Santa's Steam Train Adventure — Pontypool & Blaenavon Railway

Blaenavon's Heritage Railway, run by the volunteer-based Pontypool and Blaenavon Railway Company, runs Santa's Steam Train Adventure from Furnace Sidings station in Blaenavon. The operator describes a six-mile steam train return journey lasting about 50 to 60 minutes, with entertainment from its elves, Mother Christmas and Father Christmas.

Passengers have reserved seating in a vintage carriage, either in a compartment or at open tables. The operator says Santa visits every family personally at their reserved table or compartment, with a present for each child on his nice list.

Children aged 12 and under also receive a Christmas storybook, an activity sheet, a gingerbread treat and juice, and passengers aged 13 and over are given a mince pie. An optional festive treat tin can be added to a booking. The operator is a not-for-profit, volunteer-run charity and notes that its locomotives are old and can be reallocated at short notice for operational reasons.

About 60 minutes on a steam train from Furnace Sidings station, with reserved seating in a vintage carriage. The elves, Mother Christmas and Father Christmas entertain on board and Santa visits each family at their seat. Children aged 12 and under get a present, a storybook, an activity sheet, a gingerbread treat and juice; passengers aged 13 and over get a mince pie.

Departs from Furnace Sidings Station, Blaenavon NP4 9AX, with free parking. Seats are reserved, either in a private compartment or at open tables; the stated number of people for a compartment is the maximum, with one infant per compartment allowed on a knee. Child, infant and gift-tin tickets must be bought together with at least one adult ticket; to add a person to a booking, contact the ticket seller, Fox & Edwards Events (tickets@foxandedwards.com, 01629 380600). Dogs are not permitted on this journey. Tickets are sold by Fox & Edwards Events through a link on the railway's website.