assistance dogs are not permitted onboard; notify the railway if bringing an assistance dog. Oxenhope parking must be pre-booked, or you can park at another railway station and use the diesel service to Oxenhope.
More Christmas Events near Keighley
Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.