All Aboard for Christmas Steam Train Experience
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All Aboard for Christmas Steam Train Experience

Embark on a enchanting Christmas journey with the 'All Aboard for Christmas' steam train experience. Families can enjoy a charming steam train ride, write letters to Santa, create reindeer food, and meet Father Christmas himself to receive a special gift. This traditional event at Whitehead Railway Museum promises festive fun and cherished memories for all ages.

What to Expect

Victorian-themed steam train journey with Santa

Know Before You Go

  • Tickets: $$ – Get tickets
  • Parking: Parking is available adjacent to the youth centre.
  • Accessibility: Carriages from the 1960s and 1970s are unsuitable for wheelchair passengers unless they can be assisted from the platform to a seat and the wheelchair folded for stowing. Electric wheelchairs or buggies cannot be accommodated.
  • Pets: With the exception of guide dogs and registered assistance animals, pets are not permitted on the train (nor inside the museum and café), although they are welcome on the platform.

Other Christmas Events Near Whitehead

Local Insight & Ratings

Family Friendly

🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 (5/5)

Best For

Families with young children

Vibe

Festive, nostalgic, traditional

Energy Level

Low

Budget

$$

Photo Friendly

📷 📷 📷 📷 📷 (4/5)

Weather Sensitivity

Low

Special Events & Promotions

  • Spaces are limited and the event sells out quickly.
  • Book tickets early to ensure your place.
  • Please arrive on site at least 15 minutes before your allocated time slot.

Tags

train ridesSanta visitsfamily friendlyChristmas Villagecraftsfestive foodholiday traditionseasonal activitieswinter activitiesholiday cheer

Location

Whitehead Railway Museum
Castleview Road
Whitehead
BT38 9NA

Event Details

Duration

Varies by time slot, arrive 15 minutes prior

Ages

All ages

Timed Entry

Yes

Organizer

Railway Preservation Society of Ireland

Food & Drink

The tearoom offers tasty treats and refreshments. Dining car serves tea, coffee, light snacks, and a full bar service. Visitors are requested to use these facilities rather than bringing their own food and drinks.

Quick Actions

Tips & Advice

  • Arrive at least 15 minutes before your allocated time slot to ensure a smooth boarding process and avoid missing any part of the experience.
  • Book tickets early, as this popular event often sells out quickly, especially for weekend slots.
  • Consider the accessibility information provided, as the historic carriages may present challenges for wheelchair users and those with prams/buggies.
  • While food and drink are available for purchase, you are requested to use these on-site facilities rather than bringing your own.
  • Check the event dates carefully, as it runs on specific days in December, including some weekday evenings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does my young child need a ticket?

Children under 3 do not need a ticket if they don't occupy a seat. However, all children, regardless of age, require a valid ticket for Christmas, Easter, or Halloween trains if they wish to receive a present.

Can I get a refund for my tickets?

The normal policy is that tickets, once purchased, may not be exchanged, cancelled, or refunded. However, they are transferable to friends or family.

What are the on-train facilities?

All trains have a dining car serving tea, coffee, light snacks, and a full bar service. Adequate toilet facilities are also available. Limited space for prams and buggies, which must be folded.

How can I get information on trains and events?

All available information is on the Trains/Events web page. If details aren't listed, they aren't available yet. Ticket sales are usually online a few weeks in advance.

Are pets allowed on the train?

No, with the exception of guide dogs and registered assistance animals, pets are not permitted on the train, museum, or café. They are welcome on the platform.

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.

Contributors & Updates

Last Updated: Oct 30, 2025
Original Submitter: Sep 17, 2025 The Christmas Events Near Me editorial team

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