Santa Specials
Passengers board a festive steam train for a return journey through the scenic Derwent Valley. A variety of professional entertainers perform throughout the trip, while Santa and his helpers make their way through the carriages to greet every guest at their seat. Children receive an age-appropriate gift, drink, and snack, while adults are served wine and a mince pie.
What to Expect
Festive steam train ride through the Derwent Valley with Santa.
Event Details
Duration
The return train journey lasts approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes.
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
Darley Dale
Timed Entry
Yes
Organizer
Peak Rail LTD
Food & Drink
Children receive a drink and snack, while adults are served a glass of wine and a mince pie; dietary needs and water or juice can be requested in advance.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families with young children
Vibe
Festive and nostalgic
Energy Level
Low
Photo Friendly
Moderate
Weather Sensitivity
Low
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: December 5–6: Table of 2 £40; Table of 3 £60 (Coach F, Table 1 & 8 only); Table of 4 £80; Table of 6 £120 (a table of 2 adjacent to a table of 4); Compartment of 6 £120. December 12–13: Table of 2 £45; Table of 3 £65 (Coach F, Table 1 & 8 only); Table of 4 £85; Table of 6 £125 (a table of 2 adjacent to a table of 4); Compartment of 6 £125. December 19, 20, 22, 23 and 24: Table of 2 £50; Table of 3 £70 (Coach F, Table 1 & 8 only); Table of 4 £90; Table of 6 £130 (a table of 2 adjacent to a table of 4); Compartment of 6 £130. Tickets include the return train journey, an age-suitable gift, a drink and snack for each child, and a glass of wine and mince pie for adults. Dietary requirements can be catered for; a bottle of water or juice is available on pre-booked request. – Get tickets
- Hours: 10:30, 12:20, 14:10 and 16:00; the 16:00 departure does not run on December 24.
- Accessibility: Wheelchair access is limited to a single space in Coach F accommodating one wheelchair user and up to two companions per train.
- Pets: Only assistance dogs are allowed on the train.
Tips & Advice
- Book a table or compartment that matches your group size, because seats aren't sold individually and passenger numbers per table are strictly limited.
- Make any change to your booking before Friday 20 November 2026, as no alterations are accepted after that date and tickets aren't refundable.
- Request water or juice and mention dietary needs when you book, because both are available only on pre-booked request.
- Babies up to 18 months can travel on a knee, up to two per table or compartment, so you don't need to book them a seat.
- If a wheelchair user is in your party, book early: Coach F has the only wheelchair space, with room for one party per train.
Special Events & Promotions
- Tables on the 5 and 6 December trains cost less than those later in December.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
What's included with a ticket?
Your ticket covers the return steam train journey through the Derwent Valley, which takes about an hour and ten minutes. Each child gets an age-suitable gift from Santa plus a drink and snack. Adults get a glass of wine and a mince pie.
Can I book individual seats?
No. Tickets are sold only by table or compartment, and each holds only the number of passengers stated on the booking. The one exception is children up to 18 months on a knee, with a maximum of two per table or compartment.
Can you cater for dietary requirements?
Yes. Dietary requirements can be catered for, and a bottle of water or juice is available if you request it when booking.
Can wheelchair users travel?
Each train has one wheelchair-accessible space, in Coach F. It takes one party of up to two people plus one wheelchair user. The historic carriages can't take wheelchairs anywhere else.
Can I change my booking?
You can add people or change the date or time up to Friday 20 November 2026, if there's space and you pay an admin fee. After that, no changes are accepted, and tickets aren't refundable.
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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.