Join Santa on his special festive trainSelected dates in December 2026
Bring the family to see Santa on his special train with the fantastically festive
Epping Ongar Railway Santa Specials!
HE'S AGREED TO RETURN FOR 2026, SO IT'S ALL ABOARD FOR SANTA'S SPECIAL TRAIN!
"This was by far the best Santa experience on a railway I've been on over the years"
- All children receive a present from Santa
- Inclusive Park and Ride service on our vintage London buses from Epping or Ongar
- Take a return journey on Santa's Fantastically Festive Special Train from North Weald
- Meet Santa and his friends during the experience
The experience starts as you join our vintage London bus service at either Epping Underground station or in Ongar at the times shown below. When you arrive at North Weald Station you will get the chance to get in the spirit with something from our festive food stall whilst you listen to our live brass band! As you wait for the train perhaps you will meet our characters who will be walking around the crowds looking for the nice children to make sure that Santa will find them later. Naughty children will not be allowed to board the train!
Not long after arriving the excitement mounts as you cross the footbridge to join Santa's fantastically festive Special Train, which will take you on a return journey via the ancient Epping Forest to Ongar. Whilst the nice children wait for Santa to find them on the train and give them a present, our entertainers will be around to keep you busy.
Refreshments
Hot and cold light refreshments will be available to purchase before boarding the train.
Why not treat yourself to a delicious hot chocolate while you wait?
Parking
Your experience starts on the inclusive vintage London bus from either Epping Underground station, or Ongar, before you join Santa's Fantastically Festive Special Train at North Weald.
Parking is at Epping Underground station, in Epping High Street, or in Ongar High Street. There is no parking at North Weald station.
Follow the Additional Information link below for details of where to catch the bus and parking information.
Thousands of happy festive memories have been made on Santa's Special trains over the years, so act quickly to secure your seats on this fantastically festive family experience.
Seating
We offer seating at tables of 2 or 4. This table is exclusive to your party..
We also offer the exclusive use of a compartment for up to 6 or 8 people.
- We collect ages and gender of all children in your party during the booking process to allow Santa to provide an appropriate present.
- Children less than 1 year old are not counted as part of the group numbers.
- Booking for more than 4 people? If you purchase more than one table for 4 in the same booking then these will be allocated together either side of a central aisle.
- All fares include the vintage London bus service from Epping or Ongar, a return journey on the train from North Weald, and a present for all children.
- You should allow up to 2 1⁄2 hours for your Santa Special experience from either Epping or Ongar.
Follow this link for important information regarding disabled access and information on parking and the park and ride vintage London bus service
IMPORTANT ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Trains are planned to be hauled by a steam locomotive. Every effort will be made to operate services as advertised but the Epping Ongar Railway reserves the right to substitute a diesel locomotive for steam in unavoidable circumstances. No refunds will be offered in the event that a diesel locomotive is substituted.
We hope you find all the information you need on this page, but if you have any queries, then please drop us a line via Facebook or X, or email our dedicated sales team.