Join Santa and his elves on the Volk’s Railway this Christmas

Santa will be swapping his sleigh for a ride on the world’s oldest operating electric railway on Saturday 13 December.

Taking a break from their busy schedule, Santa and his elves will greet families at the Aquarium Station, before hopping aboard one of the famous Volk’s Electric Railway heritage trains for a festive journey along Brighton beach.

Every child will have the chance to meet and chat with Santa and receive a Christmas gift.

For more details and to buy tickets.

Other festive events across the city

The Santa Express is just one of the magical events on offer in Brighton & Hove this festive season.

Residents and visitors can enjoy a packed programme of events and activities – from ice skating and light shows to concerts, crafts and unique shopping experiences.

Councillor Birgit Miller, Cabinet member for Culture, Heritage and Tourism at Brighton & Hove City Council, said: "As always, there will be plenty of festive events taking place across the city.

“There’s lots for people to enjoy and bring them into the city, not least Brilliant Brighton’s Festive Afternoon, countless festive shows at our fantastic local venues, winter solstice events at Stanmer Park and the wonderful Artists Open Houses.”

Highlights of this year’s celebrations include:

  • Royal Pavilion Ice Rink – A magical skating experience at the iconic setting of the Royal Pavilion Ice Rink, until 4 January.
  • A Very Austen Christmas at the Royal Pavilion – Step back in time for a festive celebration inspired by the famous author of the Regency era, until 4 January.
  • Christmas at Brighton Museums – Celebrate Christmas with arts and crafts, pop-up workshops and some rather peculiar animal exhibits at Brighton Museums this Winter.
  • Brighton & Hove Buses’ Santa Bus – Lighting up the streets and bringing festive cheer nightly to communities across the city, while also raising funds for local charities, from 24 November to 23 December. Our mayor will be joining the festive fun on the Santa Bus on 3 December.
  • Artists Open Houses Winter Season – Explore Brighton & Hove’s creative community and find unique gifts at the Artists Open Houses over weekends from 29 November to 14 December.
  • Winter Solstice events at One Garden in Stanmer Park – Celebrate the winter solstice and enjoy magical evenings of markets, lights and music at One Garden over two weekends in December.
  • Local and independent shopping – Shop local and discover festive treasures in The Lanes, North Laine, Open Market and on the seafront too.

Councillor Miller added: “Brighton & Hove is the perfect place to celebrate the season. Whether you’re looking for family fun, cultural experiences or unique shopping, our city has it all. We look forward to welcoming everyone to enjoy a Christmas to remember.”

For more details of seasonal events and activities keep your eyes on the VisitBrighton website and social media channels.