Make everlasting family memories at The Magical Santa Express for a festive experience like no other!
Whether you are returning for your family tradition or exploring Statfold’s Christmas event for the first time, our experience truly brings the magic and belief to the children, but also the adults too!
It's the most magical time of the year...
Your enchanting journey will involve boarding a beautifully lit steam train to the ‘North Pole’ where you’ll meet with Santa, Mrs Claus and all the elves in the ‘North Pole’, taking part in a range of fun festive activities from cookie decorating to letter writing and more. Plus, after seeing the big man himself in the grotto, you’ll be taken to the Toy Shop to pick out a present to take home – as long as you’re on the nice list though!
So what are you waiting for? Book your visit now.
Take a look at the magical photos from last year...
All the festive adventures you can enjoy...
North Pole Post Office
Join our elves and write your special letter to Santa! Whether you want to tell him what you would like for Christmas or leave him a little thank you message, you can do that here before posting in our magical post box.
Santa's Grotto
Take an enchanting stroll through the magical woodland walk on your journey to meet Santa inside his Grotto. Don’t forget to have your photo taken by his helpful elves!
The Magical Santa Express Train
All aboard The Magical Santa Express for a journey around our award-winning railway straight to the North Pole! Look out for Santa’s friends and a chance of falling snow when you arrive.
Santa's Reindeer Stables
The reindeer love to have snacks during their flight on Christmas Eve. Join our elves in making the perfect reindeer snack, choose from flight dust to invisibility powder and more!
Mrs Claus' Bakery
Mrs Claus is waiting for you in her bakery… come along and help decorate the cookies she has baked! There will be icing, sweeties and more so take your pick. She might even let you sneak one home to eat!
Fun Activities
The North Pole has plenty of extra activities to keep the festivities going, from taking a ride on a vintage carousel to visiting the wishing tree or hopping on the new VR Sleigh ride for £3 per person and more!
North Pole Catering Outlets
We will be open all day offering festive light bites, hot and cold food, a selection of sweet treats, plus a variety of drinks too.
Santa's Toy Shop
After your visit to see the big man himself, you might find yourself in Santa’s Toy Shop – only if you stay on the nice list though! Take a look around all the magical toys… if you find one you like you can take it home!
Toby's Barn: Play & Climb
Our 3-tier soft play will be open for little ones to enjoy from £5 or take the older ones on our climbing walls from £5. These activities should be pre-booked to avoid disappointment.
Vintage Fairground
Take a ride on the moon rockets, hop aboard the stunning carousel, race your family in the dodgems and so much more! *Please note, the fairground will be open on Peak Days only from 11am to 5pm. Ride tokens are sold separately.
FAQs
Where do we go upon arrival?
The entrance to The Magical Santa Express is located in the main car park in our Strawberry Suite (next to Retro Roller Disco). We have plenty of free parking nearby.
Do I need to arrive early?
Statfold’s Magical Santa Express is popular, and each session time could be busy. We recommend arriving 15 minutes before your session starts (the time you booked), this is to allow time for parking and making your way to the venue to check in. We suggest getting your booking reference up in advance before making your way to the reception desk.
How long does the session last for?
The event activities last for approximately 2 hours. However, there is no set time and guests are welcome to stay as long as they wish and add additional activities too!
How long is the train journey?
The Magical Santa Express journey will take approximately 12 minutes. Departing from Strawberry Platform and arriving at the ‘North Pole’.
What time are you open until?
We are open until 8pm/8:30pm, subject to the last experience start time and Toby’s Barn Soft Play times.
Can I bring a pushchair on the experience?
Yes, collapsible pushchairs are welcome. However, space is limited. Please select and book a place for your pushchair at the checkout.
Do you offer carer/concession tickets?
Yes, we do offer a discount for concessions or carers. To be eligible for a concession ticket:
- 65 years & over
- Blue Badge Holder
- Receive DLA Support
Please bring evidence of the above with your ticket to the admission point upon arrival.
Carers are admitted at a discounted price.
I need assistance of a carer, do they need to pay?
Yes, a carer will need to book a carer admission ticket. The carer admission tickets are discounted though.
Is The Magical Santa Express accessible for people with limited mobility?
Yes, the train can accommodate wheelchairs, and we have accessible facilities like toilets and lifts where needed. Please ensure you select and book a place for a wheelchair on your booking.
Will Toby’s Barn Soft Play be open?
Yes! When booking your tickets you will be able to add a 45 minute soft play session for just £4.50 per child. There will be soft play sessions every hour until our closing time, please book your session a minimum of 1 hour after your starting arrival time.
Is Toby’s Barn Clip n’ Climb available?
Yes! You can book onto a climbing session as an uplift on the day of your visit. This can be done at the main desk inside Toby’s Barn: Play & Climb. There is an age limit of 4 years, parents and guardians will be required to sign a participation form prior to the session. Climbing sessions last for 30 minutes.
Do the children get to meet Santa?
Yes! All children’s tickets include a meeting Santa on an individual meet and greet basis in the grotto. The Elves will be sure to keep the children entertained whilst they wait for their turn.
We discourage the use of mobile phones and personal photography devices inside our grottos to retain the integrity of our magical experience.
Fear not, Santa’s Elves have a magical camera to take happy, jolly and silly photos of you and your family which you will be able to purchase after you’ve visited the toy shop.
Do I get a present?
Yes! All children and under 2’s will receive the following with their ticket:
- A visit to the Grotto to see Santa
- A gift from Santa’s Toy Shop
- Reindeer food to take home and put out on Christmas Eve
- Sweet treat to eat from Mrs Claus’ Bakery
Will I have to queue to see Santa?
With the nature of the event, we cannot guarantee that you will not be required to queue. However, please be assured that we do have a structured queuing system in place to minimise the wait time as best as possible. Any concerns please speak to a member of the team on the day.
Will there be places to purchase food and drink?
Yes, Peeler’s Bar and Diane’s Diner will be open for this festive period, serving a range of delicious hot and cold food and drink items.
