Step aboard the Santa Express for a magical Christmas adventure with the Great Central Railway!
Join the GCR elves, Mrs Claus, and Santa himself for a magical journey of singing, storytelling, and festive fun aboard the Santa Express. A magical start to the festive season, jump aboard and soak up the Christmas spirit as our traditional, heritage steam trains are transformed with twinkling lights, glittering garlands and seasonal cheer.
During your festive adventure, children will meet Santa and his jolly helpers, receive a specially curated Christmas Activity Pack filled with games, puzzles, and colouring sheets, and enjoy a festive drink and treats. And to make the day truly special, Santa himself will personally deliver a Christmas gift to each child.
Grown-ups can relax with a complimentary Irish Cream Liqueur and a warm mince pie, while soaking up the scenic views and the joy of children’s laughter as the GCR elves spread cheer throughout the journey.
Your journey takes you across the Charnwood countryside through the beautifully decorated period stations of Quorn and Woodhouse and Rothley, with a magical pause on the breathtaking Swithland Viaduct.
Your return journey also includes a 25-minute stop at Leicester North Station, where you can capture a photo with Santa in front of the locomotive, catch up with the cheeky GCR elves and their festive mischief as well as enjoy a drink in the station tearoom.
This year’s Santa Express will be ‘top and tailed’, with a steam engine taking you on the magical journey to Leicester North Pole and a heritage diesel engine bringing you back to Loughborough.
Begin your journey at Loughborough Central Station, beautifully decorated with twinkling trees, shimmering tinsel, and festive garlands.
Travel in style aboard our heritage carriages, all dressed for Christmas.
GCR elves and Mrs Claus will be on hand with songs, stories, and festive fun throughout your journey.
Every child will meet Santa and receive a carefully chosen Christmas gift.
Each child receives a Christmas Activity Pack bursting with puzzles, games, and colouring sheets.
Little ones enjoy festive snacks and drinks, while adults relax with a complimentary mince pie and Irish Cream Liqueur.
Steam through the Charnwood countryside, pausing on the breathtaking Swithland Viaduct.
Spot the twinkling lights of Quorn & Woodhouse and Rothley stations, all decorated for Christmas.
Capture a photo with Santa by the locomotive, enjoy the cosy tearoom, and meet the mischievous elves.
Make this festive season truly unforgettable with our Premium Private Compartments—a magical experience for up to 8 guests in your very own compartment aboard a beautifully restored vintage carriage.
Perfect for families or groups looking for something extra special, your private compartment offers comfort, vintage charm, and exclusivity as you travel in style aboard the Santa Express.
Alongside all the festive fun of Standard Class, your Premium experience includes:
Enjoy the magic of Christmas in comfort and privacy—this is the ultimate way to celebrate the season with your nearest and dearest.
Each service is planned to convey an accessible coach which has a limited number of reservable wheelchair spaces for passengers who need to remain in their wheelchair whilst on the service. These spaces must be reserved online when purchasing your tickets. Family and Friends can travel with the wheelchair user in the dedicated carriage and can purchase a Wheelchair In-Carriage Reservation Ticket too.
Wheelchair users who can walk a short distance to a standard carriage seat and do not need to remain in their wheelchair during the service do not need a wheelchair space reservation.
Wheelchairs can be stored in the guard’s van or left safely on the station platform.
We understand that every person is unique, and we want to make sure each gift is as suitable and enjoyable as possible. If your party has specific needs that require a different type of present, please speak to one of the on-train stewards on the day of your experience and let them know the age range of the gift you feel would be most appropriate.
Only Assistance Dogs are permitted onboard Santa Express services.
If you require any assistance with your booking, please call our booking office on 01509 632323, who will be happy to help.
Tickets are valid for one Santa Express experience on the date and time slot specified. All The Great Central Santa Express services depart from our Loughborough Central Station. Guests are requested to arrive at least 30 minutes before the advertised departure time. Free on-street parking is available on nearby streets. Please allow sufficient time for parking and making your way to the station.
Cancelled bookings will not be refunded, however with more than 14 (fourteen) days’ notice, we will endeavour to transfer your booking to another service, subject to availability. Transfers are subject to an administrative charge of £5.00 per person and the ticket price difference between the original and new dates.
All services are subject to availability or amendment. Additional services may be added to the timetable. Prices may be changed at any time without notice. Great Central Railway reserves the right to change our product offer at any time without notice.
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