Create magical memories this Christmas as we journey through Lancashire’s most magical and heartwarming Santa train experiences of 2023. From twinkling lights to joyful elves, these Santa trains promise to make your festive season unforgettable. Find the nearest and best Santa trains in Lancashire and take your children on a special journey that they’ll remember forever!
Santa Specials in Lancashire 2023
- East Lancashire Railway
- Ribble Steam Railway
- West Lancashire Railway
- Windmill Animal Farm
- Embsay and Bolton Abbey
- Blackpool Heritage Trams
- Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway
Santa Trains at East Lancashire Railway
Santa Specials. Create enchanting memories as your family ventures through the whimsical Irwell Valley, accompanied by vibrant characters and delightful surprises. Of course, no Christmas delight is complete without the company of cheerful elves and the presence of Santa Claus himself.
Set your expedition in motion at Bury Bolton Street Station, where you’ll step into a beautifully adorned winter wonderland. Greet Mrs. Claus and the animated Christmas Tree, perhaps even joining a merry singalong with our carol-singing polar bear choir, before embarking on your train voyage.
As you settle into your seat, a charming steam train will transport you on an approximately 80-minute round trip to Rawtenstall and back. En route, the festive merriment continues, offering encounters with beloved Christmas characters and the chance to harmonize to some holiday classics with the brass band. While on board, Santa himself will pay a special visit to your carriage, bearing gifts for the little ones, and providing ample opportunity for conversations and capturing cherished Santa selfies.
For the grown-ups, anticipate the pleasure of mince pies and a choice of festive libations or non-alcoholic beverages. Meanwhile, the young adventurers will delight in a Fruit Shoot, chocolates, and an engaging activity pack.
What’s Included?
- Winter wonderland walkthrough at Bury Bolton Street Station featuring beautifully decorated festive scenes, a choir of carol singing polar bears and a magical talking Christmas Tree.
- Interactions with special Christmas characters including old favourites like the elves, Mrs Claus and our very own Ice Princess.
- An approximately 80-minute steam train ride from Bury to Rawtenstall and back.
- A visit from Santa with extra time to talk and take photographs.
- A Christmas gift for every child, selected by age brand.
- High quality children’s activity books.
- Traditional brass band on board.
What dates are available?
The Santa trains kick off from the weekend of the 25/26th November and run every Saturday and Sunday until 23/24th December. There are also additional trains on Wednesday 20th, Thursday 21st and Friday 22nd December.
How much is it to ride?
Prices start from £22.50 for children and £23 for adults, with prices creeping up as you get ever closer to Christmas Day.
Where is East Lancashire Railway located?
Located in Bury at Bolton Street Station, BL9 0EY.
Ribble Steam Santa Specials
Let Ribble Steam Railway & Museum add extra joy to your Christmas celebrations. Join them for a Santa Special Steam experience to create warm memories with your family. It’s a great chance for some festive fun, excitement, and laughter.
Cosy up with your loved ones in a steam-heated carriage. Santa will visit your seat and give each child a Christmas gift. You’ll also get light refreshments on the train, and you can visit Mrs. Ribble’s Tea Room for more treats.
Your tickets include access to the festive museum, where you can enjoy live music and even see a few elves. Plus, there’s FREE face painting and balloon art by Gina from Tigerfeet Entertainment.
The journey lasts for approximately 40 minutes.
What’s included?
- Every child up to twelve years old receives an age appropriate present.
- Adults will receive Mince Pies and Christmas tipple and children will be offered a festive chocolate/candy and a juice as well as their gift.
What dates are available?
Operating dates are expected to be every weekend in December in the lead up to Christmas.
How much is it to ride?
In 2022 tickets were £15 for both adults and children. Babies under 6 months went free.
Where is Ribble Steam located?
Located in the city of Preston at Chain Caul Road, PR2 2PD.
West Lancs Railway Santa Specials
Join West Lancs Railway for a festive journey on their heritage steam train to meet Santa. Every child will receive a special gift from Santa, along with a Christmas goody bag. Enjoy plenty of fun and laughter with Santa’s helpers, surrounded by twinkling Christmas lights and festive music. Adults can enjoy a delightful hot mulled wine or fruit punch, paired with a tasty mince pie.
What dates are available?
Santa trains will run on December 3rd, 9th, 10th, 16th & 17th at various times of the day.
How much is it to ride?
Bookings will open on Sunday 1st October.
Where is West Lancashire Railway located?
West Lancashire Railway is located in Hesketh Bank on Station Rd, PR4 6SP.
Windmill Animal Farm Santa Trains
Come and spend the day on West Lancashire’s favourite farm and meet Santa on the train.
Experience this special family moment within the cosy confines of your very own private enclosed compartment as you journey to meet Santa. Keep an eye out for the charming herd of fallow deer as you arrive at Lake View Station. Santa’s new, spacious, and enchanting grand grotto awaits your family’s safe arrival.
Upon your return, adults will be treated to complimentary hot beverages and a selection of homemade cakes from the coffee shop.
