The elves and I are pleased to say that we will once again be making the Isle of Wight Steam Railway our official home this year.
The team at the Railway are so friendly and welcoming and their traditional Christmas Experience teamed with their delightfully dressed guards fills me with nostalgia and makes me feel right at home. The cosy carriage, where I will be waiting to see you, has been decorated with twinkly lights, a tree and of course stocked with gifts. Every child who visits me during my stay will receive a special, quality gift (to either open on the day you see me or popped safely under the tree).
Ensure you visit everything else around the railway that the team have created just for you, including climbing aboard the vintage steam train.
I look forward to seeing you all… parents too (I hope you’ve also been good this year) and don’t forget to leave a drink and mince pie out for me on Christmas Eve… oh and carrots for the reindeer as they will be working hard all night long too!
A magical steam train ride
An enchanting Christmas experience awaits you and your little ones at the Isle of Wight Steam Railway this December.
Board one of the majestic steam trains for a magical journey through wintery woodland from the comfort of a heated and beautifully restored carriage. Settle back and travel in style as you and your family enjoy your own exclusive compartment.
Listen to the evocative sound of the steam locomotive as you settle back for the 10 mile round trip.
Please note: pre-booking is essential.
A traditional Christmas experience
Santa’s helpers are waiting to give you a magical, classic Christmas. After your train ride, follow the winter walkway to Santa’s North Pole station, where the seasonal Station Master and his helpers are waiting to greet you. As every child wants to see Santa and share their Christmas wishes there will be amazing entertainment to keep you in the festive spirit while you wait. Then it’s off to see the man himself where one of Santa’s helpers will lead you to his cosy carriage and every child visiting Santa will receive a beautifully wrapped, high-quality gift.
Don’t forget to bring your letters and cards for Santa as we have a special post box that magically delivers to the North Pole!
A wonderful family day out
Havenstreet is home to exceptional, festive entertainment. You’ll find things on offer all day in the Barn from magic shows, a traditional carousel and pop up stores selling unique Christmas gifts. Little ones can also claim their free chocolate bar and juice, ready to enjoy while watching the magic show.
The grown-ups haven’t been forgotten either as you can indulge in a complimentary mince pie and a warming glass of mulled wine (or a hot-chocolate if you prefer).
The railway gift shop will also be open for any last-minute Christmas presents, and the cafe will be serving hot meals and snacks for you to refuel.
Train services:
Saturday 2 & Sunday 3 December
Operating a one train service.
Departures at 10:10, 11:30, 13:10 and 14:30
9, 10, 16, 17 and 21 – 24 December
Operating a two train service.
Departures at 10:10, 11:00, 11:40, 12:20, 13:15, 14:00 and 14:33
Some things to note…
- If booked on the 14:00, 14:30 or 14.33 train we strongly advise you arrive early to enjoy the various activities around the station before you travel.
- Tickets are non-refundable. See booking terms and conditions.
- All Children receive a present from Santa. Children under 2 travel free and receive an age appropriate gift. ‘Babes in arms’ who do not require a gift do not need a ticket.
Travel via Smallbrook Junction
Our convenient cross-platform connection at Smallbrook Junction offers an easy car-free option.
Please see times below for connections via Hovertravel, Wightlink Fast Cat, Island Line Ryde, Shanklin & Sandown.
Please contact us if you need any assistance booking the correct steam train to connect with Island Line services.
Connections
Shaded connections not on 2 & 3 December
Hovertravel
| Dept Southsea | 09:30 | 10:30 | |
| Dept Ryde Esplanade | 10:13 | 11:13 | |
| Arr Smallbrook Junction | 10:20 | 11:20 | |
| Dept Smallbrook Junction | 10:36 | 11:22 | |
| Arr Havenstreet | 11:07 | 11:53 | |
| Dept Havenstreet | 13:10 | 14:00 | 14:33 |
| Arr Smallbrook Junction | 13:21 | 14:11 | 14:44 |
| Dept Smallbrook Junction | 13:30 | 14:30 | 15:02 |
| Arr Ryde Esplanade | 13:38 | 14:38 | 15:10 |
| Dept Ryde by Hovertravel | 14:15 | 15:15 | 15:15/16:15 |
Wightlink Fast Cat
| Dept Portsmouth Harbour | 09:15 | 10:15 | |
| Dept Ryde Pier Head | - | 10:44 | |
| Dept Ryde Esplanade | 10:13 | 10:46 | |
| Arr Smallbrook Junction | 10:20 | 10:53 | |
| Dept Smallbrook Junction | 10:36 | 11:22 | |
| Arr Havenstreet | 11:07 | 11:53 | |
| Dept Havenstreet | 13:10 | 14:00 | 14:33 |
| Arr Smallbrook Junction | 13:21 | 14:11 | 14:44 |
| Dept Smallbrook Junction | 13:30 | 14:30 | 15:02 |
| Arr Ryde Esplanade | - | - | 15:10 |
| Arr Ryde Pier Head | 13:40 | 14:40 | - |
| Dept Ryde by Fast Cat | 13:45 | 14:45 | 15:45 |
Island Line
Ryde
| Dept Ryde Esplanade | 10:13 | 10:46 | |
| Arr Smallbrook Junction | 10:20 | 10:53 | |
| Dept Smallbrook Junction | 10:36 | 11:22 | |
| Arr Havenstreet | 11:07 | 11:53 | |
| Dept Havenstreet | 13:10 | 14:00 | 14:33 |
| Arr Smallbrook Junction | 13:21 | 14:11 | 14:44 |
| Dept Smallbrook Junction | 13:30 | 14:30 | 15:02 |
| Arr Ryde Esplanade | 13:38 | 14:38 | 15:10 |
Island Line
Shanklin & Sandown
| Dept Shanklin | 10:14 | 11:14 | |
| Dept Sandown | 10:20 | 11:20 | |
| Arr Smallbrook Junction | 10:30 | 11:30 | |
| Dept Smallbrook Junction | 10:36 | 12:00 | |
| Arr Havenstreet | 11:07 | 12:31 | |
| Dept Havenstreet | 13:10 | 14:00 | 14:33 |
| Arr Smallbrook Junction | 13:21 | 14:11 | 14:44 |
| Dept Smallbrook Junction | 13:30* | 14:20 | 15:02* |
| Arr Sandown | 14:03 | 14:31 | 15:31 |
| Arr Shanklin | 14:09 | 14:37 | 15:37 |
*via Ryde
Ticket info and book tickets
All Santa Specials tickets must be booked in advance so that we can allocate your family/group their very own compartment. This also allows Santa and his elves to ensure they have the right present for each child.
This event is sponsored by Wightlink