The Great Central Santa Express is back again for 2024! With our 2023 prices held and some amazing new additions, you’ll be in for a real treat this year. Meet Santa and other beloved Christmas characters as they spread joy and festive cheer. For those looking to make this Christmas extra luxurious, our new premium compartments offer a truly special experience. Explore the delights at Leicester North, including a fun photobooth, and enjoy a short pause over the Swithland Reservoir for some scenic views. So, are you ready to experience the enchantment of Christmas with a heart-warming journey on our heritage steam railway?
We're thrilled to announce that we’re keeping our prices the same as last year! This means you can enjoy all the festive fun and magical experiences of the Great Central Santa Express without any extra cost. It's our way of spreading holiday cheer and ensuring that as many families as possible can join in the Christmas celebrations.
Experience the enchantment of Christmas with a heart-warming journey on our heritage steam railway! Join us for a festive adventure as we invite you to meet Santa and his jolly helpers on the train! The little ones will be delighted with our specially curated Christmas Activity Pack, filled with games, puzzles, and colouring sheets. Santa knows how to spread happiness and cheer, and every child on board will receive a special Christmas gift from the man himself! The joy in their eyes will be priceless as they unwrap their surprises, and that's not all! Each child will receive a drink and treats onboard as well! We haven't forgotten about the grown-ups! As you enjoy the scenery and laughter of the children, indulge in a complimentary Irish Cream Liqueur and a delectable warm Mince Pie. It's the perfect way to savour the season.
Adding to the magic, other beloved Christmas characters will join Santa on board to provide extra entertainment with fun sing-alongs. Watch as the characters you know and love come to life, bringing joy and festive cheer to the whole family. As the Santa Express journeys past the beautifully decorated and lit-up Quorn and Rothley stations, the twinkling lights and festive decorations will make your journey even more special. This year, we're excited to include a short pause on the stunning Swithland Viaduct. Here, you'll have the opportunity to take in the breathtaking views of the reservoir. It's a perfect moment to capture the scenic beauty and create lasting memories. There will be a 25-minute stop at our Leicester North Station where you'll be able to take a photo with Santa in front of the locomotive, grab a drink in the vintage tearoom, and even enjoy a fun photobooth! Capture the joy and excitement of the day with your loved ones in these unique settings. We'll also have an At Seat Bar Service. So that you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride. The joy continues even after the journey ends. Every child will also receive a Goody Bag with surprises to take home as a keepsake of this unforgettable Christmas adventure.
New for 2024🎉Make Christmas extra special by booking our Premium Private Compartment Experience, for up to 8 people! Enjoy this festive trip in a private compartment with your loved ones. This amazing experience includes all of the other festive treats of standard class with additional goodies including: 🎅Extra time with Santa ☕Delicious hot chocolates ✨A customized Santa Express mug keepsake 🍫 Chocolate novelties … all in the luxury of your own Premium Private Compartment.
Tickets are valid for one Santa Express experience on the date and time slot specified. All The Great Central Santa Express services depart from our Loughborough Central Station. Guests are requested to arrive at least 30 minutes before the advertised departure time. Free on-street parking is available on nearby streets. Please allow sufficient time for parking and making your way to the station.
| Date | Price Per Person (Standard Compartment) | Price Per Premium Compartment |
|---|---|---|
| Saturday 23rd November | £24 | £240 |
| Sunday 24th November | £24 | £240 |
| Saturday 30th November | £26 | £255 |
| Sunday 1st December | £26 | £255 |
| Saturday 7th December | £28 | £270 |
| Sunday 8th December | £28 | £270 |
| Saturday 14th December | £30 | £290 |
| Sunday 15th December | £30 | £290 |
| Saturday 21st December | £36 | £330 |
| Sunday 22nd December | £36 | £330 |
| Monday 23rd December | £33 | £310 |
| Tuesday 24th December | £36 | £330 |
Each service is planned to convey an accessible coach which has a limited number of reservable wheelchair spaces for passengers who need to remain in their wheelchair whilst on the service. These spaces must be reserved online when purchasing your tickets. Family and Friends can travel with the wheelchair user in the dedicated carriage and can purchase a Wheelchair In-Carriage Reservation Ticket too. Wheelchair users who can walk a short distance to a standard carriage seat and do not need to remain in their wheelchair during the service do not need a wheelchair space reservation. Wheelchairs can be stored in the guards van or left safely on the station platform. Only Assistance Dogs are permitted onboard Santa Express services. If you require any assistance with your booking, please call our booking office on 01509 632323, who will be happy to help.
Cancelled bookings will not be refunded, however with more than 14 (fourteen) days notice, we will endeavour to transfer your booking to another service, subject to availability. Transfers are subject to an administrative charge of £5.00 per person and the ticket price difference between the original and new dates. All services are subject to availability or amendment. Additional services may be added to the timetable. Prices may be changed at any time without notice. Great Central Railway reserves the right to change our product offer at any time without notice.