Fabulous festive trains to hop aboard around Birmingham for Christmas 2024

There's something super Christmassy about boarding a festive-decorated train and chugging off under the stars. You can take trips all across the Midlands and there are a variety of different options available to suit all ages.

We have not one but three Polar Express events happening in our area but you'll have to be quick as tickets are selling out fast. There are also some new festive attractions to explore as well, such as Thomas' Hot Chocolate Express at Drayton Manor. And be sure to check out the Magical Santa Express at Statfold Country Park, where you can spend a whole afternoon enjoying festive activities as part of your train ticket.

And Severn Valley Railway has three treats for families and all train-lovers this year - from its Santa Specials and Enchanted Express Journeys to its Carol Trains for those who love a good singsong. Many of these events involve hot chocolate, lights and stories too. Be sure to book in advance to avoid disappointment.

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The Magical Santa Express at Statfold Country Park

You can travel on an illuminated festive train to a 'North Pole Wonderland' complete with twinkling lights, falling snow and singing reindeer at Statfold Country Park for Christmas 2024. The Magical Santa Express event, in Tamworth, also gives families the chance to meet Santa's elves, decorate cookies with Mrs Claus and make reindeer food.

There's even time to send letters via the North Pole Post Office before going to the grotto to meet Santa for a chat and a photo. Read our review of Statfold here.

What's more, tickets are considerably cheaper than other Christmas trains in the area. Running on selected dates from November 23 to December 23, find out more and book tickets via the Statfold website.

Polar Express Birmingham

This Moor Street Station spectacle, run by Vintage Trains, is incredibly popular. Lots of key dates for the Polar Express Birmingham have already sold out so you'll need to be quick to secure last minute tickets.

Running on weekends from November 23 to December 15 then on December 16, 20, 21, 22 and 23, this event takes families on a 'magical journey to the North Pole'. You get to meet the conductor, board a heritage train for cookies and hot chocolate with characters from the classic book and film.

Once you've heard the story, it's then time to see Santa. Read our review of the Polar Express Birmingham here. Find out more and book via the Vintage Trains website.

Santa Trains at Severn Valley Railway Kidderminster

The popular Santa Trains are back at Severn Valley Railway for 2024. Departing from Kidderminster, you can enjoy your journey as you make your way to watch a panto at Arley Station. The experience includes a present for each child, and reserved seating for the whole family. New for 2024 is a Relaxed Santa Train too.

Runs on selected dates from November 20 to December 24. Find out more and book via the Severn Valley Railway website.

Enchanted Express at Severn Valley Railway Bridgnorth

At the other end of the Severn Valley Railway line, you can board the Enchanted Express from Bridgnorth where you'll meet Santa and his friends on board. Featuring narration by the voice of Dame Julie Walters, this also includes a present for each child.

However, these tickets are selling out fast so you'll have to be super quick to secure the last ones. The Enchanted Express runs on selected dates from November 20 through to Christmas Eve. Find out more and book via the Severn Valley Railway website.

Thomas' Hot Chocolate Express at Drayton Manor

There's a new festive train ride at Drayton Manor for Christmas 2024. You can enjoy a magical Christmas tale with Sir Topham Hatt as you journey along the sparkling festive light trail towards Rusty and Dusty’s Hot Chocolate Factory, where you can decorate your own hot chocolate with marshmallows and treats.

Festive installations will light up the night sky on your train trip, bringing an extra Christmas glow to your visit. There's also a new 'Celebration Square' at the Tamworth theme park, filled with warming fire pits, live music, entertainment and seasonal treats. Kids can meet Santa in his Enchanted Christmas Grotto.

Runs on selected dates from November 23 to December 31. Enchanted Grotto tickets include children's entertainment, time with Santa and a small gift for kids. Find out more and book tickets here.

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Polar Express at Telford Steam Railway

If you're struggling to get tickets to Birmingham Moor Street, you could try The Polar Express™ Train Ride at Telford Steam Railway instead - although tickets are selling out fast there too. The immersive event is back for 2024 and people are, once again, encouraged to wear their PJs.

Watch the story come to life as you meet the conductor and the chefs on board the train before seeing Father Christmas as he climbs aboard the train with his elves to give children a silver sleigh bell. Find out more and book tickets here.

Santa Specials on the Chasewater Railway

Santa Specials are back at Chasewater Country Park for 2024. The 'magical train rides' start and end at Brownhills West Station and will be joined by Santa, who comes to see everyone on the trip as he gives out gifts.

Look out for deer along the way in this beauty spot. There's also tea, coffee and Christmas afternoon tea available. Runs on selected dates from November 30 to December 24, find out more and book tickets here

Carol Trains at Severn Valley Railway

There's another festive train experience available at SVR and it involves singing. People are invited to board the Carol Train from Kidderminster and take a ride to The Engine House Visitor Centre at Highley for this atmospheric experience.

You can sing along or just soak up the festive ambience on this evening of carols and festive songs. Running on December 13, 14, 20, 21 and 23, the concourse at Kidderminster Station will be filled with the sounds of Christmas classics too.

At Highley you leave the train for the short walk (approximately 150 yards) to The Engine House, where the choir (and sometimes band) will again lead the singing and a warming glass of mulled wine and a mince pie will be served to passengers. Trains depart from Kidderminster at 7pm, arriving back at approximately 10.20pm. Find out more and book via the Severn Valley Railway website.

The Polar Express at Churnet Valley Railway

Another Polar Express event is taking place at Froghall Station on the Churnet Valley Railway in Staffordshire - and there are still tickets available for multiple dates. Passengers are encouraged to attend in their PJs and enjoy hot chocolates and cookies served by singing chefs aboard the steam train.

They can then travel through 'the Northern Lights to reach the North Pole' to meet Father Christmas and be given a silver bell as a gift. Runs on selected dates from November 23 to December 23. Find out more and book tickets here.

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Mince Pie Specials at Chasewater Country Park

And, if you're looking for a post-Christmas festive train, why not climb aboard the Mince Pie Special? It runs on New Year's Day to take you on a 'wonderful winter journey' around Chasewater Country Park.

The Sidings Tea Room, shops, museum and attractions will be open too. Tickets are valid on all passenger services throughout the day (timetable tbc) and all pre-booked passengers get a mince pie included. It means you can jump on the train, go for a walk, then catch the train back, which sounds like a great way to see in the new year. Find out more and book tickets here.