Santa Xmas Special on the East Lancs Railway, 14:30, Sunday 14th December 2025
You better not pout and you better not cry, Santa Claus is coming to town!
Steam into Christmas on the East Lancashire Railway’s famously festive Santa Specials . Your family will make enchanted memories to share as they take a trip through the magical Irwell Valley alongside colourful characters and surprises.
And what Christmas treat would be complete without a visit from a host of happy elves and Santa Claus himself.
Begin the adventure at Bury Bolton Street Station where you will journey through a gorgeously decorated winter wonderland. Say hello to Mrs Claus and the talking Christmas Tree, and maybe even stop for a quick singalong with our carol singing choir of polar bears, before boarding your train.
Once you’re settled into your seat, a steam train will haul you to Rawtenstall and back on an approximately 80-minute round trip. Along the way the festive fun continues as you meet your favourite Christmas characters and get the chance to belt out a couple of festive classics with the brass band. Whilst travelling, Santa himself will visit your carriage with a gift for every little one, and there will be plenty of time to have a chat with him and take a Santa selfie or two.
Grown-ups can look forward to mince pies and a festive tipple or soft drink. For the children there will be a drink, chocolate and an activity pack.
Adults – Gluten free biscuits available
Children – Dairy free chocolate available
Prices –
Note 1: Please state age and gender of child so they receive the correct present
Adult: Member £30, Member with no shares £33, Non-Member £36
- Child 0-17: Member £25, Member with no shares £29, Non-Member £35
- Adult with Child U3 on knee: Member £43, Member with no shares £48 Non-Member £52
- PARK & RIDE from Heywood -
-
Why not start your journey at Heywood and board the Santa Shuttle Diesel Railcar from Heywood (journey time approximately 15 minutes), to reach Bury Bolton Street Station, which is the starting point of the steam-hauled Santa Specials? Santa Shuttle tickets are sold on an open return basis meaning that you can return on any service from Bury to Heywood.
Parking is free, Heywood Shuttle tickets are priced at £3 (Adult) and £2(child 3-17 years) and are only available in advance. Shuttle times will be added later.
| Diesel Shuttle, departs Heywood |
Santa Special, departs Bury |
| 13:05 |
13:40 |
| *13:55 |
*14:30 |
What’s included -
- Winter wonderland walkthrough at Bury Bolton Street Station featuring beautifully decorated festive scenes, a choir of carol singing polar bears and a magical talking Christmas Tree (Please note, there will be some flashing lights).
- Interactions with special Christmas characters including old favourites like the elves, Mrs Claus and our very own Ice Princess.
- An approximately 80-minute steam train ride from Bury to Rawtenstall and back.
- A visit from Santa with extra time to talk and take photographs.
- A Christmas gift for every child, selected by age brand.
- High quality children’s activity books.
- Traditional brass band on board.
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For further details and bookings, you can either use the 
or the form below or contact Colin Cathcart
Please include your Name, Home Address, Contact Telephone Number, Membership Number and the Number Places Required , plus ages of children (Member/Non-Member) and if you want advance shuttle tickets
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Contact Colin Cathcart via email, mancass-treasurer@virginmedia.com, or phone (07592 980533), or Complete form below and send, with cheque for total amount made payable to "Mancass" to Colin Cathcart, 6 Farriers Lane, Marland, Rochdale. OL11 4NZ
Alternatively you can pay by Bacs, contact Colin for Mancass bank details
Santa Xmas Special on the East Lancs Railway, 14th December 2025 @ 14:30 pm,
My ticket booking is:-
......... Adult member plus tickets at £ 30 ......... Child-member plus tickets at £ 25
......... Adult member (with no shares) tickets at £33 ......... Child member tickets at £29
........ Adult non-member tickets at £ 36 .......... Child non-member tickets at £35
.........Adult with Child U3 on knee: Member £43, Member with no shares, £48 Non-Member £52
If shuttle tickets are required please add @3 per adult and £2 per child............
To ensure children receive appropriate presents please add gender and age of children.
A cheque, made payable to Mancass, for the total amount of £ ............................ is enclosed.
Name ............................................................... Contact Telephone Number.........................................Membership Number......................
E-mail...........................................................................
Ages of Children..........................................................
Address to post tickets: ....................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................
....................................................... Postcode ..............................
Tickets and childrens badges will be posted in good time for the event
BOOKINGS ARE SECURED ON RECEIPT OF THE FULL PAYMENT
