Santa Trains at Severn Valley Railway
There are two Santa Train experiences at Severn Valley Railway to choose from this year. Santa’s Steam Specials depart from Kidderminster and include a live Christmas show at Arley, while the Elf Express departs from Bridgnorth and offers a more immersive, character-led adventure onboard. There are also Relaxed Santa’s Steam Specials for families looking for a calmer experience, plus evening Carol Trains for some festive singing and Christmas cheer…
Santa’s Steam Specials
Step aboard a magical steam train from Kidderminster Station and journey into a world of festive wonder! Running on selected dates from 28 November to Christmas Eve.
Your magical journey begins at Kidderminster Station with festive cheer and seasonal decorations. Don’t forget to collect your special ticket and that morning’s edition of the North Pole News before you climb aboard our beautifully restored vintage carriages.
Whether you’re travelling in your own private compartment or at reserved table seats, settle back and enjoy a joyful journey through the Severn Valley to Arley Station. Savour a sweet festive treat, soak up the enchanting atmosphere, and share the excitement with family and friends — because Christmas is always better when it’s shared. Children under two do not count towards the number of people in your group and travel free of charge (but do still receive a present).
New for 2026 – The Recipe for Christmas
At Arley Station, it’s time for the live show – with music, laughter, and a sprinkle of Christmas magic. Step inside Santa’s Kitchen for The Recipe for Christmas, a joyful new family musical. It’s Christmas Eve, and Santa’s pre-flight snack is in peril. When the egotistical Chef Crumble turns the kitchen upside down, Mrs Claus and the lovable elves Holy and Jangle call on children and grown-ups to help save the day. With original songs, festive surprises and an appearance from Santa himself, everyone has a part to play.
The Adventure Continues
After the show, your train awaits for the return journey to Kidderminster — with a special surprise on-board! Every child will receive a present from Santa’s team to take home as a keepsake of their magical day. On selected departures, you can also hop off at Bewdley Station to explore the charming riverside town before heading back to Kidderminster later in the day.
Relaxed Santa’s Steam Specials are also available on 6, 13 and 20 December.
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The Elf Express
The 2026 Elf Express sees Santa with some brand new helpers on his very special train – and you’re invited to join them!
Departing from Bridgnorth on selected dates from 28 November to Christmas Eve, you’ll step into a magical Christmas adventure filled with laughter, storytelling and festive mischief.
Meet Santa and friends
From the moment you climb on board and take a seat in your very own compartment, the story unfolds around you. You’ll get to meet Santa himself, along with some of his merry team. Join in with their Christmas capers and discover plenty of surprises along the way.
Gingersnap the Gingerbread Man and Chef Cinnamon Crumble
Straight from the North Pole kitchen comes Gingersnap, a cheeky little gingerbread man with one very big worry – being mistaken for a Christmas snack! Luckily, Chef Cinnamon Crumble is usually close by to keep him out of trouble… usually.
Joe Robin and Poppy the Post Elf
Christmas wishes are very important business! Joe Robin is Santa’s special post robin, working alongside Poppy the Post Elf to make sure Christmas wishes find their way safely to the Big Man himself.
Chris-Mouse and Trixie the Trickster Elf
Chris-Mouse may be one of the North Pole’s tiniest helpers, but he has some very important responsibilities – including crumb collection and, of course, cheese tasting in the North Pole Tea Room! Alongside him is Trixie the Trickster Elf, who is always ready for a little festive mischief.
Mrs Claus and Cracker the Elf
Mrs Claus knows everything there is to know about Christmas – including exactly who is responsible for those terrible jokes inside your Christmas crackers! Meet Cracker the Elf, the North Pole’s official Christmas cracker joke writer. His jokes might make you laugh. They might make you groan. Either way, Cracker thinks they’re hilarious!
To make the journey even more magical, Santa himself will stop by to meet your family and deliver a special gift that will bring smiles to every child’s face.
A Magical, Immersive Christmas Adventure
Developed in partnership with Wise Owl Theatre Company, The Elf Express brings Christmas to life through live performance, interactive storytelling and puppetry.
Carol Trains
Get ready for a musical journey as you experience the magic of heritage train travel in the dark, heading from Kidderminster to a Christmas concert amongst our locomotives at The Engine House, Highley.
Musicians from across Shropshire and Worcestershire will sing you into the festive season with songs from across the eras; feel free to join in and sing along! There’s also a complementary glass of mulled wine and a mince pie for each passenger.
Starting your experience at Kidderminster Station, the concourse will be filled with the sounds of Christmas classics, before you board the Carol Train for more singing on-board on your journey to Highley. At Highley, you leave the train for the short walk (approximately 200 metres) to The Engine House, where the choir (and sometimes band) will again lead the singing. At the end of the night, it’ll be time for your steam train back to Kidderminster.
- Friday 4 December – Got 2 Sing
- Saturday 5 December – Anthem Voices
- Friday 11 December – Got 2 Sing/Dynamix
- Saturday 12 December – Lutley Voices/Cleobury Brass
- Friday 18 December – Got 2 Sing
- Saturday 19 December – Got 2 Sing/Dynamix
Carol Trains depart from Kidderminster at 6.30pm, arriving back at approximately 10.15pm.
Click here for even more local Christmas events with Raring2go!
