Santa's Elf Express — Strathspey Railway

The Strathspey Railway runs Santa's Elf Express from Aviemore Station as a return steam journey of about 1 hour 45 minutes through the Highland winter scenery. Children get festive activity books while mischievous elves roam the train with singalongs, jokes and Christmas mischief.

Santa visits every table, spending a few minutes with each family, chatting with the children and posing for photos, and presents a souvenir gift to every child aged 10 months and over.

The standard experience is sold as fixed-price tables for up to two or up to four passengers. The railway also sells private first-class compartments for four, five or six, individual seats in an Observation Carriage, and an Adults-Only Carriage for passengers aged 16 and over, which Santa and the elves do not visit. The operator aims to run the train with a steam locomotive but may substitute a heritage diesel.

A return journey of about 1 hour 45 minutes in decorated heritage carriages. Elves bring singalongs and jokes, children have activity books, and Santa visits each table with a gift for every child aged 10 months and over. A trolley service sells snacks and drinks, and guests may bring their own food. The carriages have single-glazed windows and can feel chilly, so bring warm clothing and perhaps a blanket.

Departs from Aviemore Station, Platform 3 only (Strathspey Railway, Dalfaber Road, Aviemore PH22 1PY). Elf Express tickets are sold by the table (for up to two or up to four passengers) or by the compartment, not per person, and a table cannot take an extra passenger beyond its capacity; children aged 3 and over need their own seat and count towards the table. A carriage is allocated at booking and seating within it is unreserved. Children aged 10 months to 2 years need a toddler ticket and may sit on a lap; babies under 10 months travel free in arms or a sling, with no gift, and prams and baby seats cannot be carried. Dogs are not permitted on any Christmas train; assistance dogs are welcome. There are no concessionary fares. Refunds are not given if a diesel locomotive is substituted for steam.