- Train Rides
- All Ages
THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride at Brecon Mountain Railway
Brecon Mountain Railway · Merthyr Tydfil, Glamorgan and Cardiff · 13th November to 23rd December 2026
About this event
2026 is the first year Brecon Mountain Railway has hosted the licensed THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride, running on selected dates from 13 November to 23 December 2026 from Pant Station near Merthyr Tydfil. The ride covers 2.5 miles each way, not the full length of the line, and departure times appear in the booking calendar once you choose a date.
Guests receive a souvenir golden ticket on arrival, then meet the Conductor, the Hobo and Santa Claus. The story is read aloud with a large format picture book to follow, and hot chocolate and a cookie are served on board.
The train stops at the North Pole for about 30 minutes, with performances including the Hot Chocolate dance scene. Santa and the elves give every guest a sleigh bell, there is carol singing on the return to Pant Station, and a professional photo opportunity at the station.
The event page describes a 120 minute experience with about 45 minutes on the train, while its quick details box says 1.5 hours, so allow two hours to be safe. Fares run from £34.95 off peak to £49.95 peak, the same for adults and children, and a premium upgrade adds a ceramic mug and bag for £12.
A first for Brecon Mountain Railway
2026 is the first season THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride runs here, with the Conductor, the Hobo and Santa Claus on board and the story read from a large format picture book as you travel.
A stop at the North Pole
The train pauses at the North Pole for about 30 minutes, with performances including the Hot Chocolate dance scene. Santa and the elves hand every guest a sleigh bell before carols on the way back to Pant.
Off peak dates from £34.95
Fares fall into three bands, off peak £34.95, standard £42.95 and peak £49.95, the same for adults and children aged 3 to 15, with under 3s at £5. The premium upgrade adds a mug and bag for £12.
Plan your visit
Dates and times
13th November to 23rd December 2026
Selected dates, 13 November to 23 December 2026
Departure times are shown in the booking calendar once you choose a date
About 45 minutes on the train and a 30 minute stop at the North Pole
Allow up to 2 hours in totalAges
All Ages
Getting there
Public service buses operate from Merthyr Tydfil town centre bus station to Pant (cemetry). Monday to Saturday the service is operated by Stagecoach on route 35, buses run every 15 minutes. Sunday services vary
Rail services are operated from Cardiff to Merthyr Tydfil by Transport For Wales, trains run every 30 minutes Monday to Saturday and every 2 hours on Sundays. Timings may differ for Bank Holiday services.
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.
