Santa Specials — Welshpool & Llanfair Light Railway

The Welshpool & Llanfair Light Railway runs its Santa Specials from Llanfair Caereinion in Mid Wales. The operator describes a longer Santa Special journey than in the past, travelling to Castle Caereinion and back, with Santa on the train at the centre of the experience.

Santa joins the train at Tanllan and makes his way through the carriages with his elves, taking time to meet each family and speak to every child. Entertainer elves bring festive fun to carriages that Santa is not currently visiting. Every child is given a special ticket inviting them into Santa's Workshop after the ride.

Back at Llanfair Caereinion Station, families are welcomed into the Workshop under the new awning. Mrs Claus and her Maker Elf greet them, each child chooses one gift from the workshop shelves, and every family takes home a custom-made decoration from the railway.

Adults receive a mince pie and a non-alcoholic hot seasonal drink; children receive a festive biscuit and a juice carton. One day is adapted for families with special educational needs, with fewer passengers, a quieter experience and reduced-price carer tickets.

A journey of about 70 minutes behind a steam engine to Castle Caereinion and back, Santa and his elves on the train, then Santa's Workshop with Mrs Claus, a gift for each child and a decoration for every family. The whole experience lasts about 90 minutes.

All trains depart from Llanfair Caereinion Station, Powys SY21 0SF; arrive 20 minutes before the booked time. Pre-booking is essential. The carriages are steam heated but the stations and many activities are outdoors, so the operator advises wrapping up warm. A limited number of wheelchair spaces must be pre-booked; call 01938 810441 for other access needs before buying. Members' concessionary travel is not available during this event. Because of the large number of small children, dogs are not permitted. One date is adapted for families with special educational needs, with reduced-price carer tickets.