Santa Specials: making magical Christmas memories
for generations
When it comes to magical childhood Christmas experiences, there’s nothing quite like a steam train ride: heading into the wintry countryside, with the prospect of meeting Santa - all without moving from the comfort of your seat in a heritage carriage.
For more than fifty years, the award-winning* Kent & East Sussex Railway (K&ESR) Santa Specials have brought Christmas magic to generations of families, creating cherished memories that last a lifetime. What began in the 1970s as a festive day out for children has since become a beloved family tradition, with those same visitors now returning decades later, this time with their children and grandchildren to share in the joy and nostalgia of the season once again.
Alongside a magical 75-minute steam train journey, the K&ESR Santa Special experience is packed with festive treats for the whole family. Guests can enjoy age-appropriate, high-quality presents personally delivered by Santa, a keepsake family photo, and complimentary hot drinks - with mulled wine for the grown-ups. The fun continues at Tenterden Town Station, where visitors can explore the enchanting Winter Wonderland marquee and enjoy unlimited rides on the vintage gallopers. Even the youngest guests are included, babies under 18 months travel free and receive a special gift from Santa.
Tickets include unlimited vintage galloper rides at Tenterden
Photo: Robin Coombes/K&ESR
The main attraction - Santa himself - travels on board the train, giving out gifts - named for each child - to the children at their seats, ably assisted by his trusty team of Elves.
This year, the Kent & East Sussex Railway is adding even more festive sparkle with three exclusive Santa Special packages - Bronze, Silver, and Gold - each offering extra seasonal treats and experiences.
Bronze (Standard Class) passengers will receive a complimentary refreshment pack to enjoy during the journey, complete with a mince pie for each adult, a chocolate bar for every child, and soft drinks for everyone. To keep the magic alive, an on-board magician will entertain little ones until Santa arrives at their seats.
In Silver and Gold class carriages, families will also meet Jingle and Sparkle, Santa’s Head Elves, who will present children with special Elf-ship diplomas in recognition of their Christmas spirit.
Silver (First Class) guests can look forward to a deluxe refreshment pack, extra chocolates for older children (aged 12–15), and a complimentary trolley service offering adults a choice of alcoholic or non-alcoholic drinks.
For the ultimate festive indulgence, Gold (Premium Class) passengers will enjoy a sparkling train ride with unlimited prosecco, beer, or soft drinks, alongside a tempting selection of festive cakes and warm luxury mince pies. Younger passengers are treated too, with character chocolates and fruit drinks, all served to your seats for a truly magical experience.
For families seeking a calmer festive experience, the 11:15am service on Saturday 29th November will run as a ‘Quiet Train’. This special journey offers all the same magical features of the Santa Specials - including presents, Santa visits, and festive refreshments - but without Christmas music, creating a more relaxed and sensory-friendly atmosphere. A wheelchair-accessible coach is also available on this service, ensuring everyone can enjoy the magic of Christmas at the Kent & East Sussex Railway.
The 2025 Santa Specials run every weekend from Saturday 29th November until Sunday 21st December, plus Tuesday 23rd December and Christmas Eve, Wednesday 24th December.
Online booking is essential at www.kesr.org,uk. Then, on the day, all you need to do is relax in the comfort of your reserved seats and wait for Santa to come to you!