Lapland Express
Join Santa, Mrs Claus and their cheeky elves on the Lapland Express – yes we’re back for 2024 after the flooding!
Dates and times
- Sunday 1st December
- Saturday 7th & Sunday 8th December
- Saturday 14th & Sunday 15th December
- Saturday 21st & Sunday 22nd December
Trains depart Downpatrick at 12:00, 13:15, 14:30, 15:55 and 17:10
Not all times are available on all dates, please check carefully when booking.
Fares
- Adults: £19
- Children: £24 (includes a present)
- Infants (aged 0-12 months) not requiring a present, drink or treat: FREE *
- Eligible carers: free if you meet the criteria – please see the FAQs below.
* A 50p booking fee applies to infant tickets as we still incur a charge with the ticketing company
Presents from Santa are age-appropriate gifts. Our gifts are not selection boxes or other food items, so you have no worries about food allergies with them.
Please be sure to choose the correct aged tickets for the children, either 0-5 years old, or 6+ years old. If you choose the wrong age by accident, don’t worry, just Contact Us and we will sort this out.
On the day
- On arrival you will be welcomed by our volunteers at our Downpatrick station
- Christmas drinks and treats will be served on board the train, included in your ticket price.
- Santa’s helpers will help to get you all on board the train before departure
- The event will last approximately 45 minutes, including train ride to Inch Abbey and back, with entertainment from Santa, Mrs Claus and the Elves
- Entertainment will include an interactive magic display and other fun and games
- Santa will visit you at your seat
- Children will receive a age appropriate present
Please note: due to unavailability of steam engines this year, a heritage diesel train is being used. This does not make your visit any less fun!
On arrival
Please arrive 20-30 minutes before your train. We will always do our best to accommodate you if there are any changes in your travel plans or you experience travel issues on the day, but due to limited numbers on our trains this may not be possible.
Make sure you have your eTicket or reference number with you, either on paper or on your mobile phone.