Santa Express & Christmas Carnival

Christmas is coming to Clarence, and this year our Santa Express is bigger than ever. Step aboard a beautifully restored heritage steam train for a 45-minute Discovery Journey, then spend the rest of the day enjoying our brand-new Christmas Carnival.

With unlimited carnival rides, festive photos with Santa at Clarence Station and Christmas markets to explore, it’s the perfect way to celebrate the season with the whole family.

Our 45-minute journey is just the right length for little passengers, and with five departures through the day, there’s plenty of time to fit in the train, the rides and Santa at your own pace.

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What You Need to Know

Event Details

Date: Saturday 5 December 2026, 9:30am - 4:00pm
Location: Zig Zag Railway, Clarence
Five 45-minute Discovery Journeys: 10:30am, 11:30am, 1:00pm, 2:00pm and 3:00pm
Unlimited carnival rides all day, with plenty for young children and a few options for teens and adults
Meet Santa at Clarence Station and have your photo taken with him and a heritage train, or at our festive photo display
Browse the Christmas markets
Suitable for families and guests of all ages
Access to the café and picnic areas

A note for returning visitorsSanta is at Clarence Station all day this year instead of riding the train, so you can visit him whenever suits your family, before or after your journey and carnival fun.

Tickets

There are three ways to join the celebration.

Train Journey & Christmas Carnival: Includes a 45-minute heritage Discovery Journey, unlimited carnival rides, meeting Santa, Christmas photos and the Christmas markets. Adult $52.50, Child $42.50, Concession $47.50, Family $180, Extra Child $35.
Christmas Carnival Only ($20 per person): Unlimited carnival rides, meeting Santa, Christmas photos and the Christmas markets. No train journey included. Available on the day, with no need to pre-book.
Platform Only ($5 per person): Meet Santa, Christmas photos and the Christmas markets. Proceeds go towards the restoration of locomotive 934.

Carnival rides are already included in every train ticket, so there’s nothing extra to buy. Seats on each journey are limited, so booking online in advance is strongly recommended.

Just one ticket for a trainload of Christmas fun!

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