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All aboard for Christmas @ Whitehead Railway Museum

Whitehead Railway Museum, Whitehead Excursion Station, Castleview Road, Whitehead, County Antrim, BT38 9NA
Santa Experience, Whitehead, Christmas, Family Christmas Experience, Steam Trains.

About

All Aboard for Christmas:  Your ticket to timeless Christmas memories

This December, let the spirit of Christmas carry you away on a festive journey like no other at Whitehead Railway Museum. With the glow of twinkling lights, the hiss of steam, and the nostalgic charm of the railway, this is a traditional Christmas experience designed to delight all ages.

Begin your visit with a short steam train ride, where the whole family can enjoy the magic of travelling by heritage rail. As the train chuffs along the track, little imaginations will come alive with excitement.

Back at the station, children can take part in much-loved Christmas traditions. They’ll have the chance to write their letter to Santa, sharing their hopes and wishes for the season, before heading to the craft table to make reindeer food to take home - ready to sprinkle on Christmas Eve to guide Rudolph and his friends.

The highlight of the experience is, of course, a visit to Santa himself. Step into his beautifully decorated grotto, where every child will have the chance to meet Father Christmas, share their Christmas wishes, and receive a special present to treasure. Finish your experience by decorating some yummy gingerbread men, you can also visit our tearoom if you after more tasty treats and refreshments.

With the sights, sounds, and scents of the season all around, All Aboard for Christmas is more than just a day out — it’s an opportunity to create festive family memories that will last a lifetime.

Spaces are limited and this popular event sells out quickly, so book your tickets early to ensure your place on this magical journey.

Please arrive on site at least 15 minutes before your allocated time slot.

NOTE: This event takes place in Whitehead, County Antrim, and is not to be confused with our Santa trains from Dublin.

Book Tickets

Facilities

Accessibility

  • Designated parking provided for guests with disabilities
  • Guide dogs permitted

Children & Infants

  • Facilities for children

Establishment Features

  • Accept coach parties
  • Family Fun
  • Groups accepted
  • Groups catered for
  • Prior Booking Required
  • Toilets
  • Wifi
  • Wi-fi available

Event Facilities

  • Booking Required

Parking & Transport

  • Car parking
  • Coach parking
  • On site parking
  • Parking Areas for Disabled Visitors
  • Station nearby

Payment Methods

  • All major credit/debit cards accepted

Provider Preferences

  • Coastal
  • Marketed Towards Families
  • Of historic, literary or architectural interest
  • Unique venue

Guide Prices

Ticket TypeTicket Tariff
Adult£15.00 per ticket
Child 1-3 years (includes a toy suitable for under 36 months)£18.00 per ticket
Child 3 Years + (includes present)£23.00 per ticket
Family of 3 - 1 adult, 2 children 3 years +£55.00 per ticket
Family of 3 - 2 adults, 1 child 3 years +£48.00 per ticket
Family of 4 - 2 Adults & 2 Children 3 years +£70.00 per ticket
Family of 5 - 2 Adults & 3 Children 3 years +£90.00 per ticket

Children under one go free (no present).

Book Tickets Online

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Tel+44 (0) 28 9358 6200

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Map & Directions

Opening Times

All aboard for Christmas (5 Dec 2025 - 7 Dec 2025)
Friday - SundayOpen
All aboard for Christmas (12 Dec 2025 - 14 Dec 2025)
Friday - SundayOpen
All aboard for Christmas (19 Dec 2025 - 22 Dec 2025)
Friday - MondayOpen

* Please be advised that some of the experience is outdoors and we recommend you come dressed appropriately.
Please arrive on site at least 15 minutes before your allocated time slot. (Note weekday evenings)

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Related

A family of four standing on the platform talking to the driver of a blue steam train Whitehead Railway Museum, WhiteheadWhitehead Railway Museum will take visitors on a journey through time - see the large stock fully restored heritage Irish railway steam and diesel locomotives, vintage carriages coupled with state of the art interactive touch displays.

Virtual Tour

Map & Directions

Road Directions

By Car (Coming from Belfast direction): Take the M2 from Belfast and merge on to the M5 towards Whiteabbey. Follow the signs for A2 to Carrickfergus. Continue past Carrickfergus Castle to Whitehead and turn right past the service station onto Cable Road. Turn left on to Kings Road, continue straight and cross the bridge. At the Chester Avenue junction, turn left, and immediately turn left again onto Castleview Road. Parking is available adjacent to the youth centre. The entrance to the museum is past the youth centre.

Public Transport Directions

By Train: For the Belfast-Whitehead railway line timetable information please go to www.translink.co.uk or ring Translink's Contact Centre on +44 (0) 28 9066 6630 (Opening hours: Monday - Friday 07:00 to 20:00, Saturday & Sunday 08:00 to 18:00). The nearest train station is Whitehead, with normally two trains every hour Monday-Saturday. It is approximately a half mile walk to the Whitehead Railway Museum from the seaward side of the railway station. Connections from the Dublin direction may be made at Belfast Central station.

By Bus: Bus routes are as follows: 163 Belfast - Greenisland - Whitehead OR 168 Belfast - Carrickfegus - Whitehead. For bus timetable information please go to www.translink.co.uk or ring Translink's Contact Centre on +44 (0) 28 9066 6630 (Opening hours: Monday - Friday 07:00 to 20:00, Saturday & Sunday 08:00 to 18:00)

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