Christmas at the Railway: Santa Specials

A magical festive experience for the whole family

Step into a world of wonder this festive season with the magical Christmas experience at the Nene Valley Railway, where timeless traditions, family memories, and a sprinkle of Christmas magic come together.

Your Christmas Experience

Your experience begins as you check in at our festively decorated heritage booking office, where each party will receive their Festive Golden Ticket, granting your party access to our magical Christmas experience.

From here, step into a festive setting where you will find open-air market cabins offering a selection of seasonal nibbles and drinks, which you can purchase as you explore. You will be greeted by some of our festive characters, who will be on hand to meet and greet, pose for photos, and may even treat you to a little festive sing-song. Enjoy the magical surroundings with twinkling lights, seasonal music and festive cheer throughout.

All children, don’t forget to bring your letter to Santa Claus and be sure to visit his Post Office before boarding your train, where you will meet a couple of Santa’s postal workers on special assignment. They will ensure your letters are franked and ready for you to post in one of the special post boxes located around the site.

There will also be a marqueed area, beautifully decorated with festive displays, offering perfect photo opportunities and the chance to meet Mrs Claus.

All Christmas trains depart promptly at their scheduled departure time, so please ensure you are ready to board in good time. Your departure time will be clearly printed on your ticket.

Once on board and settled into your reserved seats, you can relax as you embark on a magical winter journey through the Nene Valley. Along the way, Santa’s elves will be on board to entertain you and keep the festive spirit alive.

During your journey, Santa Claus will visit every child at their seat, sharing a special moment and presenting each child with a festive wish coin, a magical token which is to be exchanged after your journey for a gift of your choice from one of Santa's Toy Shops.

What’s Included

• A 1 to 2-hour Christmas experience, including approximately 1 hour train ride
• Meet Santa Claus on board the train
• Santa's elves providing entertainment on board the train
• Bring a letter to Santa Claus, have it franked at Santa's Post Office, and then you can post it in one of his post boxes
• Festive surroundings with snow, music and themed décor
• Seasonal food and drink available to purchase on the platform
• Food available to order at the time of booking to enjoy on board the train
• Gift for every child, toddler and baby
• Miniature Railway (additional £1 on the day)
• Garden Railway
• Model Railway

Pendennis Castle at Christmas

We are delighted to welcome the famous Great Western Railway steam locomotive No. 4079 Pendennis Castle to the Nene Valley Railway this Christmas, visiting us with kind thanks to Didcot Railway Centre.

Built at Swindon in 1924, Pendennis Castle is one of Britain's most celebrated surviving steam locomotives and has a remarkable history spanning more than a century, including 23 years spent in Australia.

During its visit, Pendennis Castle will haul a selected number of our Santa Special services, giving some of our Christmas visitors the opportunity to travel behind this magnificent locomotive.

Food & Drink

This year we have made food an optional extra.  You are also welcome to bring your own.

Seasonal food and drink will be available to purchase from our booking hall cafe and open-air market cabins on the platform, as well as our on train buffet car.  Addionally you will also see some ticket options that include a mulled wine and a mince pie, which can be collected from one of our cabins.

You can also pre-order food at the time of booking to enjoy on board your train journey, freshly prepared by Tea and the Gang. Pre-Ordered food can be collected from our collection point on Platform 2 prior to boarding.

Ticket Prices

• Adult / Senior: £30
• Adult / Senior (with Mulled Wine & Mince Pie): £36 (Available on last service of the day and all services on 23rd & 24th December)
• Child (2 to 15 years): £30
• Baby / Toddler (Under 2 years): £12 (seated on lap — if a seat is required, please purchase a child ticket)

Private Compartments

Upgrade your experience with a private compartment for up to 6 people:

• £240 per compartment
• £276 per compartment (with Mulled Wine & Mince Pies) (Available on last service of the day and all services on 23rd & 24th December)

Enjoy your own exclusive space — perfect for families or groups looking for a more private and relaxed festive experience.

Additional Guests in Compartments:

• You may add up to 2 additional children (under 2 years) seated on laps
• Plus 1 additional child (2–15 years) or adult
• All additional guests must be added at the time of booking
• All additional guest tickets incur additional charges