The Santa Express 2025 – Whistlestop Valley

About

The Santa Express returns to Whistlestop Valley for a magical festive journey to the North Pole. Passengers will travel in heated carriages hauled by a steam locomotive from Clayton West Station to Shelley North Pole, where Santa will be waiting in his cosy grotto with gifts for the children. Along the way, there’s plenty of seasonal fun, from live entertainment to hands-on activities, making it one of Yorkshire’s most popular Christmas experiences.

Dates

Saturday 13 – Sunday 14 December 2025
Friday 19 – Wednesday 24 December 2025 (no 18:00 service on 24 December)

Why Visit?

This is more than just a train ride – it’s a full Christmas adventure. From the moment you arrive at Clayton West Station, the festive atmosphere is everywhere, with Spike Bonzo’s Christmas Magic Show, miniature railway rides and the chance to meet Santa’s mischievous elf at the North Pole.

With activities for children, festive treats for all, and unlimited use of Whistlestop Valley’s rides and play areas, it’s a day out that combines the magic of steam travel with the joy of Christmas traditions.

What To Expect

• Return steam train ride in heated carriages from Clayton West to Shelley North Pole
• One-on-one meeting with Santa in his grotto, with age-appropriate gifts for children
• Christmas Magic Show with Spike Bonzo
• Santa’s mischievous elf bringing festive fun at the North Pole
• Reindeer food making station and Wishing Tree for Christmas wishes
• Complimentary festive tipple for adults and edible treat for guests over 12 months
• Unlimited rides on the Clayton Flyer miniature railway, jumping pillow, playground, Crazy Golf (until 16:30) and pedal cars
• Unlimited rides on a small merry-go-round (subject to availability)
• Gift shop for Christmas purchases and The Firebox Café serving a festive menu
• Ice cream and tram platform rides at the North Pole

Entry

Adult tickets from £25.95. Child tickets (over 12 months) from £29.95, including gift. Infant tickets (under 12 months) £7.95, including keepsake memento. All bookings incur a £1.80 transaction fee and must be made in advance. Concessions, promotions and discounts are not valid on Christmas experiences. The time booked is the train’s departure time from Clayton West Station – please arrive early as trains will not wait.

Plan Your Visit

Venue: Clayton West Station, Whistlestop Valley, Park Mill Way, Clayton West, Huddersfield, HD8 9XJ. The station is easily reached from the A636 between Denby Dale and Scissett, with free on-site parking. The site offers step-free access to platforms, trains and most activities, though some areas may have uneven surfaces. Warm clothing is recommended as some activities take place outdoors. Seats on the train are allocated; to guarantee sitting together, book your whole party in one transaction.