Christmas train rides in and around Newcastle you can still get tickets for
From the former Polar Express in Weardale to Santa Specials at Tanfield Railway - here's where the kids can meet Santa on board a train
by Simon DukeFamilies across the North East can get into the Christmas spirit by booking a magical train ride to meet Santa.
Three railways - Tanfield, South Tynedale and Weardale - and one railway museum are hosting a series of rides throughout December where children can meet Santa and his little helpers at his grotto on the North Pole.
Children will be able to meet Santa (providing they have been good) and let him know what they would like for Christmas this year, before collecting a small, free gift.
Unfortunately, due to the fact that they are massively popular year after year, both the North Pole Express at Tanfield Railway and Stephenson Railway's Santa Specials are completely sold out.
You do still have two options though, both of which have good availability...
Santa Specials, South Tynedale Railway
Once you arrive at the station in Alston, you’ll be greeted by platform Elves who will direct you to the ticket office on platform 1 to collect your tickets and then help you to board your train.
You’ll be able to join in with some carol singing on your journey and they will give you a spotter sheet with lots of things to look for as you travel through the wintry North Pennines behind one of the Railway's heritage steam locos.
When you return to Alston, the Chief Elf will be there to lead you to Santa’s Grotto and while you wait your turn to see the famous man in red there will be crafts to keep you busy and seasonal refreshments to warm you up - all included in your ticket price.
Santa Specials will depart South Tynedale Railway on December 7, 8, 14, 15 and 22, with morning and afternoon time slots available for all.
You can book up via the South Tynedale Railway website.
Train to Christmas Town, Weardale Railway
The Christmas trips made their debut at Weardale Railway in winter 2017 as it was confirmed that The Polar Express, the massively popular event at the railway wouldn't be returning.
And you can book your seat on The Train to Christmas Town for 2019 right now. Arriving at Stanhope Station, you will collect your tickets from the ticket window then be transported into a seasonal wonderland.
You’ll have chance to take advantage of the gift shop and Olde Worlde sweet cabin, or relax with a hot drink and a bite to eat.
Delicious Christmas stew, pulled pork or maybe a hot dog are on the menu as you sit and wait for the train to arrive. Kids can pay a visit to the children’s corner where they can write a letter to post to Santa Claus or maybe hang a message on the Christmas Tree.
Once the Weardale Railway Conductor makes his “all aboard” announcement you'll be ready to join the Train to Christmas Town, where magical elf folk are waiting to share the spirit of the season with everyone as they make way to collect Santa Claus.
Each child will be greeted by Santa as he makes his way through the train and presents them with a special Train to Christmas Town gift.
The energetic Dancing Elves will have the whole carriage singing and dancing along to your favourite Christmas songs all the way back to the station.
The Train to Christmas Town trips will run at Weardale Railway from Saturday, November 23 until Christmas, with availability all the way up to December 23.
You can book up now at the Weardale Railway website
Prices are:
Standard Class Seating
Adult - £23
Child - £18
Premium Seating
Adult - £38
Child - £28
Other festive alternatives...
Winter Bumpers at Alnwick Garden
While not a train ride, there is also plenty of festive fun to be had at Alnwick Garden with the arrival of Winter Bumpers on ice.
For details of the full programme see here and to book tickets for Winter Bumpers, which cost from £3 for a ride of around seven minutes, see here .
There will be one person - secured by a harness - in each "bumper" boat with a minimum age of seven and a height restriction of 120cm (just under four feet of 1.2 metres). Those aged over five but under the minimum height can ride with an adult as a twosome.
Magical Christmas at Beamish Hall
This immersive theatrical experience at the County Durham hotel is described as one for those "who believe in the magic of Christmas".
Families will explore an Enchanted Woodland filled with illuminations, music, interactive props, projections, and performers and the visiting young adventurers will be able to create their own elf name which will help their journey along a secret pathway which only elves know about.
And they can even become an honorary elf.
Sessions will run on November 30 and December 1, 7, 8, 14, 15, 21 and 22 and tickets are priced £25, for one to 11-year-olds, and £22 (plus £1 booking fee) for those aged 12 and over (under-ones are free). See here to book.
Festive Tales with Father Christmas, Woodhorn Museum
If your young one has questioned you about how long it takes to get that all important letter to Father Christmas then December 1 will be a chance to find out.
The man himself will be revealing all at this fun event where another pertinent question being answered will be what do reindeers really want families to leave them to eat on Christmas Eve.
Children can also enjoy seasonal stories such as The Snowman and The Polar Express.
Tickets - £6.50 for children and free to adults - will include a 30-minute session with Santa, that unmissable photo opportunity and stories as well as a seasonal gift.
Available slots on the day are at 11am, 12noon, 1pm, 2pm and 3pm. See here to book.