On the Llangollen and Corwen Railway, Santa does not just wave from a platform: he climbs aboard the steam train in the Dee Valley and then welcomes children to his Lapland grotto at Carrog, a little country station upstream. Services start on Saturday 28 November 2026 and run up to Christmas Eve, and you can see how they compare with other lines in our 2026 guide to Santa Specials in England, Wales and Scotland.
The short version
- Season: from Saturday 28 November to Christmas Eve 2026; exact dates on the booking system
- Departs: Llangollen station, steaming up the Dee Valley to Carrog
- Prices: frozen for 2026 at last year's level; fares shown when you book
- Booking: online, with optional refund protection; the 2025 season sold out
- Tip: pre-order festive food for Lapland when you book
Llangollen Railway Santa Specials at a glance
- Railway
- Llangollen and Corwen Railway
- Departs from
- Llangollen (Llangollen and Corwen Railway), steaming to Santa's Lapland grotto at Carrog
- 2026 dates
- From Saturday 28 November 2026, with services up to Christmas Eve. Individual dates are listed on the railway's booking system.
- Times
- Departure times are shown on the booking system.
- Fares
- Not published on the railway's news page; the railway says its 2026 prices are frozen. Fares appear on the booking system.
- Booking
- Online through the railway's ticket system. Optional refund protection can be added at booking, covering 100% of the ticket price. The 2025 Santa Specials sold out completely. No 2026 dates were marked sold out in the information we checked on 4 November 2026.
- Checked
2027 ticket alert
Santa trains sell out fast
The best dates are often gone weeks before December. Leave your email and we will write once, the moment 2027 bookings open in North Wales.
The train story to read before you boardRally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a little corgi’s first train ride to see his grandparents, hand-painted in real watercolour. For ages 0 to 5.
Mince pies at Llangollen, Santa on board and Lapland at Carrog
A festive start at Llangollen station
Your Santa Special begins at Llangollen station, which sits beside the River Dee in the middle of town. Before anyone boards, the railway serves the grown-ups a mulled wine and a mince pie, while the children get festive treats of their own. It is a clever way to start: the adults are warmed up, the children are fed, and everyone gets a few minutes on the platform to watch the steam engine.
The railway does not publish a recommended arrival time on its Christmas news page, so check your booking confirmation, and give yourself time to park and walk to the station. Llangollen is a popular town in December, and the streets around the bridge can be busy.
While you wait, point out the river to the children: the station platform runs right alongside the Dee, and after heavy rain the water rushing over the rocks is almost as exciting as the engine. Keep hold of small hands near the platform edge and the riverside railings.
Up the Dee Valley with Santa
Once the train sets off, it follows the Dee upstream through the valley. Part of the fun on this line is that Santa joins the train himself: the railway describes Santa coming on board on his way to his grotto, so children get to see him on the train before they meet him properly.
There are elves too, according to the railway, so expect a bit of mischief in the corridors. The railway does not give a journey time on its Christmas page; the line is about 10 miles long from Llangollen to Corwen, and Carrog lies along the way, so plan for a proper outing rather than a quick spin.
Santa's Lapland grotto at Carrog
The heart of the day is Carrog, where Santa has his Lapland grotto. Here each child meets Santa and receives a present, which the railway describes as high-quality and chosen to suit the child's age.
You can pre-order festive food for your time at Lapland when you book, which is useful if your visit falls around lunchtime. If you are not sure whether you will want it, look at the options on the booking system before you pay, because it is far easier to sort out in advance than on a busy platform.
Back to Llangollen
After Lapland, the train brings you back down the valley to Llangollen. The railway's page does not set out the timings for the return, so check your booking for when you are due back, especially if you are planning lunch or another stop afterwards. Little ones often fall asleep on the way back, present clutched tightly. If your child is too excited to sleep, the return trip is a good time to open the present together, or to ask them what they told Santa in his grotto. Keep a bag handy for wrapping paper so it does not end up all over the carriage floor.
Which Dee Valley Santa train for your family
Babies on the Dee Valley Santa train
The railway's Christmas page does not say how infants are priced, whether pushchairs can go on board, or whether there is baby changing at Carrog. Phone or email the railway before booking so you know what to bring. For a baby, a morning departure that fits around naps is usually the best bet. A baby will not remember Lapland, of course, but older siblings will, and the photos of a first Christmas on a steam train in the Welsh hills are the kind families keep for years.