Adult tickets include:
- Full access to the farm attraction
- Private train compartment (maximum of four people)
- Choice of hot Rijo coffees, hot chocolates, and teas from our coffee shop
- Selection of homemade cakes from our coffee shop
Children’s tickets include
- Full access to the farm attraction
- Train journey to meet Santa
- Santa meet-and-greet in his grand grotto
- Choice of age-appropriate gift
What dates are available?
These Santa trains will start running from the start of Dece,ber
How much is it to ride?
Ticket to the farm start from £14.95
Where is Windmill Animal Farm located?
Located just outside of Burscough on Fish Lane, L40 1UQ
Polar Express Train Ride Embsay and Bolton Abbey Railway
Embsay & Bolton Abbey Steam Railway is delighted to unveil an extraordinary experience that will make your holiday season truly magical – THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride is coming to Bolton Abbey in 2023. Prepare to step into the enchanting world of the iconic 2004 motion picture.
From the moment you arrive, the air buzzes with anticipation. Families, adorned in their cosiest pyjamas, board the train accompanied by our cheerful chefs, and embark on an unforgettable journey. As the steam train sets off, iconic scenes from the movie come to life around you, enveloping you in the holiday spirit. Singing and dancing chefs serve up steaming cups of rich hot chocolate and delectable chocolatey cookies, creating an atmosphere of joy and delight. All generations are invited to share in the magic of Christmas dreams alongside the film’s cherished characters, all to the tune of the beloved ‘Hot Chocolate’.
The climax arrives as Santa and his elf companion enter your carriage, presenting each passenger with a silver sleigh bell – the coveted “first gift of Christmas.” Yet, as THE POLAR EXPRESS™ story reminds us, remember to check your pockets for holes!
As the strains of timeless Christmas carols fill the air, the train retraces its route back to Bolton Abbey. Upon returning, the enchantment continues. Write letters to Santa, engage in THE POLAR EXPRESS™ coloring activities, and don’t forget to experience the Naughty and Nice scanner. Complete your journey with a visit to the gift shop, where you can find unique treasures to take the magic of THE POLAR EXPRESS™ home with you. An unforgettable adventure awaits, promising to infuse your holiday season with joy, wonder, and cherished memories.
What dates are available?
Trains kick off from the 18th November on a Saturday and Sunday and will include Fridays as well from the 1st December. On Christmas week, trains are running daily from 19th December until Christmas Eve.
How much is it to ride?
Tickets start from £33.95.
Where is Embsay & Bolton Abbey Railway located?
Bolton Abbey Station, Bolton Abbey, Skipton, North Yorkshire, BD23 6AF
Embsay Station, Embsay, Skipton, North Yorkshire, BD23 6QX
Blackpool Heritage Trams Santa Specials
We’ve just heard that Santa Claus himself would like to borrow the Western Train tram on some very special days in December, and he’d love for you to join him! His special tram will be parked near Festival House at the North Pier from 10am until 4pm.
What’s included?
- A gift from Santa
- Juice for children
- Sherry and a mince pie for adults
What dates are available?
Throughout December
How much is it to ride?
Adult tickets start from £6 and children cost £3.50
Where is Blackpool Heritage Trams located?
Para
Ravenglass & Eskdale Santa Express
Get ready for a magical holiday tradition as Ravenglass Santa Express trains make a delightful return in 2023. Join them for a festive celebration at the railway, where our cheerful elves will be waiting at Ravenglass to assist you in finding your seats on the enchanting Santa Express.
Set off on a 40-minute journey to Dalegarth, a ride brimming with anticipation as you traverse the scenic valley to reach Dalegarth Grotto. Here, Santa Claus and his merry team of helpers, including the talented Stu Di Doo magician and his charming puppets, eagerly await your arrival.
The young ones will have their moment to shine as they are invited to meet Santa himself and receive a special gift from the jolly man in red. Alongside this heartwarming encounter, children will be delighted with an activity pack and festive refreshments. Grownups won’t be left out either – while the train waits at Dalegarth station for the return journey to Ravenglass, they can indulge in a delectable festive snack paired with a refreshing drink.
For those seeking an extra touch of indulgence, consider adding a delightful festive feast to your day:
Festive Adult Box – £8.95 Savor a hot turkey roll with cranberry and stuffing, complete with pigs in blankets. Add a side of chips and roast potatoes for £2.80.
Festive Adult Box for Veggies – £8.95 Delight in a mushroom and leek pie accompanied by sweet pea and mint falafel bites, complemented by cranberry sauce. Choose either chips or roast potatoes as an extra for £3.20.
Children’s Box – £5.95 Kids can relish in the joy of pig in blankets with chips, chicken bites and chips, or falafel bites and chips.
What dates are available?
- 25th Nov 2023 – 26th Nov 2023
- 2nd Dec 2023 – 3rd Dec 2023
- 9th Dec 2023 – 10th Dec 2023
- 16th Dec 2023 – 18th Dec 2023
- 20th Dec 2023 – 23rd Dec 2023
How much is it to ride?
Prices are not yet available
Where is Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway located?
Located in the village of Ravenglass, Cumbria, CA18 1SW