Although Britain is sweltering in the middle of yet another heatwave, the North Yorkshire Moors Railway (NYMR) is making plans for this year’s Santa Express services.

This year, the Santa Express services will provide an interactive experience this festive season, and even better, prices have been frozen at the same level as last year.

Along with a festive steam train ride that brings to life the magic of Christmas, visitors will have the chance to meet Santa and his band of elves. Santa Express trains will run on Saturday/Sunday 28th/29th November, and 5th/6th, 12th/13th, and 19th/20th December, and Tuesday, 22nd to Thursday, 24th December.

To add to the experience, the NYMR is partnering with the Wise Owl Theatre Company to introduce Gingersnap, who is a classic, playful, festive character who is always on the run. After mayhem in the kitchen, he arrives on a baking tray and causes more mayhem throughout the show. However, the elves will be there to bring a bit of sanity to the event and clear up after him.

Santa Express services an hour-long return journey between Pickering and Levisham. During the journey, Santa and his elves will provide entertainment, along with Elton Elf, who is a musical genius; Santa and Rudolf’s personal chef, Chef Custard; and Joey Marshmallow, the trickster Elf.

All children will receive Christmas gifts, including a gingerbread man, a plush toy, and a festive book to take home as a keepsake.

As well as the train journey, at Pickering Station, there will be a host of activities to continue the fun, including a Naughty or Nice Scanner; Christmas-themed games; a Write and Post Your Letter to Santa station; and a festive sing-along.

Also at Pickering Station, the Christmas emporium will be open, where visitors can purchase their last-minute Christmas gifts, stocking fillers, or mementoes of the festive journey; the tearoom will also be open.

Before the Festive season, however, during the Halloween season, the Mad Alice Ghost Train will return to the North Yorkshire Moors Railway.

Further information about the NYMR Santa Express is online at www.nymr.co.uk/santa.