Elf Express — Stephenson Steam Railway

The Stephenson Steam Railway, managed by North East Museums on behalf of North Tyneside Council, runs the Elf Express as its Christmas event. The timeslot is for an interactive show: guests arrive for a 15-minute museum performance with Santa and his elves before boarding a festive-themed heritage train.

The operator describes a journey with its Chief Elf and Santa Claus, Christmas tunes and photo opportunities, with a hot drink, a seasonal sweet treat and a gift from Santa. Children aged 0 to 12 receive the gift; adults are given a sticker so they can tell the staff their child's name.

The operator says there are outdoor elements and recommends a warm coat, boots, hats, gloves and scarves. The locomotive may vary according to availability.

A 15-minute live and interactive show in the museum, then a festive heritage train ride with entertainment, Christmas tunes, a hot or cold drink and a sweet treat, and a gift from Santa for children aged 0 to 12. The operator gives the train ride as about 40 minutes and the whole visit as about 90 minutes. Part of the event is outdoors.

Stephenson Steam Railway, Middle Engine Lane, North Shields, Tyne and Wear NE29 8DX. All tickets are booked online in advance. Guests are asked to arrive no earlier than 15 minutes before their admission time and no later than 10 minutes after it. The booked time is for the show, not the train departure. Free on-site car park with 74 spaces plus overflow. The operator advises leaving buggies and pushchairs in the car or at the museum. Tickets cannot be exchanged or refunded, and the operator asks guests to choose the correct seat position (facing, not back-to-back). Group tickets are available for private compartments.