Leicestershire Heritage Railway announces Christmas programme

Great Central Railway plans months in advance, launches its festive offer for 2024 and celebrates Christmas in the July heat!

Britain's only historic mainline railway is inviting families, friends and Christmas enthusiasts to a “winter wonderland” that will be full of “enchanting events and unforgettable experiences” over the Christmas period.

Attractions include the popular Santa Express, a festive murder mystery event and culinary options including an elegant Christmas afternoon tea.

Santa Express

The Great Central Santa Express will be offered again, ticket prices are the same as last year. There will be new features for 2024: The steam locomotive will run on selected dates between November 23 and December 24 (Christmas Eve).

Passengers will meet Santa Claus and his merry helpers and enjoy a specially prepared Christmas activity package for the children. Santa Claus will personally present each child with a Christmas present as well as a drink and treats.

Adults have the chance to enjoy the beautiful Leicestershire countryside and get into the festive spirit with an Irish cream liqueur and mince pie. The trip also includes full bar service at your seat.

Great Central Railway believes this is “the perfect way to create magical memories for all the family this Christmas”.

Information and tickets are available here.

Christmas dinner

The railway will operate steam-powered first-class festive dining trains. Passengers will travel in carriages decorated with a festive theme and eat from specially prepared menus.

The menu includes the Christmas Day Feast, Christmas Forester, Midlander and Jubilee. An on-board chef prepares the meals, which include traditional side dishes. Vegetarian, vegan and seasonal options are also available.

The dining trains run on various dates at the end of November and in December. Information and tickets are available here.

Festive crime event

The railway's premier Christmas murder mystery dining train is called 'Ding Dong Merrily Die'. Passengers enjoy a three-course meal with tea, coffee and handmade mince pies while solving a mysterious murder case.

This event takes place on Fridays, December 6, 13 and 20, starting at 7pm. Tables for two and four are available. Tickets are available here.

Christmas afternoon tea

The Great Central Railway's Christmas Afternoon Tea includes a range of Christmas treats including scones topped with cream and jam, and a selection of sandwiches, cakes and pastries.

Passengers can enjoy tea on board the train as it makes a round trip from Loughborough Central through the Charnwood countryside to Leicester North and back. The service offers a standard afternoon tea or vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free alternatives.

Great Central Railway will announce the dates for its Christmas Afternoon Tea trains shortly. Dates and tickets are available on the railway's website.

Book in advance

The railway, which celebrated its fiftieth anniversary last year, expects tickets to sell out quickly and recommends visitors book in advance.