Kent & East Sussex Railway Father Christmas Experience
Families take a 75-minute return steam train journey through the countryside in festively decorated carriages without Christmas music for a calmer atmosphere. Santa visits guests at their allocated seats to deliver named, age-appropriate presents to children. The experience also includes a visit to the station's Winter Wonderland, unlimited rides on the vintage gallopers, a complimentary family photo, and onboard refreshments.
See more other Christmas activities near Tenterden
Plan Your Visit
Website / Tickets
When
Tickets
For Sunday 29 November: Bronze package, standard-class table for 2 £100, for 3 £115, or for 4 £125. Silver package: first-class table for 2 £150, table for up to 4 £260, compartment for up to 6 £380, or compartment for up to 8 £430. Gold package: premium-first table for up to 4 £300 or up to 6 £405. Standard-class table for 4 including one wheelchair user £125. An extra person may be added to some accommodations for an additional charge; an extra adult may be added above compartment capacity for a small additional charge. Online booking prices save £5 compared with telephone or in-person bookings. No booking fee. Babies under 18 months are free of charge and receive a gift.
Hours
11.15 am train; station gates open at 10.30 am on this date.
Ages
Child tickets for 3-15 year olds, but specific event validity may differ. Evening Wealden Pullman is unsuitable for children.
Neighborhood
Weald & Rother Valley
Food & Drink
Light refreshments are included onboard, with selections depending on the package; additional hot food and takeaway refreshments are available from the platform kiosk.
Parking
Limited free customer parking is available at Tenterden Town Station for up to three hours. If the railway car park is full, nearby Pay & Display car parks are suggested. Allow enough time to park and reach the train; missing the booked departure is treated as non-attendance and is not refundable. There is no blue badge parking in the station forecourt; reduced-mobility visitors may be dropped off and collected at the station entrance and vehicles parked in the blue badge area of the main car park.
Accessibility
Ramped access and a wheelchair-friendly space are available in the accessible coach Petros.
Pets
Pets and dogs are not permitted, except Assistance Dogs.
Going?
Location
Tips & Advice
- Book the entire group together because seats are allocated first come, first served and separate bookings usually cannot sit together.
- Book at least seven days before travel; bookings close then and cannot be altered afterward.
- Allow extra time to park and reach the train, as missing the booked departure is treated as non-attendance and is not refundable.
- Choose the Quiet Train departure if your party prefers a visit without Christmas music.
- Check accessible-coach availability before booking if wheelchair accommodation is needed; it is offered on selected trains.
Special Events & Promotions
- Babies under 18 months travel free and receive a gift.
- The Sunday, November 29 departure is a Quiet Train, with no Christmas music.
- Bronze, Silver and Gold packages offer different seating and inclusions; Silver and Gold include appearances by Jingle and Sparkle.
- An extra person may be added to some accommodations for an additional charge.
- Online bookings save compared with telephone or in-person bookings.
Links & Contact
Run by Kent & East Sussex Railway Company
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
What is included in the train experience?
The 75-minute return steam journey includes festively decorated carriages, a named age-appropriate gift delivered by Santa at the child's seat, unlimited vintage galloper rides, a family photo and a Winter Wonderland visit.
What makes the Quiet Train different?
The designated departure has no Christmas music; the usual included features remain available, with ample time to enjoy them.
What food and drink are provided or available?
All experiences include a complimentary mulled wine or hot drink for adults. Package refreshments vary, and the station kiosk sells takeaway refreshments and hot food; light refreshments are also available in the Station Refreshment Rooms.
How are seats assigned, and can separate bookings sit together?
Seats are allocated first come, first served. Different bookings cannot normally be seated together, so book enough tickets for your whole group at once.
Is wheelchair accommodation available?
An accessible coach with ramped access, a wheelchair-friendly space and three family seats is included on selected trains; availability can be checked online or by contacting the railway.
Browse Christmas in Ashford
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.