Santa Express
Passengers take a round-trip heritage steam train journey between Pickering and Levisham while enjoying songs, games, and entertainment from Santa and his elves. On board, families meet characters like Elton Elf, Chef Custard, Joey Marshmallow, and Gingersnap the puppet, with each child receiving a festive book and a gingerbread man plush toy. Back on the platforms, visitors can try the Naughty or Nice ticket scanner, post a letter to Santa, enjoy live sing-along performances, and explore the Christmas Emporium.
What to Expect
Heritage steam train ride with Santa, elves, and gingerbread-themed fun.
Event Details
Duration
The train journey is an hour-long round trip.
Ages
All ages
Timed Entry
Yes
Organizer
North Yorkshire Moors Railway
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families with young children
Vibe
Festive and playful
Energy Level
Low
Budget
££
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
Moderate
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: 28 and 29 November: £29.50 per person; 5, 6, 12 and 13 December: £34.50 per person; 19, 20, 22, 23 and 24 December: £39.50 per person. Carer ticket: £17.50 per carer. Wheelchair User tickets are also available online. A £1.50 booking fee applies per booking. – Get tickets
- Hours: 10:30, 12:00, 13:30 and 15:00 on each listed date.
- Accessibility: Wheelchair user tickets are available to book online.
Tips & Advice
- Leave extra time after the hour-long train ride for the fete games, the letter to Santa post box and the sing-along shows back at the station.
- Pick a late-November date if you can, because fares on 28 and 29 November are the lowest of the season.
- Book Wheelchair User tickets online, and add a carer ticket where needed, so the right space is set aside for your party.
- Get your ticket stamped at the Naughty or Nice Scanner on the platform, which children enjoy before or after the ride.
- Stop at the Platform 1 tearooms for food and drink, and visit the Christmas Emporium if you want festive gifts.
Special Events & Promotions
- This year's theme is The Gingerbread Man, running through the on-board show, the children's gift and the activities
- Fares are lowest on 28 and 29 November and highest from 19 December
- Carer tickets are available at a reduced fare
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens on the train?
On an hour-long round trip between Pickering and Levisham, Santa's elves fill the journey with songs, games and festive fun, and Santa visits you on board. You'll meet Elton Elf, Chef Custard, Joey Marshmallow and Gingersnap the gingerbread puppet.
What do children get?
Every child gets a 20cm gingerbread man plush toy and a festive book to take home.
What is there to do at the station?
There's a Naughty or Nice Scanner that stamps your ticket, a gingerbread man activity, and a station for writing and posting a letter to Santa. Sing-along shows play on the Platform 2 stage, and you'll also find fete games and the Christmas Emporium for gifts.
Where can we get food and drink?
The tearooms and gift shop are on Platform 1.
Is it accessible for wheelchair users?
Wheelchair User tickets are available online, and carer tickets are also offered.
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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.