North Yorkshire Moors Railway Festive Experiences for Winter 2026

About

image: John Hunt

The North Yorkshire Moors Railway (NYMR) has unveiled its programme of festive experiences for winter 2026, offering a variety of seasonal events for families, railway enthusiasts, history lovers and those looking to celebrate Christmas in a unique setting.

Santa Express

The popular Santa Express returns, departing from Pickering and bringing the magic of Christmas to life with a visit from Santa, his team of mischievous elves and a new festive character, Gingersnap.

Operating dates:

28 and 29 November 2026
5, 6, 12, 13, 19 and 20 December 2026
22 to 24 December 2026

Prices: From £29.50 per person.

Christmas North Yorkshire Pullman

The Christmas North Yorkshire Pullman returns on selected dates between 24 November 2026 and 3 January 2027. This 2-hour 45-minute dining experience travels from Pickering to Goathland and back, serving a festive menu featuring traditional roast turkey, honey roast gammon and seasonal desserts including Chef’s Homemade Chocolate Orange Cheesecake and Christmas Pudding.

The experience also includes:

Welcome glass of mulled wine
Tea and coffee
Mince pies

Prices: From £101.50 per person.

Festive Fish & Chips Service

New for Christmas 2026, the Festive Fish & Chips service combines a heritage railway journey with a traditional meal. Fish and chips are served on the outbound journey, followed by tea, coffee and a mince pie on the return.

Operating dates:

24, 25 and 26 November 2026
1, 2, 3, 8, 10, 11, 15, 17 and 29 December 2026
2 and 3 January 2027

Guests can also add a cream scone or cheese and biscuits for an additional charge.

Prices: From £110 per table of two.

Tinsel Tipple

Another new addition for 2026 is Tinsel Tipple, a festive train journey featuring live Christmas sing-alongs, entertaining elves and a Baileys with a mince pie served onboard. Non-alcoholic alternatives are also available, creating a relaxed festive experience for adults.

Operating dates:

28 November 2026
12, 22 and 23 December 2026

Prices: £35 per person.

Festive Travel & Treats

The Festive Travel & Treats package includes a return steam or heritage diesel journey between Pickering and Goathland, accompanied by a seasonal hamper for two.

Each package includes:

Jute gift bag
Choice of drink
Sandwich
Tray bakes
Box of biscuits
Tea and coffee
Mince pies

Prices: £130 for two people.

Christmas Afternoon Tea on the Great Western Saloon

Passengers can enjoy a festive afternoon tea aboard the historic Great Western Saloon, featuring panoramic views from plush sofa seating while travelling through the North York Moors.

The menu includes:

Mulled wine
Handmade sandwiches
Savoury bites
Seasonal sweet treats
Mince pies

Operating dates:

26 November 2026
3, 10 and 17 December 2026

Prices: £85 per person.

Christmas Charters

Private festive celebrations can be hosted aboard the beautifully restored Great Western Saloon. Available on selected dates from 24 November 2026 to 3 January 2027, the charter includes a decorated 1940s carriage, mulled wine, a buffet lunch and dedicated onboard staff.

Prices: £1,595 for up to 18 guests.

Short Winter Breaks

Visitors can also enjoy a three-night winter stay in one of the railway’s unique properties, including camping coaches at Goathland and Levisham stations or Grosmont Station House. These provide an ideal base for exploring the North York Moors, nearby market towns and local country pubs.

Christmas Gifts

The NYMR has also introduced a selection of seasonal gifts, with proceeds helping to support the future of the heritage railway.

The collection includes:

Jessica Hogarth knitwear, including festive jumpers, scarves, beanies and matching dog jumpers
Hand-painted glass baubles inspired by original David Charlesworth watercolours
Curated Yorkshire-themed hampers filled with food and gift items

Book Christmas Experiences at the North Yorkshire Moors Railway

The North Yorkshire Moors Railway’s 2026 festive programme offers a wide range of Christmas experiences, from family-friendly steam train adventures and festive dining to seasonal short breaks and gift ideas. Every visit also helps support the preservation of one of Britain’s best-loved heritage railways.

For more information and to book tickets, visit https://www.nymr.co.uk/christmas.