Home » All Events » Special Events - Christmas at the Railway: Santa's Reindeer Rescue
Climb aboard for a heartwarming adventure full of sparkle, surprises and festive cheer, perfect for the whole family
Join us at Nene Valley Railway for a festive experience like no other – the return of our much-loved Christmas at the Railway! Climb aboard for a heartwarming adventure full of sparkle, surprises and festive cheer, perfect for the whole family.
*This video uses clips from last year and therefore some aspects will be different this year.
Join Nene Valley Railway this festive season on our magical Santa's Reindeer Rescue and help Santa prepare for the big day.
🎶 Start the magic with the cheerful elf duo, Crackle and Pop, whose songs and cracker jokes will lift everyone's spirits.
🐾 Then it's off through the candy cane forest where you'll meet Bramble, the North Pole’s newest Stable Master! There’s just one problem… the reindeers' magic is missing, and Bramble needs your help to save Christmas!
🎁 Once the magic is restored, head to the Elves’ Workshop and make your very own reindeer food to sprinkle around on Christmas Eve.
Now’s your chance to select your preferred seating and choose how you'd like to meet Santa.
🚪 Private Compartments (for up to 6)
With this exclusive option, instead of visiting Santa in his grotto, he will visit you in your private compartment, where he will hand deliver a gift for each child to take home!
All compartments include:
• A festive platter (Standard or Vegetarian) served at your table:
Sandwiches, pigs in blankets or falafel, yule log, mince pies, sweets, no drinks included
• In your compartment you can add up to 2 additional children (up to 2 years) sat on laps (additional fee applies), which must be done at the point of booking
🪑 Per Person – Standard Open Seating
With this option, you'll find Santa waiting in his magical grotto, ready to thank you for helping to save Christmas. Each child will receive a special early festive gift to take home—an ideal moment to snap a photo with the big man himself!
After your visit, collect any pre-ordered food and board the train.
• Seating is arranged at tables of 4.
• Larger groups will be split across multiple tables.
• If your party has fewer than 4 people, the extra seats at your table will remain unoccupied.
• You will not be seated with other groups.
Step aboard our heritage train from Wansford Station for a return journey to Peterborough and back, filled with festive cheer. Expect festive songs and laughter from our onboard elves as you roll through the wintry countryside. If you would prefer a quieter time on board, we would suggest booking a private compartment or booking onto our quiet train service which will run on Wednesday 17th December.
🌟 A fully immersive festive experience at Wansford Station
🦌 Reindeer food making with the elves
🎅 A meet-and-greet with Santa in his grotto or a personal visit in your private compartment
🎁 A gift for every child
🚂 A return journey on a heritage train (steam or diesel)
🎭 On-train entertainment with cheeky Christmas elves
📖 A festive activity booklet
🛍️ Access to the gift shop, café, and onboard bar
⏱️ Experience duration: Approx. 2 hours
📍 Location: Nene Valley Railway, Wansford Station
Per Person – Standard Open Seating does not include food, but you are welcome to bring your own. All we ask is that you take your rubbish away with you.
Private compartment bookings include a festive platter, which will be in your compartment before the train departs. You are also welcome to bring your own food in addition to this, should any of your party have special dietary requirements.
♿ Accessibility
An accessible coach is available on all dates, with limited wheelchair spaces.
📞 Please call 01780 784444 to book.
For those who prefer a calmer experience, this day offers all the fun at a gentler pace — with reduced crowd sizes and lower noise levels. Ideal for guests with sensory sensitivities.
Adult / Senior - £38.00
Child (1 to 15 Years) - £38.00
Baby (Under 1 Year) - £6.00
Compartment (Up to 6 people) - £320.00
NOTE: Ticket sales for compartments will close 2 days before; all other tickets will close at 3pm the day before
• Seperate parties wishing to sit together must all be on the same booking
• If you book per person standard seating, you will visit Santa in his grotto
• If you book a private compartment, you will not visit Santa's grotto, instead he will visit you in your compartment
• Choose from 3 check-in times ahead of your train departure
• Tickets may appear “sold out” – try another check-in time
• Your festive experience begins at check-in – please arrive on time!
• Printed & eTickets dispatched in November
• Dogs are not permitted (except assistance dogs)
• £10 admin fee applies to booking amendments
• Event entertainment by Darling Princess Parties
• Frequently asked questions