# Lapland Express 2026

> Lapland Express 2026 runs 28 November to 20 December 2026. Adults £22, children £27. Times, booking and what to know, from the official page.

Source: https://bestchristmasmarkets.co.uk/santa-trains/downpatrick-county-down-railway/

SANTA TRAINS

28 Nov to 20 Dec 2026, Downpatrick & County Down Railway, Downpatrick station.

A 45-minute Lapland Express with Santa, Mrs Claus and elves, running to Inch Abbey and back on a heritage diesel this year. Children get a plush toy present and everyone gets a drink and treat.

| Dates | 28 Nov to 20 Dec 2026 |
| --- | --- |
| Days | Saturdays and Sundays: 28 and 29 November, 5 and 6, 12 and 13, 19 and 20 December |
| Times | Trains depart Downpatrick at 12.00, 1.15pm, 2.30pm, 3.55pm and 5.10pm; not every time runs every day; a quiet train runs at 4.30pm on 28 November |
| Departs From | Downpatrick BT30 6LZ [Open in Maps](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=54.3265,-5.7182) |
| Journey | about 45 minutes, to Inch Abbey and back |
| Includes | Santa, Mrs Claus and the elves, a present for each child, and a drink and treat for every passenger |
| Ages | All ages; teenagers who do not want a present can buy an adult ticket |
| Tickets and Price | Adults £22, children £27. Children's price includes a plush toy present from Santa; babies up to 12 months who need no present, drink or treat are free; no concessions |
| Booking | Book ahead: tickets are not sold on the night. [Book on the official site](https://www.downrail.co.uk/event/santa/) |
| Organiser | Downpatrick & County Down Railway. [Official page](https://www.downrail.co.uk/event/santa/) |
| Hotels | [Hotels near Downpatrick](https://www.stay22.com/allez/roam?aid=bobbleventures&lat=54.3265&lng=-5.7182&address=Downpatrick%2C%20UK&checkin=2026-11-28&checkout=2026-11-29&currency=GBP&campaign=bcm_santa_santa_downpatrick_county_down_railway_top) [affiliate](https://bestchristmasmarkets.co.uk/affiliate-disclosure/) |

Checked against [Downpatrick & County Down Railway](https://www.downrail.co.uk/event/santa/), 21 October 2026. Times and prices can change: check the official page before you set off. Spotted something out of date? [Tell us](https://bestchristmasmarkets.co.uk/contact/).

## Where Is Lapland Express?

**Making a night of it?** [See hotels near Downpatrick](https://www.stay22.com/allez/roam?aid=bobbleventures&lat=54.3265&lng=-5.7182&address=Downpatrick%2C%20UK&checkin=2026-11-28&checkout=2026-11-29&currency=GBP&campaign=bcm_santa_santa_downpatrick_county_down_railway_link), priced for a night it is on. [affiliate link](https://bestchristmasmarkets.co.uk/affiliate-disclosure/)

## Christmas Markets Nearby

Make a day of it: the closest Christmas markets with confirmed 2026 dates.

[Castle Ward Christmas Artisan Market  Strangford, County Down  5 to 6 Dec 2026  6 miles away](https://bestchristmasmarkets.co.uk/markets/castle-ward/) [Yuletide Market at Rowallane Garden  Saintfield, County Down  12 to 13 Dec 2026  10 miles away](https://bestchristmasmarkets.co.uk/markets/rowallane/) [Carryduff Christmas Market  Carryduff, County Down  16 Dec 2026  15 miles away](https://bestchristmasmarkets.co.uk/markets/carryduff/) [Orange Tree House Christmas Market  Greyabbey, County Down  6 Dec 2026  15 miles away](https://bestchristmasmarkets.co.uk/markets/greyabbey/)

[All santa trains](https://bestchristmasmarkets.co.uk/santa-trains/) · [Christmas markets near you](https://bestchristmasmarkets.co.uk/)