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The Santa Steam Express
Steam trainLondon

The Santa Steam Express

London Victoria → 90-minute circular trip from London Victoria
8 upcoming dates
Photo: LordTaldo, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
  • SeasonDecember
  • RunsSaturdays 12 and 19 December 2026, four departures each day (09:15, 11:45, 15:15, 17:15)
  • DurationAbout 90 minutes
  • TractionSteam (70000 Britannia rostered, subject to substitution)
  • OperatorSteam Dreams Rail Co

A 90-minute festive family steam trip from London Victoria with Santa, elves and a gift for every child.

The Santa Steam Express is Steam Dreams' family Christmas train: a 90-minute circular steam-hauled run from London Victoria in the company's decorated vintage carriages. Santa's elves perform songs and stories through the train, every child meets Santa and receives a small gift, an activity sheet and a snack, and adults are served tea or coffee with a mince pie.

Four departures run on each of two Saturdays in December 2026, at 09:15, 11:45, 15:15 and 17:15. BR Standard Britannia 70000 is the rostered locomotive, subject to substitution.

Upcoming dates

DateFromTractionStatus
Sat 12 Dec 2026
09:15		 London Victoria
Morning departure; 90-minute circular trip.		 70000 Britannia On sale
Sat 12 Dec 2026
11:45		 London Victoria
Late morning departure; 90-minute circular trip.		 70000 Britannia On sale
Sat 12 Dec 2026
15:15		 London Victoria
Afternoon departure; 90-minute circular trip.		 70000 Britannia On sale
Sat 12 Dec 2026
17:15		 London Victoria
Early evening departure; 90-minute circular trip.		 70000 Britannia On sale
Sat 19 Dec 2026
09:15		 London Victoria
Morning departure; 90-minute circular trip.		 70000 Britannia On sale
Sat 19 Dec 2026
11:45		 London Victoria
Late morning departure; 90-minute circular trip.		 70000 Britannia On sale
Sat 19 Dec 2026
15:15		 London Victoria
Afternoon departure; 90-minute circular trip.		 70000 Britannia On sale
Sat 19 Dec 2026
17:15		 London Victoria
Early evening departure; 90-minute circular trip.		 70000 Britannia On sale

On board

  • Family friendly

Highlights

  • Steam from London Victoria
  • Santa and his elves on board
  • Gift for every child
  • Four departures a day

Classes of travel

Coach ClassClub ClassPrivate Compartment
Before you book: charter trains depend on locomotive availability and Network Rail engineering work. Steam can be swapped for diesel at short notice, so check the operator’s terms for what happens then. When you book, ask for a seat on the side we recommend: most operators allocate seats but will note a preference.

Frequently asked questions

How long is the trip?

About 90 minutes, starting and finishing at London Victoria.

Which dates?

Saturday 12 and Saturday 19 December 2026.

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