As Christmas draws near, many families are searching for magical experiences to make the festive season truly special for their children. Yorkshire, with its wealth of charming attractions, offers a diverse range of seasonal activities to help fill your calendar with festive cheer. From dazzling Christmas light trails to whimsical Santa’s grottos, there’s no shortage of ways to celebrate the season.
However, one of the most enchanting ways to get into the Christmas spirit with little ones is by hopping aboard a festive train ride. These delightful journeys offer not only breathtaking views of the picturesque Yorkshire countryside, but also onboard entertainment, seasonal treats, and plenty of festive surprises. It’s no wonder they’ve become a favourite tradition for many!
To help you plan the perfect outing, we’ve rounded up some of the best Christmas train ride experiences, each offering a unique and unforgettable adventure for the whole family.
Christmas Train Ride Experiences in Yorkshire
THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride at Embsay & Bolton Abbey Steam Railway
Where: Bolton Abbey, Skipton BD23 6AF
When: Running until December 24th 2025
Prices: Standard tickets £33.95 – 47.95, Premium tickets £43.95 – £57.95
This year, Embsay & Bolton Abbey Steam Railway is bringing the 2004 Christmas classic The Polar Express to life in a truly magical way! Board the steam train at Bolton Abbey station dressed in your cosiest pyjamas and embark on a scenic journey through the stunning Yorkshire Dales. Along the way, enjoy captivating theatrical performances and seasonal treats. Every guest will be treated to a luxurious hot chocolate as they listen to a reading of Chris Van Allsburg’s timeless story before Santa and his elf assistant arrive to present everyone with their very own special silver bell.
Standard tickets start at £33.95 and include a hot chocolate, freshly baked cookie, golden ticket, and that unforgettable silver sleigh bell from Santa. For a little extra luxury, premium tickets are also available, which offer all of the above plus seating in the premium carriage with table lamps, hot chocolate served in a souvenir mug, and a special goodie bag to take home!
The Elf Explorer at Keighley and Worth Valley Railway
Where: Oxenhope Station, Keighley & Worth Valley Railway, Mill Lane, Oxenhope, Keighley BD22 9LB
When: 23rd November to 24th December 2025
Prices: 23rd & 24th November – £24.00, 30th November, 1st, 7th, 8th, 14th & 15th December – £28.00, 21st, 22nd, 23rd & 24th December
This delightful Christmas train ride with Keighley and Worth Valley Railway begins and ends at the charming Oxenhope station. Start your festive adventure with a stroll down a Victorian street adorned with Christmas decorations, where a resident elf will greet you and decide whether you’ve been naughty or nice in 2024. After receiving a Golden Ticket for The Elf Explorer, children can enjoy a range of fun festive activities, including writing their letters to Santa.
This year, the experience has been enhanced with a special twenty-minute theatrical and interactive performance, which culminates with the elves guiding guests to the platform to board the train.
Once aboard The Elf Express, your hour-long journey will be filled with entertainment from singing and dancing elves, while Santa makes his way through the carriages to present each child with an age-appropriate gift. Children will also receive a drink of juice and some chocolate coins, while adults can enjoy a warming glass of mulled wine and a traditional mince pie. Additional refreshments are available for purchase from Rudolph’s Refreshments at the station before boarding.
Santa Specials at North Yorkshire Moors Railway
Where: Park Street, Pickering, North Yorkshire, YO18 7AJ
When: 30th November to 24th December
Prices: £29.50 – £39.50 (prices depend on date of booking)
This Christmas, the North Yorkshire Moors Railway invites you to join in the festive fun for an experience full of seasonal cheer. Begin your adventure at the beautifully decorated Pickering Station, where you’ll be greeted by twinkling lights, real Christmas trees, and the joyful sounds of Christmas music filling the air. Take a festive selfie, enjoy a treat at the charming Christmas tea rooms, or explore the Christmas Emporium for unique gifts. Little ones will also enjoy visiting the festive Signal Box.
The brand-new Santa Specials offer a perfect blend of nostalgia, tradition, and festive fun for the whole family, ensuring unforgettable memories. The highlight of the day is, of course, a magical steam train ride, during which children will meet Santa himself. Each child will receive a special Edmondson railway ticket, a traditional way of recording fares, along with a limited-edition soft toy and other keepsakes to remember their special day.
The Santa Express at Whistlestop Valley
Where: Park Mill Way, Clayton West, Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, HD8 9XJ
When: 30th November to 24th December
Prices: Adults £29.95, Children (over 12 months) £29.95, Infants (with gift) £15.95
Step aboard The Santa Express at Whistlestop Valley for an enchanting journey to the North Pole, where the magic of Christmas comes to life. Travel in heated carriages hauled by a delightful steam locomotive, offering a cosy and festive experience for all. Before your train departs, enjoy a fun-filled Christmas Elf show that will set the tone for a truly magical adventure.
Once you reach the North Pole, you’ll be greeted by Father Christmas in his warm and festive grotto, where each child will enjoy a personal one-on-one meeting with Santa. Keep an eye out for Santa’s cheeky elf, who will be causing some playful Christmas mischief at the Shelley North Pole – can you spot them in time?
Throughout the experience, everyone will be treated to a complimentary festive drink and edible treat. Children will also have the chance to make their own magical reindeer food to take home, and they can write a Christmas wish to hang on the enchanting Wishing Tree. For an extra bit of fun, take a Yuletide ride around the duck pond on the miniature train at Clayton West Station, adding an extra dash of festive charm to your day.
In addition to the steam train journey, you’ll enjoy unlimited use of the Whistlestop attractions, including the jumping pillow and Clayton Flyer. The Firebox Cafe will be serving a seasonal menu, with hot food available an hour before closing. At the North Pole, you can visit the Turntable ice cream parlour, and don’t forget to stop by the gift shop for any last-minute Christmas gifts. It’s a wonderful experience for all ages, packed with festive fun and memories to cherish.
