The Keighley and Worth Valley Railway is preparing to celebrate a very special milestone as it marks its Santa Diamond Jubilee.

For 59 years families have enjoyed the wonder of meeting Father Christmas while travelling on board the historic branch line, making it one of the longest running traditions of its kind in the country.

In 2025 the railway will stage its Diamond Jubilee Father Christmas event with the return of the hugely popular Elf Explorer trains.

Running on selected dates across November and December, the services will once again steam along the five-mile route between Keighley and Oxenhope, bringing festive cheer to the Aire and Worth Valleys.

Father Christmas and his helpers will be on board to greet children and hand out presents, creating unforgettable moments for families as they travel through the winter landscape.

The atmosphere will be further lifted by the railway’s troupe of singing and dancing elves, who will perform a festive story as the train journeys through the valley.

Adults will be treated to mince pies and mulled wine, ensuring everyone enjoys the seasonal spirit.

For 2025 a brand-new feature is being introduced. Before departure, families will enjoy a 20-minute theatrical and interactive Elf Show in the Exhibition Hall at Oxenhope, complete with amplified music and lights to set the tone for the adventure ahead.

'The Original and still the best continues to be an appropriate term for our long running Santa trains on the KWVR,” said Noel Hartley, Business & Operations Manager.

“They have evolved over the years into the exciting family adventure that they are today and now are the annual jewel in the crown of the annual events calendar. If there is one place to be this Christmas, it's on the KWVR,” he added.

Tickets for the Elf Explorer are now on sale. Full details are available at www.elfexplorer.co.uk/tickets