Sweltering May temperatures will be just memories next winter, when “The Magic of Christmas” returns to the Weardale Railway in County Durham.

The festive experience with its much-loved Santa Express is set to welcome families once again from 28th November to 24th December. This year, the event promises to be bigger and better than ever, with visitors of all ages greeted by twinkling lights, cheerful elves, and festive cheer as they travel through the stunning winter backdrop of Weardale.

“The magic of Christmas” begins when guests arrive at Stanhope Station, where, accompanied by the sound of Christmas music, they find themselves in a beautifully decorated heritage setting filled with seasonal treats. Before boarding a heritage train for a journey through stunning Weardale, there will be plenty of photo opportunities.

Once onboard the train, guests will find the carriages transformed, with cosy festive spaces and table seating ideal for families and groups. Throughout the journey, playful elves will entertain with music, and there is laughter and surprises along the way. Santa himself will also travel on the train, greeting each family and presenting a gift to each child.

There are two ticket options, with the Golden Ticket from £33 offering a classic Santa Express experience, with a visit from Santa, a gift for every child and shared table seating. There are also VIP Tickets starting from £43, where guests can make the occasion an even more enjoyable experience, with additional space and comfort.

You can find more information and priority booking details here.

Earlier this month, the Weardale Railway laid on a special heritage train journey for people living with dementia and their carers for a memorable day out through the Durham Dales in support of National Dementia Week.

“We’re thrilled to be bringing the Santa Express back; it’s a real highlight of the year and has become a firm family tradition every winter. We love seeing generations come together to celebrate Christmas – including those who wrap up warm, arrive in Christmas jumper or their pyjamas ready for photographs. This year, we’ve worked hard to make the experience even more memorable, and we can’t wait to welcome visitors from across the North East and beyond.”

Claire Gibbons, General Manager, Weardale Railway