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Illustration: A lit steam train arriving at a decorated station with a big Christmas tree and families
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Christmas

Santa's Grotto and Elf Express — Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways

  • Run by Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways
  • Porthmadog Harbour Station (Ffestiniog Railway) — Porthmadog, Wales, United Kingdom

Next: Dec 5–23, 2026

A visit to Santa in his Christmas grotto at Porthmadog Harbour station, with an optional Elf Express shuttle train to Minffordd, on selected days in December.

Updated

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Next edition

Dec 5–23, 2026

Dec 5–6, 12–13, 19–20 and 22–23. 10-minute Santa slots (child £8.25, adult £2.00, plus booking fee); optional Elf Express train 10:00–16:00.

From £2 (as published by the operator)

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About this event

The Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways run a Christmas grotto at Porthmadog Harbour station, where families can meet Santa. The operator sells it as its own ticketed product.

Visitors choose a ten-minute slot in which to visit Santa and can arrive earlier to enjoy the Christmas atmosphere at the station, including footplate rides, The Christmas Shop and seasonal treats from the café, as the operator's booking page lists them.

An Elf Express shuttle can be added: a 30-minute ride from Porthmadog to Minffordd and back, with no specific time to book, on the days the grotto is open.

What to expect

A ten-minute visit to Santa in his grotto at a time slot you book. You can arrive before your slot to enjoy the station's Christmas atmosphere. An optional Elf Express train takes about 30 minutes from Porthmadog to Minffordd and back; trains run between 10:00 and 16:00 and you hop on the next one before or after seeing Santa.

Practical info

Meeting point: Harbour Station, Porthmadog, Gwynedd LL49 9NF. Choose a ten-minute slot for the grotto when booking; the Elf Express train needs no specific time. Tickets are sold on the railways' FareHarbor booking page, with a booking fee added.

Where it happens

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Spots and live cams nearby

Where to watch trains within 100 km of Porthmadog.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Santa's Grotto?▾
At Harbour Station in Porthmadog, Gwynedd LL49 9NF, according to the operator's booking page.
How long is the visit to Santa?▾
You choose a ten-minute slot during which to visit Santa. The operator suggests arriving at the station any time before it to enjoy the Christmas atmosphere.
What is the Elf Express?▾
A 30-minute ride from Porthmadog to Minffordd and back. Trains run between 10:00 and 16:00.
Do I need to book a time for the Elf Express?▾
No. The operator says there is no need to book a specific time: you can hop on the next train, before or after seeing Santa.
What else is there to see at the station?▾
The booking page mentions footplate rides, The Christmas Shop and seasonal treats from the café.
Is a booking fee added?▾
Yes. The booking page states that the ticket prices are plus a booking fee.

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Sources

Dates checked on Oct 21, 2026 from the official site: fareharbor.com. Schedules can change — always confirm with the operator before you travel.

Official website: festrail.co.uk

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