Santa Specials Celebrate 50 Years

When it comes to magical childhood Christmas experiences, there's nothing quite like a steam train ride, heading into the wintry countryside, with the prospect of meeting Santa, all without moving from the comfort of the carriage. And this year the Kent & East Sussex Railway's award-winning* Santa Specials are celebrating 50 years of creating these amazing memories for generations of families.

 To mark this milestone, the 2024 packages - Gold, Silver and Bronze - include extra new elements on top of all the regular features of age-appropriate presents (handed over by Santa himself); a family photo; complimentary hot drinks, including mulled wine; entrance to the Winter Wonderland marquee and unlimited rides on the vintage gallopers at Tenterden Town Station.

Additions include:-

• Bronze ticket holders will be entertained by an on-board magician who will help keep little ones entertained until Santa arrives at their seats with their gifts
• Silver passengers receive a complimentary drink from the onboard refreshment trolley
• Silver and Gold passengers will meet Jingle and Sparkle, Santa's Head Elves, who will award Elf-ship diplomas for upholding the spirit of Christmas
• Premium Gold adult passengers can enjoy unlimited prosecco, beer or non-alcoholic beverages, a selection of festive cakes and warm luxury mince pies, with character chocolates and fruit drinks for the children, all served at their seats

 Each family photo will be presented in a 50th Anniversary souvenir mount

The main attraction - Santa himself - travels on board the train, giving out individually-named presents to the children, ably assisted by his trusty team of elves.

For families looking for something a little less intense, the 11.15am service on Saturday 30th November has been designated a 'Quiet Train'. Whilst no Christmas music will be played, all of the other inclusive features remain part of the experience. A wheelchair accessible coach is also available on this service.

 The 2024 Santa Specials will run on Saturdays and Sundays from 30th November until 22nd December plus Christmas Eve. Online booking is essential at www.kesr.org,uk then, on the day, all you need to do is relax in the comfort of your reserved seats and wait for Santa to come to you!

 Photo credits: Modus Film

About the Kent & East Sussex Railway:

The Kent & East Sussex Railway is a renowned heritage railway based in Tenterden, Kent, UK and operates as an educational charity. Built by Holman F Stephens, it was the first light passenger railway in Britain in the early 20th century and is today one of Britain's most loved and original heritage lines which this year (2024) celebrates the 50th anniversary of reopening. With a rich history spanning over 120 years, the K&ESR offers visitors an authentic steam and diesel-powered railway experience through 10½ miles of Wealden countryside in the beautiful Rother Valley, a designated National Landscape (formerly known as Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty). Staffed almost entirely by volunteers, the railway prides itself on preserving railway heritage, operating a diverse range of locomotives, and providing a unique glimpse into the golden age of rail travel.