1st Dec 2024
Santa 2024 - update on ticket status as at October 9th: All tickets including both Open Carriage and Compartment options are now available.
Santa at the Station – December 2024
Following lengthy negotiations with Santa, who is a very busy man, we're delighted to confirm that once again he'll be visiting Midsomer Norton Station in December because he says it's one of his favourite places!
Please read the following as it contains important information that will help Santa and make your visit as enjoyable as possible.
Your experience will feature a round trip on our railway, hauled by one of our locomotives or our vintage Diesel Multiple Unit, working the very steep incline away from the station, before returning to the Midsomer North Pole platform to visit Santa in his grotto, where all children will receive a wrapped gift.
Trains will run on Sunday 1st December and then on the following three weekends: 7th and 8th December, 14th and 15th December, 21st and 22nd December. There will be five trains per day at: 09.30; 11.00; 12.30; 14.00 and 15.30.
It is planned that all Santa trains will be steam-hauled although we reserve the right to change the rolling stock and motive power for operational reasons. The journey takes approximately 20 minutes in our cosy, heated heritage carriages.
There will be an opportunity to have photos taken at our Midsomer North Pole ‘photo booth’ and there will be goody bags (containing festive treats and a drink) for the children and a festive drink and mince pies for the adults.
Our buffet car will be open for refreshment, along with the station shop where you might be able to pick up that last minute Christmas gift.
Tickets
As in previous years, you can book either a compartment for up to 8 people in one of our compartment carriages, or a bay in our open carriage for up to 4 people, where each bay consists of 4 seats grouped together.
Compartment bookings must include a minimum of 4 people (including adults and children aged 3 and above) and a maximum of 8 people.
A booking for an open carriage bay must include a minimum of 2 people (including adults and children aged 3 and above) and a maximum of 4 people.
If the size of your party is larger than the maximum for a single compartment or bay then you may book additional compartments or bays during checkout. If you’re not sure on the best ticketing option then please contact us by emailing: sales@sdjr.co.uk
During the booking process, we will ask you to confirm the age of the children in your group, in order to ensure Santa brings the right presents for everyone. If you have any special dietary requirements or allergies that we should be aware of you should E-mail sales@sdjr.co.uk quoting your booking number with the details so we may endeavour to cater for your reasonable needs.
***Important message from Santa’s helpers: when prompted during booking don’t forget to include the requested information on the age range of your party and add this to your basket. You’ll be asked for this after you’ve selected the time of your train***
Prices
Due to the continuing high costs of operating heritage railways, we have reluctantly had to increase prices for our 2024 Santa services. Each passenger aged 3 and above will pay the equivalent of £13.00 for a seat in an open carriage bay (minimum 2 people) or in a compartment (minimum 4 people). We assume that children under 3 sit on a lap so there is no charge for a seat, but there is a small supplemental charge of £4.00 to cover the cost of the present and refreshments (where appropriate).
Price includes the following: train ride; visit to Santa’s Grotto; wrapped gift and goody bag containing festive treats and a drink for children, plus a festive drink or standard tea or coffee and locally sourced mince pie for adults.
Additional Information regarding access.
There is limited space in our 1950s style carriages, so we ask that, where possible, pushchairs are not carried onto the train but left under the platform shelter, where they will be safe.
Wheelchairs can be accommodated in the guard’s compartment and can be accompanied by 2/3 people. Wheelchairs can also be accommodated in Santa’s grotto.
Due to the nature of this event no dogs please other than Assistance Dogs.
Parking at our site will be limited and reserved for disabled passengers. Please use Norton Hill School, or South Road Car Park. Both are situated a short walk from the railway.
For further information about our Santa Specials, including queries on bookings already made and information on access to our trains for disabled passengers, the best way to contact us is by emailing: sales@sdjr.co.uk
Somerset & Dorset Railway Heritage Trust
Somerset & Dorset Railway Heritage Trust</br>
Midsomer Norton Station</br>
Silver Street</br>
Midsomer Norton</br>
BA3 2EY