Christmas at the East Lancashire Railway - The East Lancashire Railway

The snow might not be falling but we’re definitely playing and having fun, that can only mean one thing… It’s the season for Christmas celebration here at the East Lancashire Railway!

The highlight of course is the famous Santa Special event, a firm favourite and an annual tradition for countless families in the North-West. This year sees the return of our popular SEND Santa Experience, a specially adapted interpretation of the Santa event designed to be as accessible as possible.

The fun doesn’t stop after the big day, we’re on hand to help you unwind with our relaxing Boxing Day Mince Pie Special, and we’re ready to greet the New Year on the Whisky Chaser.

Enthusiasts don’t need to feel left out as we have one last big locomotive event coming up this November, the DMU Weekend, which this year will feature an Inter-City 125. And, if you’re panicking about picking up the perfect present for that hard-to-shop for person in your life, don’t worry! The ELR has you covered with a wide range of gift options to suit any taste.

Finally, if all this festive fun gives you an appetite, join us at The Trackside for a slap-up Christmas meal.

Keep reading to find out more.

Santa Specials

23, 24, 30 November, 1, 7, 8, 14, 15, 20 – 24 December 2024

Santa Claus is coming to town, and he’s traded in his sleigh for a heritage steam locomotive! Climb aboard our famously festive Santa Special and make enchanted memories to treasure with your family. The adventure starts with a Winter Wonderland Walkthrough at Bury Station. Take in the gorgeous decorations and interact with the fun Christmas characters before taking a steam train journey along the Irwell Valley. During your trip you will meet more characters and be visited by Santa himself!

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SEND Santa Specials

23, 24, 30 November 2024

Enjoy all the magic and wonder of our Santa Specials with some tweaks here and there to make it as accessible as possible. The event has been designed for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Changes include a reduction in musical volume and visual stimuli so that your visit is not too overwhelming, alternative outdoor access, a wider arrival window to avoid any rushing and even special Calm Carriages. Visitors will still meet the characters and of course Father Christmas.

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Mince Pie Special

26 December 2024

Why not unwind after a hectic Christmas on board our relaxing Mince Pie Special. Every visitor that travels on a heritage train along the Irwell Valley on this date will be given their very own mince pie (whilst stocks last), compliments of the East Lancashire Railway. it’s our way of passing along our best wishes for Christmas and the New Year.

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Whisky Chaser

1 January 2025

Let off some steam as you power into 2025 with a warming glass of whisky on the East Lancashire Railway. All adult passengers on the steam train on New Year’s Day who purchase a hot drink will also receive a shot of whisky to help ring in the new year, courtesy of the ELR. Whisky is limited to one measure per customer, and is available whilst stocks last.

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DMU Weekend

9 – 10 November 2024

Fans of railcars won’t want to miss our annual Diesel Multiple Unit Gala. This popular event sees the diminutive DMU’s take centre stage, and this year they will accompanied by a visiting HST, courtesy of our friends at the 125 Group. The event pays tribute to the post-Beeching era of British Rail in the 70s and 80s, and the Inter-City 125 was very much a part of this period alongside the DMU. Featured railcars include the Class 104, Class 105 “Cravens”, Class 122 “Bubblecar” and the Class 144 “Pacer” which featured in the TV series “Sherwood”.

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Dining Experiences

Do you know someone who fancies themselves as a bit of a foodie? We’ve got a selection of Dining Experiences that are sure to tickle their tastebuds, from intimate evening Red Rose Diners and intriguing Murder Mysteries to rib tickling Comedy Nights and informal family friendly Sunday Lunches. You don’t have to decide which experience to choose straight away. Pick up one of our Activity Vouchers, they can be used against any of the Dining trains we offer.

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More Gifts

Our Activity Vouchers can be used against a lot more than just our Dining Experiences. Leave a Drive a Train experience voucher under the tree for that one person who is loco about locomotives, book a Rail Ale Trail for someone who’s into their history and locally brewed ales or snap up a Photography Experience for your favourite shutterbug. There really is something for everyone!

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