Christmas comes to East Yorkshire’s only heritage railway attraction
Father Christmas is planning an early stop-off to see young visitors to East Yorkshire’s only heritage railway attraction. Volunteers at the Yorkshire Wolds Railway (YWR) are busy making preparations to welcome the big man in red to Fimber Halt.
Santa will be well catered for as he will have his own grotto, accessed just off platform 1 at Fimber Halt, on the Saturdays of November 29, December 6 and 13, from 10am to 3pm on each day.
Volunteers are making everything ready for the special seasonal guest to YWR, which was established in 2008, exactly 50 years after the closure of the Malton and Driffield Junction Railway. Celia Wilkinson, a volunteer on the YWR, said: “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 ten will be able to visit him, and receive a gift, for only £10.” Matthew Brown, membership and media director at YWR, said: “In addition to being able to visit Father Christmas, we will also have a full operational crew, so families of up to five can enjoy a winter brake van ride along the almost-quarter-mile of track for only £14, or individual tickets are available for £5.50.
“Trains will depart every 20 minutes from 10am with the last train at 2.40pm and you can book ride tickets online by visiting yorkshirewoldsrailway.org.uk. Christmas trees will also be available on site while stocks last.”
Julian Lane, health and safety director at YWR, said: “Sincere thanks must go to all the volunteers who have worked really hard in all weathers to prepare the site. These will be the last operating days of 2025 for the YWR.
“We will then close the site for the essential maintenance to start over the winter period before we reopen to the public on Sunday, April 5, 2026.” She said that 2025 had been the best operational year in the YWR’s history.
“We would very much like to take this opportunity to thank all members, visitors, and businesses for their continued support – and wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.” The YWR is always keen to involve new people.
Anyone interested in becoming a member or volunteering, making a donation or just finding out more can visit the Yorkshire Wolds Railway website or call 01377 338053 for more information. All trains run subject to availability, and the platform is currently accessed by a set of steps.