Are the Santa Specials a steam-powered experience?

Santa loves steam trains, but sometimes our trusty locomotive needs a little rest. In such cases, a diesel engine may be used instead. We reserve the right to switch to diesel without prior notice if necessary for safety or technical reasons.

Are the Santa Specials accessible?

Yes! Each service offers up to four wheelchair-friendly spaces, and both Llangollen and Carrog Stations are fully accessible. Ramps are available where needed. However, the Santa Specials can be a lively, noisy event with limited quiet spaces. For additional sensory accommodations, please contact us at info@llangollen-railway.co.uk or call 01978 860979 during office hours only.

How many people can fit in a compartment?

1st Class Private Compartments accommodate up to six passengers. Standard Private Compartments hold up to eight passengers. Please note that infants under 11 months can travel free of charge on a parent’s lap, but baby carriers, prams, and seats are not allowed on the train due to space limitations. Every passenger must have a ticket, including parents with an infant.

Do infants travel for free?

Yes, infants under 12 months can ride for free, as long as they sit on a parent’s lap. However, please be aware that prams, baby carriers, and mobile seats are not allowed on board.

How many seats are included with an Adult & Under 1 ticket?

The ticket price includes one seat for the adult. Infants under 12 months travel free but must sit on the adult’s lap.

Where do the Santa Specials depart from?

The journey begins at Llangollen Station’s Winter Wonderland. For directions, simply pop “Llangollen Station, Abbey Road” into your GPS or use the What3Words location: ///overhead.brightly.lighters.

When should I arrive?

We suggest arriving at Llangollen Station at least 30 minutes before your scheduled departure. The holiday season brings a lot of visitors to town, so arrive in Llangollen at least 45 minutes before departure to give yourself extra time for parking and making your way to the station.

Where can we park for Llangollen Station?

Parking can be tricky during the festive season! We recommend arriving at least 45 minutes before departure to allow extra time for parking and walking to the station. We can recommend parking in the Llangollen Pavilion Maes Parcio / Car Park. You can then either walk along the road or canal to the station. This is a 10-minute walk. What3words ///guitars.gladiators.immune

Are prams allowed on the Santa Special?

Unfortunately, due to the historic design of our carriages and the bustling activity with Santa and his elves, prams, baby carriers, and seats are not allowed on board.

Can I bring my dog on the train?

While we love our furry friends, only assistance dogs are permitted on the Santa Specials due to space constraints.

How long is the Santa Special experience?

Your magical journey will last approximately two hours and 15 minutes, including a stop at ‘Lapland’ (Carrog Station) for a photo with Santa and his elves.

Are there toilets on board?

Yes, there are toilet facilities available on the Santa Special train.

What kind of gift will each child receive?

Santa takes his gift-giving very seriously! Every child on board will receive an age-appropriate toy delivered by Santa and his elves.

Can we exchange a gift on the day?

Santa has a specific gift for each child, so unfortunately, we can’t exchange presents on the day.

Santa Specials | Llangollen Railway

Q: How do I book accessible seating?

To book a wheelchair-friendly space and accompanying open carriage seats for your party please telephone the office on 01978 860979 during normal office hours.

Welcome to our magical Santa Special Trains, where the spirit of Christmas comes alive on a festive steam train journey through the enchanting Dee Valley! Santa and his elves have been hard at work all year, crafting the perfect holiday adventure for you and your family. We hope your visit creates unforgettable memories that will keep you coming back year after year, and generation after generation.

Your magical journey begins at Llangollen Station’s Christmas Wonderland, where festive lights and holiday cheer fill the air. As the steam locomotive puffs its way along the River Dee toward ‘Lapland’ (Carrog Station), you’ll enjoy a festive drink and a mince pie while soaking in the sights of the wintery Welsh landscape.

During the ride, Santa himself will make a special appearance, joined by his playful elves, to personally deliver gifts to all the children. Meanwhile, our mischievous Jester will sprinkle a dash of magic and laughter to ensure everyone, young and old, enjoys the festive fun!

Once you reach ‘Lapland,’ step into Santa’s Grotto, snap a family photo with Santa and the elves and soak up the holiday atmosphere before your return journey to Llangollen.

What’s Included in Your Santa Special Ticket:

· A 2 hours and 15-minute round-trip aboard a heritage steam train from Llangollen to ‘Lapland’ (Carrog Station)

· Meet and greet with Santa’s elves and Christmas characters at Llangollen’s Winter Wonderland

· A festive drink and mince pie to savour on your journey

· A children’s activity book for little ones to enjoy

· A special age-appropriate gift from Santa himself

· A visit to Santa’s Grotto with a family photo opportunity

We advise that you read the FAQs below. We would also like to highlight the following information:

1. This is a ticketed event & all passengers must have a valid ticket to travel. We respectfully ask that all infants travelling in our Adult & Infant ticket are under 12 months old. All children 12 months and over must have a valid ticket to travel and pay full fare.

2. We have wheelchair-friendly spaces available on every service. To book an accessible space, and any accompanying open carriage seats for your party, please telephone the office on 01978 860979 during normal office hours.

3. Traveling to Llangollen by Car. We advise that you arrive at least 45 mins before departing so you can find a parking space and arrive at the station half an hour before departure.

Santa Special Prices:

Since this is a special event, every passenger must have a ticket to travel on the Santa Special. We offer several seating options, including 1st Class and Standard Class private compartments, as well as open seating in our TSO Coaches. Choose your perfect spot from the seating plan when booking.

Location Allocation Cost

Open Carriage Per seat £30

Wheelchair Friendly Space £30

Open Carriage Seat by Wheelchair £30

1st Class Compartment Cost of compartment up to a maximum of 6 people £210

Standard Private Compartment Cost of compartment up to a maximum of 8 people £250

Please Note: Passengers without a valid ticket may be refused entry. When choosing an adult and infant (under 12 months of age) be aware that this is for one seat only.