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Illustration: A lit steam train arriving at a decorated station with a big Christmas tree and families
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Christmas

Santa Express & Christmas Carnival — Zig Zag Railway

  • Run by Zig Zag Railway
  • Clarence Station — Clarence, New South Wales, Australia

Next: Dec 5, 2026

A one-day Christmas event at Clarence in the Blue Mountains: a 45-minute heritage steam train journey, unlimited carnival rides, Christmas markets and photos with Santa at the station.

Updated

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Next edition

Dec 5, 2026

One day only: 9:30am to 4:00pm. Train journeys at 10:30am, 11:30am, 1:00pm, 2:00pm and 3:00pm; carnival-only entry is also sold on the day.

From A$42.50 (as published by the operator)

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About this event

Zig Zag Railway, the heritage railway at Clarence in the Blue Mountains of New South Wales, combines its Santa Express with a Christmas Carnival. Passengers board a restored heritage steam train for a 45-minute Discovery Journey, then spend the rest of the day at the station with the carnival rides, the Christmas markets and a photo with Santa.

The operator runs five departures through the day, so families can fit the train, the rides and Santa in at their own pace. Santa waits at Clarence Station all day rather than riding the train, so families can visit him before or after their journey. Guests can also enter the carnival without a train ticket.

What to expect

A 45-minute heritage steam train Discovery Journey, unlimited carnival rides (with options for young children and a few for teens and adults), Christmas markets, and a photo with Santa and a heritage train or at a festive photo display. Access to the cafe and picnic areas is included.

Practical info

Zig Zag Railway, 840 Chifley Road, Clarence, New South Wales. The event runs from 9:30am to 4:00pm, with train journeys at 10:30am, 11:30am, 1:00pm, 2:00pm and 3:00pm. Train seats are limited and the operator strongly recommends booking online in advance. The carnival-only entry is available on the day with no need to pre-book. Refunds are given as a Zig Zag Railway gift card only. Phone: 1300 944 924.

Where it happens

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Frequently asked questions

How long is the train journey at Zig Zag Railway's Santa Express?▾
The operator describes a 45-minute heritage steam train Discovery Journey, with five departures through the day.
Does Santa ride the train?▾
No. The operator places Santa at Clarence Station all day instead of on the train, so families can visit him before or after their journey.
What is included in a train ticket?▾
The 45-minute heritage journey, unlimited carnival rides, a meeting with Santa, Christmas photos and the Christmas markets. Carnival rides are already included in every train ticket.
Can we come without riding the train?▾
Yes. The operator sells a carnival-only entry (available on the day with no need to pre-book) and a cheaper platform-only entry. Neither includes the train.
Should we book in advance?▾
The operator says seats on each journey are limited and strongly recommends booking online in advance.
Can tickets be refunded?▾
Refunds are given only as a Zig Zag Railway gift card for the value of the tickets, not as cash or a card refund.

Sources

Dates checked on Nov 8, 2026 from the official site: zigzagrailway.com.au. Schedules can change — always confirm with the operator before you travel.

Official website: zigzagrailway.com.au

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