Santa Express — 9th Westmeath Milltownpass Scout Group

The Santa Express is organised and delivered by volunteers from the 9th Westmeath Milltownpass Scout Group, and raises funds for local projects and charities. The experience starts on the old Athlone Line platform at Mullingar Railway Station, with festive music and entertainment, cheeky elves and Christmas characters, face painting and photo opportunities, and hot chocolate, coffee and sweet treats.

Passengers then board a real train for an approximately one-hour return journey through the Westmeath countryside, with games, songs and stories with the elves. Each child receives a festive activity and treat bag. Santa and Mrs Claus make their way through the train, Santa visits every child at their seat, and each child ticket includes a gift from Santa. An infant travelling on an adult's lap receives a special infant gift.

The organisers provide a dedicated sensory-friendly carriage on every train, together with sensory supports at the station and a sensory team in blue vests. The event runs on a working railway and remains subject to railway operational and safety requirements.

Entertainment at Mullingar Station (music, elves, face painting, refreshments), then an approximately one-hour return train journey with games, songs and stories, and Santa visiting every child at their seat. Each child gets a gift from Santa and a festive activity and treat bag. A sensory-friendly carriage (Carriage F) is on every train. Three seat types are offered: airline-style seats, facing seats with a table and facing seats without a table.

Departs from Mullingar Railway Station, County Westmeath. The organisers ask passengers to arrive at least 30 minutes before departure: boarding normally opens about 15 minutes before departure and closes 5 minutes before, and trains cannot wait for latecomers. Paid APCOA parking is available at the station; Westmeath County Council may provide free parking in council car parks in the Christmas period (Blackhall Car Park and the car park behind Mullingar Fire Station are nearby). Wheelchair users are welcome and guide and assistance dogs are permitted; other pets are not. No alcohol is permitted at the event or on the train. All passengers, including infants, must be on the booking, and children aged 2 and over need a child ticket. Tickets are non-refundable except where the event is cancelled. Contact: santa.express@9thwestmeathscouts.com.