One of the most exciting Christmas experiences anywhere in the United Kingdom is returning for 2026 and tickets are going on sale earlier than ever before.
The Llangollen and Corwen Railway has unveiled its plans for an even bigger, brighter and more magical festive season, with more trains, more experiences, and even more opportunities for families to create unforgettable Christmas memories.
Following the phenomenal success of last year’s season, when every single Santa Special sold out, the railway has decided to launch tickets a full nine months before Christmas. The first Christmas Services will be on Saturday, 28 November 2026 – with services up to Christmas Eve. Tickets will also be available from Friday for its popular Sion Corn Welsh Language Christmas Experiences and its hugely popular Mince Pie Specials, which will be extended right into 2027.
The decision comes after huge demand from visitors from across the UK who told the railway they wanted the chance to secure their festive trip well in advance. For the first time ever, families can also add optional ticket refund protection when booking, allowing them to recover 100% of the ticket price if plans change, offering extra peace of mind when booking early.
Even better news for families is that prices have been frozen for 2026, ensuring this much-loved experience remains accessible while continuing to deliver the high-quality festive magic that visitors have come to expect.
The railway’s famous Santa Specials will once again take passengers on a magical winter journey through the breathtaking Dee Valley. Festively decorated carriages, cheerful elves, and a special visit from Santa himself will create a truly unforgettable experience for children and adults alike.
At the start of the journey, adults will receive a warming mulled wine and festive mince pie at Llangollen, while children will enjoy special festive treats before boarding their Christmas adventure.
Santa will travel on board the train before settling into his grotto at Lapland in Carrog, where families can enjoy a special meet and greet, take photographs, and share a magical festive moment together. Each child will also receive a high-quality age-appropriate present.
Visitors will also be able to enjoy high quality festive food at Lapland, with a range of options available to pre-order online from September, helping families plan their perfect Christmas day out in advance.
With additional seating available and more services planned than ever before, even more families will be able to enjoy this wonderful Christmas tradition.
Anita Piatowska of the Llangollen and Corwen Railway said, “Our Christmas trains have become one of the most magical festive experiences anywhere in the UK and every year we welcome families who return to create new memories together. Last year our Santa Specials completely sold out, which shows just how much people love the experience. By putting tickets on sale a full nine months before Christmas, we’re giving families the chance to secure their seats early and avoid missing out.
“We’ve frozen our prices for 2026, expanded the number of services and listened carefully to feedback from visitors and volunteers. With the return of high-quality age-appropriate presents, more trains and even more festive atmosphere, we believe this will be our most exciting Christmas season yet.”
The Christmas season at the Llangollen and Corwen Railway has become one of the most popular festive attractions in the UK, with thousands of visitors travelling from across the UK each year to experience the unique magic of a heritage railway at Christmas.
Tickets for the Santa Specials are on sale now, with the railway encouraging visitors to book early before the most popular dates sell out.
