Screw the sleigh, Santa’s most magical form of transport is the Epping Forest Christmas train.
For some, Christmas is hailed by the advent of carol singing and the inclusion of mulled wine in their diet. For others, us included, it’s the return of the Epping Forest Christmas train that sets the festive period in full swing.
What is that you ask? It’s a gorgeous old steam train that runs for a few weekends in December with the aim of spreading a bit of Christmas cheer. And it’s charming enough to warm the cold heart of Scrooge himself.
Here’s what you need to know.
What to Expect
The experience begins with a festive bus journey (think: carol singing on a bus) to North Weald Station where the train sets off.
Once there you’ll be greeted by Santa and his force of little helpers, who’ll be captaining the train for the duration of your ride (don’t ask what happened to his sleigh). While you wait for the train to arrive you can mill around their festive food stalls and grab a bite to eat before the journey.
The train is a beautiful old steam engine with carriages that look like they’re straight out of a Harry Potter film. Then, as if it couldn’t get any more magical, they deck it out with Christmas lights inside and out.
You’ll have the choice of private booths if you want them, or seating in the regular formation. Once you’re seated, and the train is underway, Santa and his helpers will come around and give out presents to all the littluns.
The whole shabang lasts about 2 and a half hours, and is good fun for the whole family.
Epping Forest Christmas Train: Practical Information
Price: Prices range from £110 to £240 depending on when you want to go and how you want to travel.
Dates and times:
Santa’s Special Trains run on the 3rd, 4th, 10th, 11th, 17th, 18th, 20th, 21st, 22nd, 23rd and 24th of December.
You can choose one of the following times: 08:45, 10:20, 12:00, 13.40, 15.20. The 13.40 and 15.20 slots don’t run on Christmas eve though.
