Santa Express at North Yorkshire Moors Railway
Pickering Station, North Yorkshire Moors Railway, Pickering, North Yorkshire, UK
A genuinely shared festive train ride let down slightly by ticket price and the need to book ahead.
How the Dad Score breaks down
Scored September 2026- Together time17/20
- Santa visits each family on board while you sit together for the hour-long journey.
- Low faff14/20
- Fixed dates and times, booking fee, and organisers warn slots can sell out.
- Value12/20
- £29.50 to £39.50 per person for an hour's journey plus station activities.
- Age span18/20
- Gifts are given to all children aged 15 and below.
- Weatherproof16/20
- Ride is inside the train; tearoom, gift shop and Emporium give indoor cover.
Editorial, never paid. How the Dad Score works
An hour-long return steam train trip between Pickering and Levisham, with Santa and his elves working the carriages with songs, games and gifts. Pickering Station adds a Naughty or Nice Scanner, letters to Santa, a Christmas Emporium and a tearoom, so there is plenty to fill the time either side of the ride.
Why it works for a dad and child
You sit together on the train while Santa comes to your seats, then wander the station activities side by side rather than one of you watching the other.
When is Santa Express at North Yorkshire Moors Railway?
Santa Express at North Yorkshire Moors Railway runs 28 Nov to 24 Dec 2026 in Pickering, North Yorkshire, UK.
Is Santa Express at North Yorkshire Moors Railway worth it with kids?
girl.dad gives Santa Express at North Yorkshire Moors Railway a Dad Score of 77/100. A genuinely shared festive train ride let down slightly by ticket price and the need to book ahead.
What should we plan for at Santa Express at North Yorkshire Moors Railway?
It is a rail event at Pickering Station, North Yorkshire Moors Railway in Pickering, North Yorkshire. Best age on the listing is 2-15, and the price band is £££.
