Next Saturday, 30th November, Father Christmas will take time out from his busy schedule with a visit to the Yorkshire Wolds Railway at Fimber in East Yorkshire.

A grotto is being prepared just off platform 1 at Fimber Halt where visitors will be able to meet Santa; they can also ride in a brake van along almost ¼ mile of track for £12.50.

Locally grown Nordmann Fir trees will also be on sale, and visitors can purchase a tree ranging in size from 5 feet to 8 feet tall for only £30, or purchase a tree and enjoy a brake van ride for a combined total of £40.

During Santa’s visit to the railway, trains will depart from Fimber Halt every 20 minutes from 10 am until the last departure of the day at 2.40 pm.

Tickets for a brake van ride can be bought online at www.yorkshirewoldsrailway.org.uk. The railway has also advised that trains will run subject to availability, and platform 1 can only be accessed by a set of steps.

Santa’s visits will be the last time this year that trains run on the Yorkshire Wolds Railway, as it will then close so that essential maintenance can take place during the winter period. Public services will resume on Sunday, 6th April 2025.

The Yorkshire Wolds Railway is an entirely volunteer-run operation and is always looking for new people to become involved. If anyone would like to become a member or volunteer or find out more about the railway, more information is available on the railway’s website at www.yorkshirewoldsrailway.org.uk.

The railway is currently building a new visitor centre and working facility, thanks to a £100,000 grant from the UK Government through its Shared Prosperity Fund.

“As it’s such a busy time for Father Christmas, we have been working hard since September to ensure that everything is just right from decorations to the mince pies! Everyone has come together to make his visit special, and children under 10 will be able to visit him for only £5 with seasonal children’s crafting also available.”

Celia Wilkinson, a volunteer on the YWR