After two years of the popular Polar Express experience on Swanage Railway in Dorset, a more traditional festive offering is being dished up for Christmas 2025.
The Father Christmas Yuletide Express journey from Swanage to Norden via Corfe Castle was launched on Friday 28th November 2025 with a very special visitor on board to greet all the children, handing out presents, candy sticks, and satsumas.
The Swanage station canopy was festooned with Christmas lights
Dazzling festive lights at Swanage station
Not so glitzy as the Polar Express trip based on the Hollywood film starring Tom Hanks, the Swanage Railway’s version of a Christmas journey harks back to the Santa Specials which entertained generations of children in Swanage and further afield over many years.
However it’s all been brought up to date with the most dazzling of festive lights adorning Swanage station plus music and party games on the launch night by well-known Swanage singer Nicole Faraday.
The carriages are festively decorated in a traditional way with Christmas music and, of course, the special guest experience of Father Christmas and his elves, plus the Magic Ticket Collector in a very snazzy waistcoat.
The Father Christmas Yuletide Express is running from Saturday 29th November to Wednesday 24th December 2025.
Swanage town mayor Mike Bonfield and his wife Audrey get framed!
Singer Nicole Faraday entertains the children
Two happy elves
“Bring a traditional Christmas experience back to Swanage”
Swanage Railway CEO Abbie King said:
“We wanted to bring a traditional Christmas experience back to Swanage. We’ve done the Polar Express for the last two years and it was very successful but we felt it was time for a change.
“We’re a heritage railway and we wanted something more in keeping with that traditional feel.
“I’ve spent the last six months focussing on getting it right and I’m really pleased that we can offer a lovely hour-long journey with Father Christmas, his elves, and not forgetting the Magic Ticket Collector!”
Swanage Railway CEO Abbie King with chair of the Swanage Railway Company Ben Ford
VIP guests Swanage town mayor Mike Bonfield and his wife Audrey are one of the first to experience the Yuletide Express
Swanage residents Lou Condie (left) and Sarah Shepherd (right) enjoy the mulled wine and soak up the atmosphere
Enjoy the views of the rolling Purbeck countryside
While the Polar Express was more of an evening experience, the Father Christmas Yuletide Express works as both a daytime and after-dark event, with passengers during daylight hours getting the added bonus of being able to enjoy the views of the rolling Purbeck countryside and the unmissable National Trust landmark Corfe Castle.
There was no showbiz singing and dancing on this more traditional journey, but the arrival of Father Christmas still lit up the faces of all the children who gasped when they spotted him.
By creating its own festive experience rather than repeating the Polar Express organised by an outside company, Swanage Railway stands to make more of a profit.
It has also enabled it to reduce the cost of the tickets compared to last year. The prices start from £24.50 for individual seats, with the option to book a private compartment for up to six people from £149.95. This offers the opportunity to have a mini private party for families.
There’s also the option to choose a ‘relaxed’ carriage offering a quieter environment for those who prefer a gentler festive experience.
A happy elf and the man himself, Father Christmas with presents!
Candy sticks are popular with the children – the satsumas, less so!
“Swanage Railway doesn’t end with Christmas”
Ben Ford is the newly appointed chair of the Swanage Railway Company, which is soon to become a charity. He said:
“My journey began with Swanage Railway when I was about 11 and started to take an interest in trains. For 22 years it’s been the backbone of my life and I have learnt to love and grow up with Swanage Railway.
“Probably one of the first things I remember of Swanage Railway is coming here as a child with my parents to see Father Christmas on a Santa Special, so it’s great to be back here with my brother and his children for this new festive experience – there’s now a new generation who can make new memories.
“But Swanage Railway doesn’t end with Christmas, there’s plenty planned for the new year with the Winter Warm-up in January, and the visit to Swanage of the Rail 200 train in February, which is celebrating 200 years of the passenger railway in the UK. Ah and I mustn’t forget the Peter Rabbit weekend at Easter.
“So the focus is to continue to create events for train enthusiasts, as well as new family friendly weekends. It’s about getting the right balance to cater for everyone including the local community.”
Abbie King added:
“We’ve got a fantastic year ahead to look forward to. Swanage Railway is becoming the one to watch in the heritage world of railways!”
Traditional decorations in the carriages
An elf handing out the candy with the Magic Ticket Collector
Watch the lights at the station
Further information
- Book tickets via the Swanage Railway website