Preschoolers and the double Santa visit
This age group gets the most out of the double Santa moment: seeing him on the train, then visiting his grotto. A present chosen for their age will feel special, and the treats before boarding mean you start with happy children. Early dates from 28 November may be quieter than the weekends just before Christmas. If your child is nervous of Santa, the moment he boards the train is a gentle introduction: they can watch from your lap, and by the time you reach Carrog he is already a familiar face.
Older children and Welsh speakers
Children who are older or a little sceptical about Santa may still enjoy the steam train and the valley views. Families who speak Welsh, or whose children learn it at school, might like the railway's Sion Corn Welsh-language trains, which are sold separately from the Santa Specials. Look for them on the booking system. Sion Corn is the Welsh name for Father Christmas.
Budget, demand and weather
The railway says it has frozen its prices for 2026, which is welcome news, but it does not publish the fares on its news page. Check them on the booking system. Last year's Santa Specials sold out completely, and the railway says it has added seats and more services for 2026, but popular weekends are still likely to go first. North Wales in December can be wet and cold, so dress for rain on the platforms at Llangollen and Carrog.
If you cannot get the date you want, the narrow-gauge Santa Specials at Llanfair Caereinion in Mid Wales are within an hour's drive to the south, and run on a smaller-scale railway that toddlers love.
A Victorian line along the Dee, saved by volunteers
The railway through Llangollen was built in stages in the nineteenth century. The Vale of Llangollen line opened to freight on 1 December 1861 and to passengers on 2 June 1862. On 1 May 1865 the line was extended to Corwen through the Berwyn tunnel, and the present station at Llangollen opened at the same time. That extension was built by a company called the Llangollen and Corwen Railway, the very name the heritage railway uses today. In 1877 the line was absorbed by the Great Western Railway, and it became part of a through route between Ruabon and Barmouth.
Passenger trains stopped running on 18 January 1965 under the Beeching cuts. Freight to Llangollen goods yard continued until April 1968, and then the line fell silent.
In 1972 a group of enthusiasts, the Flint and Deeside Railway Preservation Society, set about bringing trains back. Llangollen station reopened on 13 September 1975, and over the following decades the volunteers pushed west: to Berwyn in 1986, Glyndyfrdwy in 1993 and Carrog on 2 May 1996. Work on the final stretch to Corwen began in 2011, a temporary station at Corwen East opened in 2014, and the new Corwen station opened on 2 June 2023.
The railway has had difficult years too. In March 2021 the company that ran it went into receivership, and operations were handed to the Llangollen Railway Trust, which reopened the line in July 2021.
The stations you pass on the way to Lapland each mark a step in that long rebuild. Berwyn, perched above the river, was reached in 1986; Glyndyfrdwy followed in 1993, and Carrog three years later. For years Carrog was the end of the line, which is partly why it feels like a natural home for Santa's grotto: a quiet country station tucked into the valley, with the hills rising on either side.
- 1862Passenger trains start on the Vale of Llangollen line on 2 June.
- 1865The line reaches Corwen on 1 May, and the present Llangollen station opens.
- 1965Passenger services close on 18 January.
- 1972The Flint and Deeside Railway Preservation Society is founded.
- 1975Llangollen station reopens on 13 September.
- 1996Heritage trains reach Carrog on 2 May.
- 2021The Llangollen Railway Trust takes over operations and reopens the line in July.
- 2023The new Corwen station opens on 2 June.
To tell a six-year-old: this railway closed before Grandad was grown up, and lots of helpers spent years putting it back together, one piece of track at a time, until the steam trains could reach Carrog, where Santa now has his grotto.
Llangollen in December: the river, the town and the aqueduct
Llangollen is a lively little town with a famous stone bridge over the Dee, and a short walk along the river after your Santa trip is a lovely way to let children unwind. Cafés and shops line the streets around the bridge, so you can easily find somewhere warm for lunch.
