Unforgettable Seasonal Experiences with the North Yorkshire Moors Railway

Looking for a memorable day out or unique seasonal experience? The North Yorkshire Moors Railway has a fantastic programme of special events throughout the year, from spine-tingling Halloween adventures to magical Christmas journeys. With a range of experiences designed for different ages and interests, there is plenty to look forward to on this iconic heritage railway.

Dare to Board Mad Alice’s Ghost Train

This Halloween, step aboard the North Yorkshire Moors Railway after dark for an immersive experience unlike any other. Mad Alice’s Ghost Train combines live theatre, atmospheric storytelling and a journey through the moonlit North Yorkshire Moors.

Named after one of York’s most infamous ghosts, Mad Alice invites brave passengers to join her for a theatrical journey filled with Victorian Gothic storytelling. Costumed performers and atmospheric entertainment bring the experience to life as the train travels through the darkness.

Mad Alice, based on the legendary ghost Alice Smith, leaves York’s haunted streets behind to stalk the moors. Your host, narrator and guide for the evening will lead you through eerie tales designed to thrill rather than terrify. Expect atmospheric ghost stories, lantern-lit carriages and a wonderfully spooky Halloween setting.

The experience takes place on just three evenings, 18 October, 25 October and 1 November, with two services departing each night.

Mad Alice’s Ghost Train is designed for grown-ups and fearless older teenagers, with a minimum age of 14. Young Adult tickets are available for guests aged 14 to 17.

Guests aged 18 and over can choose between a ticket including a complimentary York Gin drink or a soft drink. Young People aged 14 to 17 will receive a soft drink.

Adult tickets with York Gin are £40, while adult tickets with a soft drink and Young Person tickets are £35.

If you are looking for an alternative Halloween experience filled with storytelling, theatre and a wonderfully Gothic atmosphere, Mad Alice is waiting. The only question is, will you answer her call?

Experience the Magic of the NYMR Santa Express

Christmas is a magical time to visit the North Yorkshire Moors Railway, and the NYMR Santa Express offers a festive journey for families to remember.

Step aboard a heritage steam train and prepare for an hour-long round trip between Pickering and Levisham. Before the train departs, passengers will be welcomed by Santa’s cheeky elves, who bring plenty of songs, games and festive fun to the experience.

During the journey, Santa and his elves will make their way through the train to meet passengers, with every child receiving a special gift. Children will also receive a gingerbread man plush toy and a festive book to take home.

Keep an eye out for some very special characters along the way. Meet Elton Elf, the musical genius, Chef Custard, who cooks for Santa and Rudolf, and Joey Marshmallow, the railway's resident trickster elf.

Passengers will also encounter Gingersnap, a gingerbread puppet who arrives on a baking tray after an unfortunate mishap in the kitchen. As the festive story unfolds, the elves will work together to discover exactly what has happened.

The Christmas fun does not end when the train returns to the station. Visitors can enjoy a range of festive platform activities, including Christmas-themed fete games, a Naughty or Nice Scanner, a gingerbread-themed activity and the opportunity to write and post a letter to Santa.

There will also be festive sing-along performances on the event stage, as well as a Christmas Emporium, tearooms and a gift shop.

Santa Express fares have been held at the previous year's prices, with tickets starting from £29.50 per person. Carer tickets are available for £17.50, and wheelchair user tickets can also be booked online.

Enjoy a Festive Evening with Tinsel Tipple

For those looking for a more grown-up Christmas experience, the North Yorkshire Moors Railway has introduced Tinsel Tipple, a festive evening train journey designed for guests aged 14 and over.

Taking place on 28 November and 12, 22 and 23 December 2026, Tinsel Tipple offers an alternative to the traditional family Santa experience. There is no visit from Santa, but there is plenty of festive entertainment, music and Christmas cheer.

Services depart at either 5pm or 6.30pm, taking passengers on a journey from Pickering to Levisham and back.

The festive atmosphere begins before you even board, with Christmas sing-alongs on Platform 2 and seasonal music playing at the station. The carriages are transformed with festive lighting, creating a magical setting for an evening on the railway.

Once on board, cheeky elves roam through the carriages, spreading festive mischief while passengers enjoy Christmas music and entertainment throughout the journey.

Guests aged 18 and over will receive a Baileys and a mince pie, while guests aged 14 and over can enjoy a non-alcoholic drink and mince pie. Non-alcoholic alternatives are also available.

Tinsel Tipple is ideal for couples, groups of friends, work celebrations and multi-generational families looking to do something a little different during the festive season. With an evening departure, live entertainment and refreshments included, it could be the perfect way to begin a Christmas night out.

Standard tickets are £35 per person, while carer tickets are available for £17.50. Dedicated wheelchair user spaces are available in the railway's Fuss-Free ramp-access carriage, with seating available for accompanying carers.

Pre-booked groups of 20 or more passengers may also be eligible for discounted fares.

Seasonal Days Out on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway

Whether you are looking for spooky storytelling, festive family fun or a Christmas celebration with friends, the North Yorkshire Moors Railway offers a range of memorable seasonal experiences.

From the atmospheric journey of Mad Alice’s Ghost Train to the magic of the Santa Express and the lively celebrations of Tinsel Tipple, there are plenty of opportunities to experience the heritage railway in a completely different way.

As with any event, we recommend checking the latest information before travelling and contacting the North Yorkshire Moors Railway directly if you have specific accessibility requirements or questions about your visit.