Nene Valley Railway has launched a new Christmas experience this year.

The event, called Christmas at the Railway: A North Pole Adventure, is a collaboration with Darling Princess Parties and features 14 professional actors alongside the railway's volunteers.

The fully immersive experience will take visitors through an autumn forest, a snow-frosted portal, and Santa's workshop.

Children will have the opportunity to help elves make toys before meeting Santa and Mrs Claus.

Tickets for the event, which lasts approximately one-and-a-half to two hours, will include a round trip on the train with on-board performers.

This year Nene Valley Railway have launched an all new, never seen before Christmas experience This year Nene Valley Railway have launched an all new, never seen before Christmas experience (Image: Submitted)

However, the new experience will not provide the usual food services.

Instead, visitors can pre-order food from the railway's on-site café franchise, Origin8, via their website.

Previously, the railway ran popular Santa Specials, which required a large number of volunteers to maintain the expected standard.

Due to difficulties in securing enough volunteers last year, the decision was made to change to the new experience.

The new format is designed to alleviate some of the pressure on volunteers while ensuring high standards are met.

The response to the new Christmas experience has been largely positive, with strong ticket sales.

The event is expected to become a favourite among visitors, much like the Santa Specials did in the past.

This is a fully immersive festive experience with 14 professional actors This is a fully immersive festive experience with 14 professional actors (Image: Submitted)

Christmas at the Railway will take place on selected dates between November 30 and December 24.

There is an accessibility coach available on some of those dates.

People with mobility issues are encouraged to phone the railway to book their seats as these cannot be booked online.

The Festive Lounge, which accommodates up to 16 people in a private carriage with a dedicated elf for entertainment, has nearly all its slots sold out.

For more information, to book tickets, or to reserve a spot in the accessibility coach, visit: nvr.org.uk/product.php/510/the-north-pole-adventure or call: 01780 784444.