A few miles east, the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct carries the canal high above the Dee valley and is one of the best-known sights in North Wales. It makes a dramatic short walk with older children, but hold little ones' hands and check conditions in winter. The towpath is narrow and the drop is long, so it is better for confident walkers than toddlers on scooters.
Wrexham is about 25 minutes' drive away and the walled city of Chester about 45 minutes, both with plenty of shops and family activities in December. We only include Christmas markets we have confirmed with dates for 2026, and we have not yet confirmed one in Llangollen, so check local listings. For a bigger city day out, our Liverpool Christmas ideas for families page is about an hour and a half away by car.
The railway also runs Welsh-language Sion Corn trains and Mince Pie Specials, which it says will be extended into 2027. These are sold separately, so check the booking system if a grandparent wants a quieter festive ride.
If you are staying over, the hills around Llangollen offer some of the best winter views in North Wales. On a clear December morning, the ruins of Castell Dinas Brân on the hill above the town make a fine sight from the valley floor, even if you do not attempt the steep climb with small children. Other steam lines are not far away either: the Severn Valley Railway's Santa show at Arley and the steam Santa trips from Bury in Lancashire are both within a couple of hours.
Questions to ask the Llangollen and Corwen Railway before you go
Pushchairs at Llangollen
The railway's Christmas page does not mention pushchairs. Ask when you book whether you can take one on board or leave it at Llangollen, and whether it is needed at Carrog. Until you know, plan on a sling or carrier for babies and young toddlers, as heritage carriages and country stations often have steps and narrow doors.
Toilets at Llangollen
Toilets are not covered on the Christmas page. Ask the railway whether there are toilets on the train and at Carrog, and use the facilities at Llangollen before you board. If you need baby changing, ask where the nearest facilities are along the route, as small country stations may not have them.
Heating on the Dee Valley Santa train
The page does not mention heating in the carriages or at Lapland. Ask when you book, and dress children in layers for a trip along a river valley in December.
Parking and arrival at Llangollen
Parking is not covered on the news page. Llangollen is a small town and parking can fill up on busy December days, so ask the railway for advice and leave extra time. Check your booking confirmation for when you should arrive.
Tickets and refunds at Llangollen
You can add refund protection when you book, covering 100% of the ticket price. Given that last year's Santa Specials sold out, it is worth booking early, but if your plans could change, the protection may be worth the extra. Read what it covers before you add it, and keep your booking reference somewhere easy to find.
Food at Lapland
Festive food at Lapland can be pre-ordered. If your child has allergies, ask the railway about ingredients before you order, and bring a safe snack just in case.
Accessibility and dogs at Llangollen
The Christmas page does not cover wheelchair access or dogs. Contact the railway before booking to ask about access to the train and the Carrog grotto, and whether dogs can travel on the Santa Specials.
Weather at Llangollen
The Dee Valley can be cold and wet in December. If storms or flooding are forecast, contact the railway before you set off. The river can rise quickly after heavy rain, so it is sensible to check for any service changes on the morning of your trip.
Names and ages for presents
The railway says its presents are chosen to suit each child's age. When you book, check whether the system asks for ages, and give them accurately so that a baby and a seven-year-old each receive something suitable.
Packing for a trip up the Dee Valley to Lapland
You will be on the move between Llangollen, the train and Carrog, so pack with that in mind.
- Waterproof coats for platform time in the Welsh weather
- Warm layers for the carriages and the grotto
- A carrier for the baby while the pushchair question is unanswered
- A bag to carry the present safely home
- Your Lapland food pre-order details
- Wipes for mince pie fingers
- A charged phone for photos at Carrog
- A small snack for the journey back
- A torch or head torch for the walk back to the car after dark
The Llangollen and Corwen Railway in numbers
- About 10 miles (16 km): length of the line from Llangollen to Corwen
- 1862: year passenger trains began on the line
- 1975: year Llangollen station reopened to heritage trains
- 1996: year heritage trains reached Carrog
- Standard gauge: 4 ft 8½ in
- 28 November: first Santa Special date of 2026
- 100%: share of the ticket price covered by optional refund protection
- 2023: year the new Corwen station opened
Getting to Llangollen from Wrexham and Chester
Llangollen is about 25 minutes' drive from Wrexham and about 45 minutes from Chester, without traffic.
| From | Drive time (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Wrexham | about 25 minutes |
| Chester | about 45 minutes |
Other Santa trains within reach of the Dee Valley
If you are looking for more Christmas trains in Wales and the borders, these are the closest in our guide.
