North Yorkshire Moors Railway Santa Specials 2026: The Complete Family Guide

The North Yorkshire Moors Railway Santa Specials are one of Britain’s most magical Christmas experiences — and they sell out every single year. Board a historic steam train from Pickering or Grosmont Station and journey through the stunning North York Moors to meet Father Christmas and his elves, collect a special gift and enjoy an hour of pure festive magic.

Whether it’s your first time or your tenth, this is the Christmas experience families come back to year after year. Here’s everything you need to know for 2026.

What Are The NYMR Santa Specials?

The North Yorkshire Moors Railway Santa Specials are a fully immersive Christmas steam train experience running every December weekend in the run-up to Christmas. Board at either Pickering or Grosmont Station and travel through one of England’s most spectacular landscapes – the North York Moors, while Santa and his elves work their way through the carriages. Every child receives a special gift. Every adult gets to feel genuinely, properly Christmassy.

NYMR Santa Specials 2026 – Dates & How To Book

The 2026 NYMR Santa Specials dates haven’t been officially confirmed yet – NYMR typically announces the festive timetable in the late summer, with tickets going on sale from September onwards. Based on previous years, expect services to run on selected weekends from late November through to 23rd or 24th December.

Tickets sell out fast, particularly the December weekend dates. Sign up to the NYMR mailing list at nymr.co.uk to be notified the moment 2026 tickets go live.

Get Travel To North Yorkshire: TRAINLINE

Chris Price, General Manager at NYMR, said, “We’re once again thrilled to be holding the Santa Specials for another year of festive fun. This is always an extremely popular service and the lead-up to Christmas is always such an exciting time. We love that families and groups from all over come to Yorkshire to experience this dazzling event.”

For more information and to purchase your tickets, visit nymr.co.uk/santa-specials which you can book now.

👉 Love a Christmas train experience? See our Polar Express Train Ride UK 2026 guide for another magical festive railway adventure.