- Train Rides
- All Ages
North Pole Express at Tanfield Railway
Tanfield Railway · Stanley, County Durham · 28th November to 24th December 2026
About this event
Tanfield Railway's North Pole Express is sold out for 2026: the organiser's booking link reads all tickets sold out for the whole run. It runs on 28 and 29 November and 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, 20, 22, 23 and 24 December, with departures every hour from 10:25 to 16:25, and 21 December is not a running date.
The experience starts and finishes at East Tanfield Station and lasts about 2 hours to 2 hours 25 minutes. Time on the steam train is around 10 to 15 minutes each way, and the rest is spent at the North Pole and at East Tanfield.
At the North Pole children visit Father Christmas in his grotto and receive a special gift, and there are festive activities for everyone. Back at East Tanfield the ticket includes entry to the Jingles Elf Show, a photo opportunity with the Ticket Conductor, a North Pole Express tote bag and festive treats for adults and children.
The trains have no toilets and no heating, though there are accessible toilets and baby change at East Tanfield and at the North Pole, and much of the event is outdoors. A wheelchair ticket gives access to an accessible compartment for one wheelchair user and up to four companions, and only assistance animals are allowed. Parking is free.
Santa's grotto at the North Pole
The steam train runs out to the North Pole, where children visit Father Christmas in his grotto and receive a special gift, with festive activities to join in. Time on the train is about 10 to 15 minutes each way.
The Jingles Elf Show and more
The ticket also covers the Jingles Elf Show at East Tanfield, a photo opportunity with the Ticket Conductor, a North Pole Express tote bag and festive treats for adults and children, which is why the visit runs to over two hours.
A wheelchair compartment and carer tickets
A wheelchair ticket gives access to an accessible compartment for one wheelchair user and up to four companions. Carers pay half the adult price, arranged by email once the rest of the party has booked online.
Plan your visit
Dates and times
28th November to 24th December 2026
Sold out for 2026
28 and 29 November, 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, 20, 22, 23 and 24 December 2026
Departures hourly 10:25 - 16:25
The experience lasts about 2 hours to 2 hours 25 minutesAges
All Ages
Getting there
VIP Pass
Members save at selected Christmas days out
Frequently Asked Questions
Most asked questions relating to Christmas.
From Santa's grottos and magical light trails to winter farm parks, theme park celebrations and immersive festive experiences, the UK has plenty of Christmas days out for all ages. Our Christmas Events hub highlights the most popular and top-rated options to help you choose the perfect adventure.
