The North Yorkshire Moors Railway (NYMR) has announced an array of festive experiences for a magical winter along the heritage line as the Railway 200 celebration year comes to an end, marking the bicentenary of the birth of the modern railway in the UK.

Santa Express

On 29th, 30th November, 6th, 7th, 13th, 14th, 20th to 24th December, families can experience a brand-new interactive adventure as they meet Father Christmas onboard the Santa Express. The steam train ride will be packed with songs, jokes and the magic of Christmas, brought to life by Santa’s Elves – families will also get to meet the great man himself on board. Tickets for the Santa Express start from £29.50 per person.

Christmas North Yorkshire Pullman

Tuck into a specially crafted Christmas menu aboard the North Yorkshire Pullman with loved ones whilst journeying through the North York Moors National Park this festive season. Available on various dates from 25 November to 4 January 2026, the journey is a return trip from Grosmont Station. Diners can enjoy a three-course meal finished with freshly brewed tea or coffee and a Stonehouse Bakery Mince Pie. Seats are priced from £99 per person.

Festive Travel & Treats

Departing from Grosmont Station, festive travellers will traverse the heritage line to Pickering and back in buffet carriage No. 1878, affectionately known as Betty’s Bar. Guests will be shown to their table to find a keepsake jute bag including drinks, homemade sandwich, Piper’s crisps, a box of Lottie Shaw biscuits and chocolate fudge, and mince pies. A Festive Travel & Treats package for two people is £130.

Christmas Afternoon Tea on the Great Western Saloon

Experience a delicious Afternoon Tea on board the festively decorated Great Western Saloon. Travel along the heritage line whilst enjoying a selection of tasty sandwiches, savouries and sweet treats.

The services are running on 27 November, 4, 11 & 18 December, departing Grosmont at 12:45 pm and are priced at £85.00 per person, available for people aged 16 or over.

Christmas Charters

For a Christmas get together with a difference, charter the opulent Great Western Saloon carriage that will be decked out with decorations and available for hire until 4 January 2026.

Guests will receive a return journey from Grosmont to Pickering with on-board buffet, a dedicated member of staff and complimentary mineral water. A bar can be provided onboard offering a small selection of wine, local beers, lagers & soft drinks. The Christmas Buffet is available for £1,595 for up to 18 guests.

Christmas gifts

During the winter season, the Christmas Emporium at Pickering, plus our station gift shops along the line as well as our on-line shop, will be open to browse a selection of festive gifts including exclusive NYMR clothing and merchandise, tree decorations, candles, mugs, coasters, books, calendars and gift wrapping. There are bespoke gifts for that special someone and to brighten any home.

To find out more and to book tickets, visit www.nymr.co.uk/christmas.

By Penny McCarthy

Penny McCarthy is a seasoned entrepreneur and co-founder of Parents News UK, a pioneering publication launched in 1993 to serve the needs of busy parents in Southwest London. Alongside her husband, Fergus McCarthy, Penny played a crucial role in the rapid expansion of the printed edition, which grew from a local startup to a widely circulated monthly publication with a reach of 192,000 copies across Kent, South London, and beyond. Under Penny’s leadership, Parents News quickly became a trusted resource for families, providing valuable information on education, entertainment, sports, and family-friendly events. Her vision helped the publication extend its influence with franchises in Northern Ireland and Cornwall, catering to a growing demand for accessible, family-oriented content. In 1997, recognising the importance of digital media, Penny spearheaded the launch of Parents News UK Online. The website initially mirrored the content of the printed editions and has since evolved into a comprehensive online resource for parents, achieving significant popularity with up to 700 daily hits. In 2017, the publication transitioned fully to an online platform, continuing to inform and engage families across the UK. Today, Penny remains deeply involved in the ongoing success of Parents News UK, focusing on innovative advertising opportunities and future growth plans. Her dedication to supporting families through accessible and practical content has made Parents News a cherished name in households across the country.