About

Ride Santa's Fantastically Festive Special Train at Epping Ongar Railway

More information here: Santa Specials | Epping Ongar Railway

Selected dates through 28 November - 24 December (for details please visit the booking website)

• Meet Santa and his festive friends during the train journey
• Every child receives a present from Santa
• Travel on an inclusive vintage London bus service from Epping or Ongar
• Enjoy a return journey on Santa's Fantastically Festive Special Train from North Weald

 

The experience
Your festive adventure begins when you board one of Epping Ongar Railway's vintage London buses from either Epping Underground station or Ongar.

On arrival at North Weald station, you can soak up the Christmas atmosphere with festive refreshments while enjoying live music from a brass band. Keep an eye out for Santa's helpers and festive characters as they wander through the crowds looking for the nicest children.

The excitement builds as you board Santa's Fantastically Festive Special Train for a return journey through the ancient Epping Forest towards Ongar. During the journey, Santa will find the children on board and present them with a special gift, while entertainers keep everyone smiling and entertained along the way.

 

Refreshments
Hot and cold refreshments will be available to purchase before boarding the train.

Why not treat yourself to a delicious hot chocolate while you wait for your festive adventure to begin?

 

At North Weald station

Before boarding the train you can:

• Enjoy festive food and refreshments
• Listen to a live brass band
• Meet Santa's festive characters and helpers
• Soak up the Christmas atmosphere before departure

 

Parking and accessibility
Your experience starts on the inclusive vintage London bus from either Epping Underground station or Ongar before joining the train at North Weald.

Limited parking is available at North Weald for registered Blue Badge holders by prior arrangement. Guests should contact the railway before booking to discuss requirements.

All members of the festive team, including Santa and his elves, look forward to welcoming families on board.

 

Times

28 & 29 November

• 11:40
• 13:20
• 15:00

5, 6, 12, 13, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23 & 24 December

• 10:35
• 12:15
• 13:55
• 15:35 (not available on 24 December)

Please note that the times shown are the departure times of the inclusive vintage London bus service from Epping or Ongar.

 

Seating

Seating is available at exclusive tables for either 2 or 4 people.

For larger groups, exclusive compartments are available for up to 6 or 8 passengers.

 

Tickets

November Early Bird Fares (28 & 29 November)

• Family Space for up to 2 people: £65
• Family Space for up to 4 people: £130
• Compartment for up to 6 people: £240
• Compartment for up to 8 people: £320

December Fares

• Family Space for up to 2 people: £70
• Family Space for up to 4 people: £140
• Compartment for up to 6 people: £260
• Compartment for up to 8 people: £345

 

Additional information

• All children receive a present from Santa.
• Children's ages and gender are collected during booking to help Santa choose appropriate gifts.
• Children under one year old do not count towards group numbers.
• Multiple tables booked together will be allocated alongside each other wherever possible.
• All fares include the vintage London bus journey from Epping or Ongar, the return train journey from North Weald and a present for each child.
• Please allow approximately 2½ hours for the complete Santa Special experience.

 

Important note

Trains are planned to be hauled by a steam locomotive, supported by a diesel locomotive. Epping Ongar Railway reserves the right to substitute diesel traction for operational reasons. No refunds will be offered if a diesel locomotive replaces the scheduled steam locomotive. On the 15:35 departure, the steam locomotive may be replaced by a diesel locomotive during part of the journey.

 

Thousands of magical festive memories have been made on Santa Special trains over the years, so book early to secure your place on this fantastically festive family experience.