The Great Central Santa Express
Passengers board a decorated heritage steam train at Loughborough Central for a journey across the Charnwood countryside, pausing on the Swithland Viaduct. Onboard, children meet Santa, Mrs Claus, and elves to receive an activity pack and a gift, while adults enjoy a mince pie and Irish Cream Liqueur. The return trip includes a stop at Leicester North Station to visit Santa's grotto, take photos, and visit the station tearoom.
Nov 28 – Dec 24, 2026
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Plan Your Visit
Tickets
Tickets from £27.50. Premium Private Compartments are also offered, but no price is stated for them. If a booking is transferred with more than 14 days’ notice, the transfer is subject to a £5.00 per-person administrative charge and any ticket-price difference.
Food & Drink
Children receive festive snacks and drinks; adults get a complimentary mince pie and Irish Cream Liqueur, while guests in Premium Private Compartments also receive hot chocolate and extra seasonal treats.
Parking
Free on-street parking is available on nearby streets. Allow sufficient time to park and get to the station.
Accessibility
Each service is planned to convey an accessible coach with a limited number of reservable wheelchair spaces.
Pets
Only Assistance Dogs are permitted onboard Santa Express services.
Location
Tips & Advice
- Book a wheelchair space online with your tickets if you need to remain in your wheelchair during the train service, as spaces are limited.
- Arrive at least 30 minutes before departure, as guests are requested to be at the station ahead of their selected service.
- Allow time to find nearby on-street parking and make your way to the station before departure.
- Remember that tickets are for one experience on the selected date and time slot, and cancelled bookings are not refunded.
- Consider a Premium Private Compartment if your group wants a private carriage, extended time with Santa and treats served to the compartment.
Special Events & Promotions
- Premium Private Compartments are available as an add-on, with extended time with Santa, hot chocolate served to the compartment, a keepsake for children and extra seasonal treats.
- This year’s train is top-and-tailed, with a steam engine taking passengers to Leicester North and a heritage diesel engine bringing them back.
Links & Contact
Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide, not the organizer of this event. For tickets, entries, vendor spots or questions, contact the organizer directly through their website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this experience suitable for families?
The experience includes activities and gifts for children, with festive treats for adults too.
What do children receive onboard?
Each child receives an activity pack with games, puzzles and colouring sheets, festive snacks and drinks, and a Christmas gift from Santa.
What food and drink are included?
Children receive festive snacks and drinks; adults receive a mince pie and Irish Cream Liqueur. The Leicester North station tearoom is also open during the stop.
Can wheelchair users travel on the train?
Each service is planned to have an accessible coach with a limited number of wheelchair spaces. Reserve a space online when booking if you need to remain in your wheelchair onboard.
Can I bring a pet?
Only Assistance Dogs are permitted onboard Santa Express services.
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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.