- Welshpool and Llanfair narrow-gauge Santa Specials Llanfair Caereinion, Mid Wales
- Severn Valley Railway Santa's Steam Specials Kidderminster, West Midlands
- East Lancashire Railway Santa Specials at Bury Bury, North West England
More for Christmas train families
Llangollen Railway Santa Specials: what parents want to know
When do the Llangollen Railway Santa Specials run in 2026?
They start on Saturday 28 November 2026 and run up to Christmas Eve. Individual dates are on the railway's booking system.
How much does the Llangollen Santa train cost in 2026?
The railway says it has frozen its prices for 2026, but it does not list the fares on its news page. Check the booking system for current prices.
How do I book the Llangollen Railway Santa Special?
Book online through the Llangollen and Corwen Railway's ticket system. You can add refund protection that covers 100% of the ticket price.
Do the Llangollen Santa Specials sell out?
The 2025 Santa Specials sold out completely. The railway has added services for 2026, but booking early is still wise.
Do babies pay on the Llangollen Santa train?
The railway's news page does not say how infants are priced. Ask the railway or check the booking system.
How long is the Llangollen Railway Santa Special?
The railway does not give a journey time on its Christmas page. Check your booking for timings.
Where does the Llangollen Santa train leave from?
It leaves from Llangollen station by the River Dee. Ask the railway for parking advice, as the town gets busy in December.
Where is Santa's grotto on the Llangollen Railway?
Santa's Lapland grotto is at Carrog station, further up the Dee Valley. Santa also joins the train on his way there.
Can I take a pushchair on the Llangollen Santa Special?
The Christmas page does not say. Ask the railway when you book.
Are there toilets on the Llangollen Railway Santa train?
The Christmas page does not mention toilets. Ask the railway, and use the facilities at Llangollen before boarding.
Is the Llangollen Santa train heated?
Heating is not mentioned on the railway's page. Ask when booking and dress children warmly.
What present do children get on the Llangollen Santa Special?
Every child receives a high-quality present chosen to suit their age.
Is food included on the Llangollen Railway Santa Special?
Adults get a mulled wine and mince pie and children get festive treats before boarding. Festive food at Lapland can be pre-ordered.
Which Llangollen Santa date is best with a baby?
A morning departure on an early date from 28 November is often easiest. Ask the railway about pushchairs and baby changing first.
What is the weather like for the Llangollen Santa Special?
December in the Dee Valley is often cold and wet. Bring waterproofs and warm layers.
When did the Llangollen Railway reopen?
Volunteers reopened Llangollen station on 13 September 1975 and reached Carrog in 1996. The new Corwen station opened in 2023.
Why is it called the Llangollen and Corwen Railway?
A company of that name built the line from Llangollen to Corwen, which opened in 1865. The heritage railway now runs all the way to Corwen again.
What can we do in Llangollen after the Santa train?
Walk along the River Dee and over the town bridge, or visit the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct a few miles away. Wrexham and Chester are within an hour.
Are there other Santa trains near Wrexham and Chester besides Llangollen?
Yes. The Welshpool and Llanfair Light Railway in Mid Wales runs Santa Specials, and our UK Santa train guide lists more nearby.
Is the Llangollen Santa Special accessible, and are dogs allowed?
The Christmas page does not cover accessibility or dogs. Contact the railway before you book.
2027 ticket alert
Santa trains sell out fast
The best dates are often gone weeks before December. Leave your email and we will write once, the moment 2027 bookings open in North Wales.
Sources
- Llangollen and Corwen Railway: official page (llangollen-railway.co.uk) (opens in a new tab)
- Llangollen Railway (Wikipedia) (opens in a new tab)
- Christmas train tickets launched (RailAdvent) (opens in a new tab)
Checked on the railway’s official pages on 4 November 2026. This train is run by Llangollen and Corwen Railway. Rally Takes the Train is a children’s picture book; we are not partners with or affiliated to the railway. Book only on the official site and check dates and fares before you travel.
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