The Santa Express 2026 at Oakfield Park · Raphoe · Nov 27, 2026

The Most Magical Time of Year. Toasted marshmallows, soft flurries of snow, jingling bells, and a big warm welcome – The Santa Express 2026 is here. With your North Pole Passport in hand, get ready to venture into the snow and explore the Christmas wonderland. Hop aboard the real Santa Express train, on a real railway, and settle in for your journey across glittering lakes and winter forests, through Candy Land, Toy Town, and past the biggest Christmas tree in the country.  Keep your eyes peeled for hidden treasures in the trees or play some games in your carriages en route to Santa’s grotto. Santa has promoted his favourite elf duo, Whistle and Whisper, to run his chalets, and they are so excited to welcome you off the train. Will you play Whistle’s wild games or while away your time with Whisper’s gentle tales in the cosy corner? Whichever you choose, prepare to have fun before you enter Santa’s grotto where he is waiting with a smile and a gift just for you.  Mrs Claus has been busy too; she is not only running the North Pole Post Office, but she’s spent the year perfecting her gingerbread recipe for you. How will you decorate yours? Grab your seat in a repurposed sleigh in The Map Room to watch Atlas the Elf with her Puppet Pals recreate one of Santa’s most epic adventures in a brand-new show.  If you’re feeling a little peckish, there are sweet treats in the Treat Truck, Hot chocolate in the Holly Hut and a full festive menu in Buffers restaurant, or try a delicious s’more at the new Marshmallow Toasting Station. With so much more to do and see, what’s next? You could visit Tootsie’s toyshop, have a snowy moment in the Sensory Room or get creative in the Craft Cabin. Maybe challenge Rudy the Elf in Reindeer Games or even transform into an Elf Yourself?  Enjoy every moment and take lots of pictures at the many photo opportunities, including the biggest Christmas tree viewing station, and please don’t forget to tag us. Santa, Mrs Claus and all the elves are counting down the days until they can welcome you in again to The Santa Express 2026. What’s NEW for 2026: MARSHMALLOW TOASTING STATION: Is there anything more delicious than a toasted marshmallow at Christmas? It’s made even better when you toast it yourself and squash it between chocolate and biscuit! Brand new festive firepit where you can toast your own marshmallow and either enjoy it on its own or create s’mores. Snuggle up around the warmth of the fire and enjoy your special treat. SENSORY SNOW ROOM: Our sensory room has had a snowy makeover. Soft snowballs, light-up ice cubes and soft blocks to build an igloo, all in a calm and quiet environment for families. REINDEER GAMES RETURNS: Whether this is your first Reindeer Rodeo or you’re a holiday seasoned pro, we have a Reindeer Game for you! Rudy the Elf hosts a collection of reindeer-themed challenges for anyone with Christmas energy to burn! Play alone, with your friends and family or against Rudy to try and get your name on the leaderboard. ELF YOURSELF: If you’ve ever wondered what kind of elf you’d be, you can find out this year with the new Elf Yourself Photo Op. Choose from a large collection of silly props and costumes to transform into the elves you were meant to be! Snap up as many photos as you can. PUPPET SHOW IN THE MAP ROOM: Last year, Santa decided to open the Map Room to the public for the first time and invited everyone in to see behind the scenes. In 2026, there is even more to show you! Join Atlas the Elf and Santa’s Puppet Pals for thrilling tales about adventures in the sleigh. Sit tight in one of Santa’s sleighs for this 10-minute show, created and performed by professional actors. THE TALLEST CHRISTMAS TREE IN IRELAND VIEWING PLATFORM: A purpose-built viewing platform and photo opportunity with the tallest Christmas tree in Ireland. GINGERBREAD DECORATING AND NEW CHRISTMAS CRAFT: Mrs. Claus makes the best gingerbread in the land but is hopeless at decorating – she needs some help. For the first time, we have scrumptious gingerbread treats to decorate for you to enjoy or take home for later. The craft elves have been working hard on new craft ideas for you to try out in the freshly decorated Craft Cabin. PASSPORT, TOKENS, GOLDEN TICKETS: Your North Pole Passport has been renewed. A festive new look for 2026 with more stamps to collect, and games and activities inside such as Mrs. Claus’ challenge. There are several new ways you can use your tokens, including daily prize competitions and Santa’s luck dip toybox. Get your golden ticket to post through the magic portal at the station to let Santa know you’re on your way. LIGHTS AND DECORATION EXPANSION:  Every year, we add more lights and decorations to create a magical Christmas atmosphere, and this year is more spectacular than ever. All of our magical lands, including Candy Land and Toy Town, have been extended; the sleigh runway will be even longer, with thousands of new lights. NEW ELF CHARACTERS: Santa has promoted his favourite duo of elves to run the chalets this Christmas: Whistle and Whisper. These elves will keep every child entertained whilst they wait to see Santa. Whistle has a host of games for those who feel like playing, and Whisper has some gentler activities for anyone who prefers a calm corner.