All aboard for a magical festive adventure! The North Yorkshire Moors Railway Santa Express returns for Christmas 2026, with a steam train journey, live entertainment, festive activities and a special visit from Santa himself.
About the Santa Express at the North Yorkshire Moors Railway
For a festive experience you’ll never forget, look no further than the Santa Express, where you’ll enjoy an hour-long return journey between Pickering and Levisham aboard a heritage steam train. Santa’s cheeky elves will keep everyone entertained with songs, games and festive fun before Santa visits each family on board.
This year’s theme is The Gingerbread Man, brought to life in partnership with Wise Owl Theatre Company and Purple Lighting. Look out for Elton Elf, Chef Custard, Joey Marshmallow and Gingersnap, a gingerbread puppet who has had a little mishap in the kitchen! Every child will receive a 20cm gingerbread man plush toy and a festive book to take home.
The fun continues at Pickering Station, where you can:
- 🎄 Try the Naughty or Nice Scanner
- 🎄 Play Christmas-themed games
- 🎄 Enjoy a gingerbread-themed activity
- 🎄 Write and post a letter to Santa
- 🎄 Join festive singalongs on Platform 2
- 🎄 Browse for gifts in the Christmas Emporium
- 🎄 Visit the tearoom and gift shop
So make sure you allow time before or after your train journey to enjoy the activities at the station.
Santa Express 2026 dates and times
📅 28th and 29th November; 5th, 6th, 12th, 13th, 19th, 20th, 22nd, 23rd and 24th December 2026
⏰ 10.30am, 12pm, 1.30pm and 3pm
🚂 One-hour return journey from Pickering to Levisham
📍 Pickering Station, Park Street, Pickering, North Yorkshire, YO18 7AJ
Ticket info
🎟️ 28th and 29th November: £29.50 per person
🎟️ 5th, 6th, 12th and 13th December: £34.50 per person
🎟️ 19th, 20th, 22nd, 23rd and 24th December: £39.50 per person
🎟️ Carer tickets: £17.50 per person
🎟️ Wheelchair-user tickets are available online
🎟️ Booking fee: £1.50
Win a family ticket for the North Yorkshire Moors Railway Santa Express!
We’ve teamed up with the North Yorkshire Moors Railway to give one lucky family the chance to experience the Santa Express this Christmas.
The winner will receive a family ticket for up to four people. Enjoy a magical heritage steam train journey from Pickering, meet Santa and his entertaining elves, and take part in songs, games and festive fun. Every child will also receive a 20cm gingerbread man plush toy and a festive book to take home.
– Follow Little Vikings on Instagram and follow the instructions on the post
– Visit our Facebook page or Facebook group and do the same
– Email hello@little-vikings.co.uk with your name and postcode
The competition closes at midnight on 1 November 2026 and the winner will be notified shortly thereafter. Please be aware of scammers on social media – we will never ask you for payment details!
The small print
- – The prize is a family ticket for up to four people to visit the North Yorkshire Moors Railway Santa Express on 28th or 29th November or 5th or 6th December 2026.
- – The prize is valid for one visit only and must be used by 6th December 2026. It cannot be extended.
- – The prize is not valid for group bookings, educational visits, Pullman Dining Train experiences, annual membership, other NYMR tickets or in conjunction with any other offer.
- – The prize is a Santa Express ticket and not a 12-month Annual Pass.
- – The prize is non-transferable and cannot be sold, resold or exchanged for cash.
- – The voucher has a cash value of £0.001.
- – Photocopied or damaged vouchers will not be accepted.
- – The winner should book promptly as particular dates and services may sell out.
- – Full North Yorkshire Moors Railway terms and conditions are available at nymr.co.uk/terms.
This is a sponsored feature in partnership with our friends at the North Yorkshire Moors Railway
