Tickets are now available to buy online for the Lapland Express, which is arriving this Christmas at the Downpatrick and County Down Railway for four weekends only with a very special passenger – Santa Claus!
Railway chairman, Robert Gardiner revealed Santa’s itinerary, “He’ll have travelled in style on board his own steam train – the Lapland Express – to greet scores of children.”
Mr Gardiner also says that, although the details of his trip are tightly guarded secrets looked after by the Elf & Safety Executive, it is his understanding that kids eager to meet the jolly big man in the red outfit will be invited everyone to join Santa Claus for some festive fun on the Christmas train.
He adds, “Once the Steam Train has arrived at the Loop Platform, Santa will invite everyone to join him over in his travelling workshop – the carriage where he makes all the toys for all the little boys and girls. Here, they will get to speak one-to-one with Santa and tell him what they wanted for Christmas.”
The steam train will be leaving the railway station for the following weekends, 26th & 27th Nov, 3rd & 4th, 10th & 11th, 17th & 18th December. Santa will also be providing his guests refreshments on the buffet coach.
Tickets are selling quickly already online – and cost £8.50 for adults, £10 (including present) children. This includes a present from Santa, as well as the train fare. Log on to our website to choose your train and purchase your ticket – but you better get on your snow shoes as they are selling out quickly!
Admission to see Santa in his workshop is also dependant on children having been good throughout the year.
Mr Gardiner also advises to come well wrapped up, “Don’t forget, this is an outdoor event so both parents and children should wear appropriate warm clothing.”
And after Christmas Day is over, you can steam into the New Year with the railway’s popular Mince Pie Specials on Saturday, 7th January.
“The Downpatrick & County Down Railway is your guaranteed sanctuary from turkey sandwiches,” jokes Mr. Gardiner.
“Mince or apple pies are available from our buffet car on New Year’s Day, after relaxing on board a heritage train coasting through the County Down countryside,” he says, “as a well as a wee glass of something to refresh you.”