Tickets are on sale nowFather Christmas spreading Christmas joy (Image: Avon Valley Railway)

A popular Santa train has launched tickets for this year’s rides and several dates have already sold out. Avon Valley Railway’s famous ‘Santa Special’ train journeys sees festive trains travel along the route from the railway’s HQ in Bitton, South Gloucestershire, and along the stretch of heritage railway between Oldland Common and the Avon Riverside.

Once onboard, festive trains will head off on a 50-minute train journey and while travelling, passengers will enjoy a mince pie or festive biscuit and Santa himself will pass through the train and say hello to everyone. Then, on your return to Bitton Station, each family group will meet Santa again and children will receive a present from him.

There will also be the chance for family groups to take photos with Father Christmas as a memory of the day.

Ever popular, and usually selling out fast, the Santa Special trains have a new feature for this year. You’ll be able to upgrade to a ‘Premium’ Santa experience where you’ll get to enjoy quality time with Santa from the comfort of the first-class dining carriage onboard. All Premium Santa passengers will also get a cosy hot chocolate and sweet treat, and children will be given their present from Santa here.

Once more, as in previous years, the festive Christmas donkeys will be returning to the lawns of Bitton station, and all passengers will get the chance to see them as they arrive.

How to book – all you need to know

According to the website, when booking a compartment in one of the railway’s standard carriages, choose your first seat and all eight seats will then become highlighted so that no one else can book them. Then, just choose the different ticket types you need for each of your group from the drop down lists.

For any seats not required simply choose the option ‘Empty Seat’. A minimum of five paid for tickets must be booked in a compartment.

When booking seats at tables, you should select the number you need. Tables may be shared between different parties.

If you book seven or more seats the railway will offer you a 5 per cent discount on all the seats purchased, so you can bring grandparents or other family members with you and make the most of seeing Santa Wheelchair Users and smaller parties with SEND children who would benefit from a private compartment should contact the railway Booking Office on 0117 932 5538 to purchase tickets.

At time of writing, tickets for Sunday, November 23, are sold out completely. Other dates are available to book, with tickets ranging in price from around £22-£28 for carriages and £31-£37 for a premium carriage on average days.

Dates like Christmas Eve will see prices go up substantially – in around the £24.50-£30.50 for a carriage and £34.50-£40.50 for premium carriages. Find out more and book here.