The season of merriment and good cheer is fast approaching, and plenty of community rail partnerships and station groups across the network have fun, festive events and activities planned.
Below we have included a range of events all the family can get involved with this festive season.
Abbey Line CRP
All are welcome aboard the Santa Express on the Abbey Line on Sunday 11 December. There will be live music and a host of activities on the train, as well as the chance to meet Santa and his elves. Also, courtesy of London Northwestern Railway, you can use your train ticket all day on the Abbey Line, so you can also explore Winter in Watford or do some Christmas shopping in St Albans. Click here to book your ticket.
Hereward CRP
Members of Hereward CRP will be at the March Christmas Market on Sunday 4 December. The town’s annual Christmas market has well over 100 stalls, and the CRP will be there from 10am until 3pm spreading Christmas cheer and encouraging people to hop on the train this festive season.
Wherry Lines CRP
Wherry Lines CRP are hosting a Christmas Fayre at Lowestoft Railway Station on Saturday 17 December, 10am – 4pm.
Kent CRP
Sunday 18 December will see the Kent CRP elves team up with Southeastern to help Santa raise money for the Railway Children. Goody bags will be handed out to younger passengers, which will include copies of Arlo’s Adventures. Full details can be found here.
White Cliffs CRP
Come along to Folkestone West Station at 12pm and Deal Station at 2:30pm on Friday 2 December to learn more about the White Cliffs CRP and make a free Christmas decoration or wreath from natural materials.
North Staffordshire CRP
This year, as a friendly way of making contact with passengers and train staff, station volunteers will be wearing Santa hats and giving out chocolates at stations. Volunteers will be at Longport Station on Saturday 3 December and Longton Station on Wednesday 7 December, as well as at Uttoxeter, Kidsgrove and Stone stations (dates tbc).
Friends of Hedge End Station
With support from South Western Railway, Friends of Hedge End Station are hosting their yearly free Christmas event at the station on Friday 9 December, 4:30 – 7:30pm. There will be lots of Christmas stalls, as well as Berrywood School singing carols under the Christmas tree with the Salvation Army band.
Wales on Rails
There are a range of magical Santa Special trains running in Wales over December, perfect for families with children. These include:
- Llanuwchllyn Station – Bala Lake Railway (Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 December)
- Corris Station – Corris Railway (Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 December)
- Pant Station – Brecon Mountain Railway (dates through December)
- Llanfair Caereinion – Welshpool and Llanfair Light Railway (dates throughout December)
Yorkshire Coast CRP
The Yorkshire Coast CRP are holding a Christmas Gala at Bridlington Station on Saturday 3 December 9:30am – 1pm. Santa will be there giving out gifts to children who are travelling by train, refreshments will be served and the Coastal Voices Community choir will be performing.
Transwilts CRP
Transwilts CRP are offering free rail tickets from Swindon and Chippenham to visit Santa and take part in their Christmas event at Melksham Hub Café on Saturday 10 December. There will be carols, face painting, refreshments and craft stalls. For more info, email sophie@transwilts.org.
Penistone Line Partnership
The Penistone Line Partnership are hosting two Christmas carol trains on Monday 5 and 12 December – all details below.
East Suffolk Lines CRP
The East Suffolk Lines CRP are hosting their free Christmastime Guided Walk on Wednesday 28 December at 10:35am. Woodbridge and the Deben is a circular walk of 5 miles, taking roughly 2.5 hours. Click here for more information.
Friends of Wemyss Bay Station
Everyone is welcome to come along to the Christmas Fete at Wemyss Bay Station on Saturday 17 December, 12:30-4pm. Come and pick up those last minute bits of Christmas shopping, enjoy the music and the food and drink on offer.
