# East Lancashire Railway Santa Specials 2026

> East Lancashire Railway Santa Specials 2026 runs 28 November to 24 December 2026. Adults from £25, children £24.50. Times, booking and what to know, from the official page.

Source: https://bestchristmasmarkets.co.uk/santa-trains/east-lancashire-railway/

SANTA TRAINS

28 Nov to 24 Dec 2026, Bury Bolton Street Station, East Lancashire Railway.

A steam train ride through the Irwell Valley with a decorated station walkthrough, festive characters, a brass band and a visit from Santa. Each child gets a gift chosen by age band.

| Dates | 28 Nov to 24 Dec 2026 |
| --- | --- |
| Days | Weekends 28 November to 20 December, then daily 21 to 24 December (including Christmas Eve) |
| Times | Trains leave Bury from about 9.30am, with the last departing around 4.10pm on most days; shorter timetable on 21, 22 and 23 December and no afternoon trains on Christmas Eve |
| Departs From | Bury Bolton Street (a diesel shuttle runs from Heywood) BL9 0EY [Open in Maps](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=53.5934,-2.2991) |
| Journey | an approximately 80-minute return trip from Bury to Rawtenstall |
| Includes | Station winter wonderland walkthrough, steam train ride, brass band on board, time with Santa and photos, a gift for every child, activity books and a mince pie with a festive drink |
| Ages | Child price applies to children; under-3s on a knee are covered by a combined adult ticket price |
| Tickets and Price | Adults from £25, children £24.50. Prices rise through the season (up to £41.50 adult on 20 and 24 December); an adult with a child under 3 on their knee is from £39; a £2.50 booking fee applies per order |
| Organiser | East Lancashire Railway. [Official page](https://www.eastlancsrailway.org.uk/events-activities/santa-specials/) |
| Hotels | [Hotels near Bury](https://www.stay22.com/allez/roam?aid=bobbleventures&lat=53.5934&lng=-2.2991&address=Bury%2C%20UK&checkin=2026-11-28&checkout=2026-11-29&currency=GBP&campaign=bcm_santa_santa_east_lancashire_railway_top) [affiliate](https://bestchristmasmarkets.co.uk/affiliate-disclosure/) |

Checked against [East Lancashire Railway](https://www.eastlancsrailway.org.uk/events-activities/santa-specials/), 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 Spotted something out of date?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 East Lancashire Railway Santa Specials?

**Making a night of it?** [See hotels near Bury](https://www.stay22.com/allez/roam?aid=bobbleventures&lat=53.5934&lng=-2.2991&address=Bury%2C%20UK&checkin=2026-11-28&checkout=2026-11-29&currency=GBP&campaign=bcm_santa_santa_east_lancashire_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.

[Bolton Hospice Christmas Fair  Bolton, Greater Manchester  21 Nov 2026  6 miles away](https://bestchristmasmarkets.co.uk/markets/bolton-hospice-christmas-fair/) [Smithills Farm Christmas Markets  Bolton, Greater Manchester  21 to 29 Nov 2026  Open 21 to 22 Nov and 28 to 29 Nov only  6 miles away](https://bestchristmasmarkets.co.uk/markets/smithills-farm/) [Manchester Christmas Markets  Manchester, Greater Manchester  6 Nov to 22 Dec 2026  8 miles away](https://bestchristmasmarkets.co.uk/markets/manchester/) [Rivington Christmas Craft Market  Rivington, Lancashire  21 to 28 Nov 2026  Open Saturdays only  11 miles away](https://bestchristmasmarkets.co.uk/markets/rivington/)

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