Great Central Railway Santa Express

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 his magical grotto, 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.