With just nine weeks to go until Christmas, the North Yorkshire Moors Railway (NYMR) has announced a range of festive trains and events to cater to everyone’s tastes as the festive season approaches.

Starting on Saturday, the 29th of November, the Santa Express will run every Saturday and Sunday in the run up to Christmas and on midweek days, Monday 23rd, and Tuesday 24th of December. These trains are ideal for families, featuring Santa’s elves, who bring the magic of Christmas to passengers onboard the train with songs and jokes before Santa himself makes his way through, meeting everyone on board.

Across the festive running reason, Bettys Bar (MK1 RMB No.1878) will be welcoming travellers, offering a selection of festive treats. Passengers will receive a Jute bag featuring homemade sandwiches, crisps, a box of Lottie Shaw Biscuits, chocolate fudge, mince pies and drinks.

Festive Afternoon Tea experiences on the railways, Great Western Railway Saloon, begin on Thursday, 25th November and run every Thursday until 18th December. Departing from Grosmont, passengers will enjoy a round trip along the line while enjoying the festively decorated interior of the saloon while sampling tea or coffee, sandwiches and sweet treats.

The Great Western Saloon is also available to hire for private functions and parties of up to 18 guests, on days across the festive season, culminating on 4th January 2026. These Christmas Charters feature a round trip from Grosmont to Pickering, and an on-board member of staff will cater to passengers’ needs as they sample the on-board buffet. For guests wishing to hire an on-board bar, a selection of drinks consisting of fine wines, local beers, lagers, and soft drinks will be made available.

For those looking for fine dining, the Christmas North Yorkshire Pullman will also be running on selected dates from Tuesday, 25th of November to Sunday, 4th January 2026. Featuring a festive menu, each passenger will be able to indulge in a three-course meal and a round trip from Grosmont, while enjoying the scenery through the train window as the train makes its way through the Yorkshire Moors National Park.

Between Christmas and New Year, the NYMR will be running steam Winter Excursions to the seaside town of Whitby. Running daily from Saturday 27th December 2025 to Sunday 4th January 2026, these trains will start at Pickering and feature a single round trip through to Whitby and back. Visitors will be able to spend a few hours in the town before returning to Pickering.

The NYMR is also offering three-night breaks in its comfortable, camping coaches at Goathland and Levisham stations, where passengers wishing to enjoy a few days at the railway or surrounding area in and across the festive season can use the accommodation as a base to explore the Yorkshire Moors.

Christmas gifts will be on sale at all the gift shops at stations along the line, and at the Christmas Emporium at Pickering throughout the festive season. Offering the chance to browse and do some festive shopping.

Tickets for the above services on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway are available to buy now from the NYMR website, visit www.nymr.co.uk/christmas.