Schoolchildren given the chance to win a visit from Go North East’s Santa Bus, plus routes announced for 2025 tour

Go North East’s Santa Bus is returning for 2025 and this year the bus operator is offering children around the region the chance to win a very special experience – an exclusive visit from their Santa Bus.

The open-top bus decked out in Christmas lights has travelled around the region for the past five festive seasons, with families lining the streets to see Santa and his elves dancing on the top deck.

This year, Go North East is inviting children to write a letter to Santa to win a visit to their school from him, his magical bus and team of elves. The letter should explain why they and their classmates deserve to meet Santa and have the beloved bus parked on their playground.

Ben Maxfield, Business Director at Go North East, says: “We’re enormously proud of our Santa Bus – every year our colleagues give up their time to make sure children in the North East don’t miss out on the chance to see Santa.

“This is the first time schools have had the opportunity to win a visit from Santa Bus so the author of the winning letter is in for a very special treat. I know Santa and his elves can’t wait to read everyone’s letters.”

Children unsuccessful in the competition will still have the chance to see the Santa Bus and its festive crew. Starting from Monday 8 December, the bus will be hitting the roads of North and South Tyneside, Northumberland, Gateshead, Sunderland, and County Durham over ten magical evenings. The full route is now available on the Go North East website.

How to enter Go North East’s competition

• The competition is open until 17:00 on 19 November 2025.
• Letters must be no longer than 300 words.
• Children entering the competition must attend a school within Go North East operating areas.
• Letters can be submitted via email to gne.marketing@gonortheast.co.ukor post to: Santa Claus, Go North East Head Office, Riverside Depot, Mandela Way, Dunston, Gateshead, Tyne & Wear, NE11 9DH. Please submit this form if entering via email or complete and print this form if entering via post. Forms submitted without a letter will not be entered into the competition.

The full terms and conditions for the competition are available on the Go North East website.