North Pole Express
The experience begins at East Tanfield Station, where visitors meet the Ticket Conductor and enjoy an elf song-and-dance show before boarding a steam train. Passengers take a scenic ride through winter countryside to the North Pole. At the destination, guests visit Father Christmas in his grotto, participate in holiday activities, and enjoy festive treats before the return journey.
Nov 28 – Dec 24, 2026 All Ages
See more other Christmas activities near Stanley
Plan Your Visit
Tickets
Adult (16+) £24 plus £1.44 booking fee; child (0–15) £28 plus £1.68 booking fee. Carer’s tickets are offered at a 50% discount to standard adult tickets; email to arrange one. Free car parking.
Hours
10:25am, 11:25am, 12:25pm, 1:25pm, 2:25pm, 3:25pm, 4:25pm.
Food & Drink
Festive refreshments and treats are included for adults and children; email in advance with your booking number about dietary requirements.
Parking
Free car parking is included, but space is limited; car sharing is encouraged. Disabled parking is available, and visitors should tell a volunteer car park marshal on arrival.
Accessibility
An accessible carriage compartment with space for one wheelchair and up to four companions is available by booking a dedicated wheelchair ticket.
Pets
Only assistance animals are permitted.
Location
Tips & Advice
- Book online before travelling, as pre-booking is required and all tickets are currently shown as sold out.
- Wear warm layers and sturdy footwear because the train has no heating and the North Pole visit is mainly outdoors.
- Use the toilets at the station before boarding, since there are no toilets on the train.
- Car share where possible because parking is limited, and tell the car park marshal if you need disabled parking.
- Email dietary requirements in advance and include your booking number so festive refreshments can be accommodated.
Special Events & Promotions
- Carer’s tickets are offered at a discount to standard adult tickets; book the rest of the party online and email to arrange one.
- Visitors with a valid bus ticket for the day of their visit receive a discount when buying a train ticket.
Links & Contact
Run by Tanfield Railway
Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide, not the organizer of this event. For tickets, entries, vendor spots or questions, contact the organizer directly through their contact page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, pre-booking is required, and all tickets are currently shown as sold out.
What is included in the experience?
The return steam-train journey, Jingles Elf Show, Santa visit, a child’s gift, festive treats, activities and a tote bag are included.
How long should we allow for the experience?
Allow about two hours and 25 minutes for the full experience.
Can dietary requirements be accommodated?
Email the railway in advance with the booking number to let them know about dietary requirements.
Is there an accessible compartment?
Yes. Book an adult or child wheelchair ticket; the compartment accommodates one wheelchair visitor and up to four accompanying people, and the Train Guard can assist.
Browse Christmas in Stanley
Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.