THE Hamilton Miniature Railway Group will be holding its fourth annual ‘Christmas On The Trains’ event this Sunday, December 1 as a day full of fun, food and festivities.

The steam train will be running all afternoon for an opportunity for families to bring a blanket and enjoy a picnic, with an on-site coffee van and sausage sizzle available.

The Hamilton and District Pipe Band will also be performing followed by a Christmas Hamper raffle and a visit from a special guest, Santa, at 1.30pm.

Hamilton Miniature Railway Group secretary, Wayne Brooks said it has been the fourth year of running the fun family event.

“The turnout has been pretty good, unfortunately last year we had a heat wave, and it was the same weekend as the St Mary’s Street parade,” he said.

“This year it’s a week before then, so hopefully it’ll be good.

“It’s an (addition) of the Teddy Bear’s Picnic we hold mid-year, it’s the same format except this time we have Santa Claus on the trains instead of teddy bears.

“The whole idea of it is to bring all the fun and so families can have a bit of a day.”

Parents have been encouraged to leave a small gift with child’s name at the ticket booth on arrival for presentation by Santa.

The event will be run at 12 Hiller Lane, Hamilton from 11am-2.30pm with a ticket cost of $12, which includes unlimited rides, a sausage and soft drink.