Details
Hop aboard and let the Christmas magic begin! Our Santa Special steam train chugs out of Butterley Station, jingling with excitement as Santa himself wanders through the cosy heritage carriages, stopping at every seat to meet each child. Every child receives a special gift, and Santa’s cheerful elves follow along with cookies delivered to your seat for adults and children alike. Little ones will also get their very own colouring book and pencils to keep the festive creativity flowing.
But the fun doesn’t end when the train stops! Continue the adventure with the Pinxton Puppet Show in our heated, beautifully decorated marquee, and don’t miss our enchanting animatronics tableau for even more Christmas wonder.
It’s a wonderfully festive family day out you’ll be talking about until next Christmas!
This special festive treat features:
- A visit from Santa on the train.
- A gift for every child.
- A cookie delivered to your seat for all adults and children.
- A colouring book and pencils for each child.
- Pinxton Puppet Show in a heated and decorated marquee after your train journey.
- Animatronics tableau.
Treat Yourself to a Santa Special Private Compartment Experience!
Treat your family or friends to a festive escape in your very own private compartment! Perfect for up to six passengers, each compartment comes with all the festive goodies of standard class — plus the added luxury of your own cosy space. You can even add up to two little ones on an adult’s lap when booking.
With only seven compartments available per trip, they’re sure to go fast — so grab yours early and avoid disappointment!
How to Book
Tickets on Sale August 2026!
If you are booking for a large friend or family group, we suggest booking together where possible to allow us to seat your group together.
Unfortunately we are unable to take bookings in person at Butterley Office during the week.
We also offer discounts for parties of more than 20 – please call us on 01773 570140 for party bookings.
We don’t currently offer discounts of any type on our Santa Special Trains. However if you need any assistance or advice, please do not hesitate to contact us.
By telephone: We accept most major debit and credit cards, so call us with your requirements and your card details on 01773 570140. Please note telephone bookings attract a £5 surcharge.
For our terms and conditions please click here.
*Event details may be subject to change
Planning your Visit to the Santa Specials
- We recommend that you arrive at Butterley Station at least 30 minutes before your train departs. This allows time for parking, collecting your tickets from the booking office, and purchasing hot drinks etc. from the tea room on the platform before boarding your train. The time shown at the start of the booking slot is the time the train departs.
- The train journey is approximately a one hour round trip.
- Hot drinks, soft drinks and snacks are available on the platform at Butterley Station once you’ve collected your tickets and before you board the train.
- A selection of snacks, soft drinks and alcoholic drinks are available at the on-train bar located in the buffet car.
- Shelter is provided by a large heated and decorated marquee with an animatronics display. This is also the venue for the Pinxton Puppet Show after your train ride. Refreshments are available on train buffet car.
- We are unable to accept dogs on the Santa Special Trains, with the exception of assistance dogs.
- We make all efforts to provide access for those with reduced mobility. The trains we use for the Santa Specials were designed in the 1950s, and unfortunately were not built with access to people of reduced mobility in mind. We can currently accommodate passengers who can walk a short distance whilst our volunteers safely stow their wheelchair in the luggage compartment, and we do offer access ramps. Please ring to discuss any specific needs or requirements concerning persons of reduced mobility you may have prior to booking.
Please note that it is not possible to visit the Swanwick Junction Museum complex during Santa Specials.
Refunds/Cancellation Policy Cancelled bookings will only be refunded with 14 day’s notice and will incur a £5 admin charge.
With LESS than 14 day’s notice, no refund will be given.
We ask that any issues are raised on the day to allow us to resolve at the time.
Midland Railway – Butterley reserve the right to amend or cancel the event at any time.