Families can get into the Christmas spirit by taking their little ones on a trip to see Santa Claus on the railway. Many children will be excited at the prospect of riding a train that is visited by the big man himself.
Children will be able to meet Santa (providing they have been good) and let him know what they would like for Christmas this year, before collecting a small, free gift. Festive refreshments will also be available.
Many railways offer their own series of Santa rides throughout November and December. The ever-popular North Pole Express at Tanfield Railway has sold out again this year, but there are many other exciting opportunities.
Read more: County Durham Heritage Railway to operate Christmas services for first time since 2019
Elf Express at Stephenson Railway
There are extremely limited tickets available for this incredibly popular Christmas journey. Families will have the opportunity to meet Santa's chief Elf and take part in an interactive show to join Santa's very own crew.
The train journey itself lasts for around half an hour with decorations and songs keeping everyone entertained. Santa and his elves will make their way around to visit all the good boys and girls, and give them a small gift to take home.
As an extra, children will be able to pick up a craft pack and reindeer food before the train departs and after it returns, the Elves will have prepared drinks and mince pies to wrap the day up.
Dates: 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 18 & 24 December. Start times: 9.45am | 11.15am | 12.45pm | 2.15pm | 3.45pm. Price: £16-24 per person. Group tickets also available for private compartments.
Tickets can be booked online now.
Christmas trains at the Weardale Railway Trust
County Durham's heritage railway returns for the first time since 2019. These special Christmas services, running throughout December, will take families on a 60-minute steam train ride, during which they'll have a chance to meet with Father Christmas and his elves while enjoying a hot drink and festive snack.
The train will operate in and out of Santa-hope Station at Stanhope, which will undergo a festive transformation thanks to Santa's elves. Railway souvenirs and treats will be available from the station shop, refreshments will be available from the station cafe and craftspeople from around the region will be selling their wares at the Weardale Makers' Market.
Dates: 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 18, 21, 22 & 23 December. Start times: 1pm | 3:15pm | 5:30pm. Price: Start at £40 for a two-person stall.
You can book now at the Weardale Railway website
Santa on the Train at South Tynedale Railway
Greeted by Elves at Alston station, your festive journey on this steam train includes a return journey to Lintley Halt and unlike previous years, Santa will be joining the ride too. While enjoying the train ride, good boys and girls will be given a gift from Santa.
At the station, the cafe will be open for families to purchase festive refreshments. Tickets must be purchased in advance, dogs are welcome as are under-twos who may have to sit on an adult's knee.
Dates: 10, 11, 17 & 18 December Start times: 10:30am, 12:00pm, 2pm and 3:30pm. Prices: Ages two and above £18, below twos are free but may have to sit on an adult's knee and dogs are £2.
Book your Santa on the Train tickets here
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