North Yorkshire Moors Railway: Santa Express to return to Yorkshire heritage railway this winter

The dates for this year’s Santa Express event at the North Yorkshire Moors Railway have been announced.

The North Yorkshire Moors Railway (NYMR) will be welcoming families this festive season for its popular Santa Express services, with prices frozen at last year’s rate.

Wise Owl Theatre has collaborated with the NYMR in hosting a magical hour-long return route between Pickering and Levisham.

There will be a new feature this year as guests will be able to observe the immersive Christmas production featuring Gingersnap, a playful festive character who arrives on a baking tray after a kitchen mishap, guests will try to help the Elves figure out what happened.

Santa and his elves will provide onboard entertainment, with the help of Elton Elf, Chef Custard and Joey Marshmallow, and deliver Christmas gifts including a gingerbread man plush toy and festive book to all children.

The festive steam train ride brings Christmas to life with the chance for families to meet Santa, and his team of elves, with services running on November 28 and 29 as well as December 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, 20 and from December 22 to 24, 2026.

Pickering Station will also be home to a host of activities including a Naughty or Nice Scanner; Christmas-themed fete games; a Write and Post Your Letter to Santa station; and festive songs performed live on Platform 2 at the station.

The Christmas emporium will be open, where gifts are available as a stocking filler treat or a souvenir of the festive event.

The tearoom will also be open, offering plenty to enjoy, whether that is while waiting to board or after the journey.

Tickets begin from £29.50 per person. To find out more and to book tickets, visit the NYMR website.