Festive Railways and Santa Train Events in Essex 2025
Discover the best Santa train & festive railways events in Essex this Christmas — dates, times, locations, ticket links, parking info and more for family fun.
Updated 01/12/2025
The festive season in Essex transforms the region’s heritage railways into enchanting holiday experiences. Families can hop aboard carefully decorated vintage carriages, ride through woodland and countryside, meet Santa Claus, enjoy hot chocolate and create lasting memories. These Santa train & festive railways events blend heritage charm with seasonal sparkle, making them perfect for children and adults alike.
Below we have detailed five standout events—from full steam-rides to miniature railways and forest journeys—complete with dates, times, addresses, ticket links and parking information so you can plan your magical outing with confidence.
Epping Ongar Railway – Santa’s Special Trains
Hop on board at the Epping Ongar Railway’s “Santa’s Special Trains” for a beautifully festive journey. You begin with a vintage London-type bus ride from either Epping Underground station or Ongar High Street, arriving at North Weald for the main train experience. The vintage bus and train combination gives a wonderfully nostalgic start to the outing. At North Weald, you’ll be welcomed by a live brass band, roaming elves and seasonal treats including hot chocolate and snacks.
Then the train departs in classic heritage style, either steam-hauled or vintage diesel, travelling through the ancient woodlands of Epping Forest toward Ongar. Onboard, Santa and his helpers visit children and hand out presents, all within the cosy carriage environment. The full experience runs about 2½ hours including the bus transfer.
Date: Selected dates from 29 Nov to 24 Dec 2025
Times: Various departures per day: e.g., 10:00, 11:40, 13:20, 15:00 (with additional early times on later dates)
Address: Ongar Station, Station Approach, Chipping Ongar, Essex CM5 9BN
Website / Tickets : Santa’s Special Trains
Parking: No parking at North Weald station. Parking available at Epping Underground station (postcode CM16 4HW) or Ongar High Street car parks (CM5 9AB / CM5 9HD)
Although parking at North Weald is restricted, the bus link is inclusive and clever, and the bus stop options make it easier to access by road. Families are encouraged to dress in festive jumpers or cosy clothing, and the vintage bus + train combo adds extra appeal. For those looking for that “classic Santa train & festive railways” moment in Essex, this one ticks all the boxes: heritage, woodland, Santa, and a bit of transport adventure.
Colne Valley Railway – Santa Specials
Nestled near Castle Hedingham in Essex, the Colne Valley Railway offers a charming “Santa Specials” day out in December. Your family boards the heritage train at Hedingham Station and enjoys a scenic ride through countryside, followed by a grotto visit where Santa greets each child and gives a gift. The station grounds include a heritage museum, model railways and signal box exhibits, which add delightful texture to the experience.
After the train ride and Santa visit, guests can unwind with hot drinks and seasonal snacks in the refreshment area while children explore the modelling displays. Free on-site parking makes this one of the more convenient options—particularly for families with young children and bulky gear.
Date: December 2025 (exact dates via website)
Times: Typically 10:00–17:00 daily during the event period.
Address: Hedingham Station, Yeldham Road, Castle Hedingham, Essex CO9 3DZ
Website / Tickets : Visit Santa Train – Colne Valley Railway
Parking: Free on-site parking for approx. 150 cars at the station.
Because the event is slightly off the beaten tourist track, it offers a more relaxed, intimate feel compared with larger venues. The mixture of heritage ambience, ease of access, Santa interaction and train ride make this event a strong addition to your “festive railways” list in Essex.
Audley End Miniature Railway – Christmas Special
For something a little different, the Audley End Miniature Railway invites younger families into a fairy-tale world of twinkling lights and woodland fun. The miniature train departs from the station and winds through the decorated trees into Father & Mother Christmas’s winter workshop, where each child receives a gift without even leaving the comfort of their carriage.
Once back, there’s an illuminated woodland walk, reindeer-food making, a stage show, and opportunity for festive refreshment. The venue—set within the grounds of Audley End House & Gardens—is beautifully atmospheric, making it ideal for families with younger children who might prefer shorter rides and playful surroundings.
Date: 22 Nov to 24 Dec 2025
Times: Hourly departures throughout the day (check website for exact times)
Address: Audley End Miniature Railway, Audley End House & Gardens, Saffron Walden, Essex CB11 4JF
Website / Tickets : Christmas Special – Audley End Miniature Railway
Parking: Parking available at Audley End Estate; check “Plan your visit” section for onsite car park availability
Parking at the estate is available but given the popularity, arriving earlier is advisable. This event offers an enchanting blend of miniature railway charm and seasonal magic—a great complement to the larger railway rides.
Barnards Miniature Railway at Barnards Farm – Santa Express
Located in West Horndon, Barnards Farm’s “Santa Express” is a fun-filled woodland train journey that's perfect for younger children and families who enjoy a more relaxed pace. Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted by a festive team, enjoy complimentary refreshments, join a story-time with “Elf Sandra”, then board the miniature train at Burtonshaw Station for a ride through woodland to Santa’s Lodge, where Santa and his Elf await with a gift and photo-moment.
The return journey brings you back to Burtonshaw Station and the event lasts about 90 minutes from arrival. The 17-century barn setting and the woodland context make this event feel cosy and charming. Car parking is available on-site, which adds convenience. As tickets fill fast, early booking is advised.
Date: 6, 7, 13 & 14 Dec 2025 (11:00 – 16:00)
Times: 11:00 am – 4:00 pm each day.
Address: Barnards Farm, Brentwood Road, West Horndon, Essex CM13 3FY
Website / Tickets : Santa Express 2025 – Barnards Farm
Parking: Car parking available at Barnards Farm site.
While the ride is shorter than full-scale heritage lines, the immersive and nature-rich setting makes it a lovely addition for families with smaller children wanting a “festive railways” outing without the length or pace of the bigger trains.
Whether you choose the long-heritage steam ride of Epping Ongar, the more intimate Colne Valley experience, the enchanting woodland journey at Audley End, or the charming miniature railway at Barnards Farm, there’s a Christmas rail event in Essex to suit every family and age group. Each offers that magical mix of heritage transport, Santa visits, festive surroundings and special memories—everything you expect in “Santa train & festive railways”. Be sure to book tickets early, check parking and arrival details, and get ready for a memorable seasonal outing.
