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Santa Steam Specials: All Aboard!
29 November 2025 to 22 December 2025
About Santa Steam Specials: All Aboard!
All aboard the Santa Steam Specials! This enchanting journey is the ultimate festive treat for children, offering a magical steam train ride from Princes Risborough to Santa’s Grotto at his North Pole station. Here, little ones can share their Christmas wishes with Santa himself!
On select dates in November and December, all trains will depart from Princes Risborough Platform 4 (SatNav HP27 9DN), where Santa’s stewards will warmly welcome everyone onboard. During the journey, the Elves will entertain the children with puzzles and ‘Letters-to-Santa,’ while the box-crazy ladies offer nimble craft projects for a modest additional cost.
The steam train will take you to Santa’s enhanced Workshop and Grotto at the North Pole station. Here, you can enjoy refreshments, chat with Santa, take memorable photos, and receive the first Christmas present for every child. On the return journey, volunteers will ensure all children are delighted with their gifts.
Travel in comfort in the 1950s carriages, named after Santa’s reindeers – Rudolph, Blitzen, Dasher, and Prancer. Seats are booked at tables to keep families together. Enjoy the traditional elements of the Santa experience: the steam train ride, hot and cold beverages, mince pies or biscuits, and a magical visit with Santa.
Additional treats like sandwiches, hot sausage rolls, crisps, snacks, and mulled wine can be purchased at the Station Café, and you might find some last-minute presents in the Station Shop.
Take advantage of the early season special with £5.00 off per person on the first three days. Christmas comes but once a year, so make it truly memorable. Santa and the volunteers look forward to welcoming you and your family onboard for a festive experience filled with joy and magic!
Tickets
See important booking information below.
Booking information
Dates:
Early season dates – 29 & 30 November 2025 – Adult/Senior or Child 1 to 12 years £24.25 per person.
Peak season dates – 6, 7, 13, 14, 19, 20, 21, 22 December 2025 – Adult/Senior or Child 1 to 12 years £29.50 per person
Train departure times and duration:
Princes Risborough departures at 10.30pm, 12.30pm, 2.30pm, duration approximately 1 hour 35 minutes.
Departure location:
Santa Steam Specials depart from (and return to) Platform 4, Princes Risborough Station, Buckinghamshire HP27 9DN.
Car parking:
Chiltern Railways Pay-and-Display at the station (SatNav HP27 9DN) at the present time on Saturday and Sunday £6.50, Friday and Monday £9.30.
Buggies and strollers:
Buggies and strollers must be left on Platform 4 at Princes Risborough, or you may prefer to leave them in your car for added security. Sorry, they cannot be carried on the train.
Presents:
Each Child ticket includes a thoughtful present. ‘Babes in arms’ (under 1 year) do not need a ticket, but they will still receive a small gift.
Refreshments:
Mince pies and a drink of tea, coffee, chocolate or a warm cordial is included in the ticket price and will be served at Chinnor station. Sorry, the organisers are unable to provide for any special dietary needs.
Accessibility:
Wheelchair space is only available in a separate area of the train and is limited to one disabled person and one accompanying carer at the individual seat prices shown above – to book, please call 07979 055366.
Booking size:
Passengers in one booking will be seated together where possible. Tables in the carriages seat 4 people, and if your booking is for individual seats in multiples other than 4 people, you may be sharing a table with another family.
Groups:
Groups are welcome, and the organisers will always try to ensure you are sat together, but please note there are NO discounted fares. For bonafide groups of Brownies, Cubs and similar organisations, they may be able to offer concessions for a limited number of accompanying adults – please enquire via email to bookings@chinnorrailway.co.uk.
Dogs:
Unlike some Santa experiences, small pet dogs are welcome to travel on the Santa Special trains, but they must be kept on a short lead and are not allowed on the seats – please bring a blanket for them to sit on. However, due to hygiene and other considerations, dogs (except Assistance / Guide dogs) cannot be taken into Santa’s Grotto.