​All aboard the Santa Special at Mid Wales railways

As the famous festive song says, Santa Claus is coming to town this Christmas and this year he’s arriving in Mid Wales by train!
 
The region’s popular narrow gauge railways are getting all steamed up for the arrival of the jovial, bearded, old man dressed in red who always comes bearing gifts. Special Santa trains are being organised across Mid Wales.
 
Meeting Santa is a popular annual tradition for children who can’t wait to give him their Christmas present wish lists. The narrow gauge railways of Mid Wales offer children an audience with Santa together with a magical train ride through some of the post picturesque scenery in the UK.
 
All the railways are urging people to book early to avoid disappointed due to the demand for the Santa Specials.

​Welshpool and Llanfair Light Railway’s Santa Specials on the first three weekends of December and Monday, December 20 are sold out already.
​

Corris Railway is running its annual weekend of Santa Special trains on December 11 and 12. Headed by steam engine number 7, the train will leave Corris Station for a short journey along part of the beautiful Dulas Valley to Maespoeth Junction where Santa will be waiting with presents for children.
 
Children will also receive a soft drink and sweets whilst adults will be served mince pies and mulled juice. The Santa Trains, which must be pre-booked online at www.corris.co.uk , run at 11am, 12:30pm, 2pm and 3:30pm.

The railway offers a family ticket, for two adults and two children, at £30. Otherwise, adults travel for £7.50, children aged 15 and under £10 and infants ride free.
​

Talyllyn Railway is running its Santa Specials from December 22-24, with trains leaving Tywyn Wharf station at 10am, 11.45am, 1.30pm and 3.15pm for a 90-minute trip.
 
A special ‘Letter to Santa’ will be sent to customers when they book and it can be posted at Wharf station when they arrive. Children will meet Santa at Plas Nadolig and, as a special treat, Mrs Claus will be greeting visitors also.
 
The experience costs £5 for children under three and £16 for children aged 15 and under and adults. The price includes a train ride, gifts, a cookie or mince pie and drink. Book at https://www.talyllyn.co.uk/events/santa-special-trains-2021 .

​Welsh Highland Railway is running Santa Specials between Caernarfon Station and Rhyd Ddu on December 11, 12, 18, 19, 22 and 23.
 
Passengers collect a Christmas hamper at Caernarfon Station and then sit back and enjoy a trip through the Snowdonia National Park in the company of Santa and his elves who will have gifts for children. Tickets range from £22.50 to £32.50 for adults and children and £3 for children aged two and under.

​Ffestiniog Railway is providing visitors with the opportunity to meet Santa in his Christmas Carriage Grotto at Porthmadog Harbour Station. Visitors book an hour slot within which they can visit at any time. Tickets cost between £4 or £5.
 
Tickets for both the Welsh Highland Santa Specials and Christmas Carriage Grotto can be booked online at https://www.festrail.co.uk/christmas/ or by calling the booking office on 01766 516024.
 

Passengers aboard Bala Lake Railway’s Mince Pie Special Trains will get a chance to meet Santa together with enjoying a hot drink, mince pie and brass band entertainment on December 11 and 12.
 
The train runs from Llanuwchllyn and on the return ride to Llangower station there will be an additional stop where Santa will make an appearance on the platform to give children a chocolate selection box, whilst adults will be offered a glass of mulled wine.

Tickets are £8 for adults, £7 for railway members, £5 for children, £1 for dogs and £12 for an adult and child. There is also a minimum cost of £16 per booking and tickets must be pre-booked online at https://shop.bala-lake-railway.co.uk/book/ .
 
All these railways are members of MWT Cymru, an independent organisation representing more than 600 tourism and hospitality businesses across Powys, Ceredigion and Southern Snowdonia.
 
MWT Cymru has launched a winter marketing campaign to promote Mid Wales as an year-round destination.
 
Picture captions:
 
Bala Lake Railway’s Mince Pie Special Train.
 
Santa meeting families on the Welsh Highland Railway.
 
Talyllyn Railway’s Santa Special. (Pic by Barbra Fuller).
 
Corris Railway’s Santa Special.