It certainly is the most wonderful time of the year and Santa is launching Christmas as he drops into Glasgow Central Station today (Friday, 1 October) to announce that he’ll be rolling out his very own Santa Express in the run up to 25 December.
The trains are a partnership between ScotRail, the Railway Children charity and Father Christmas.
It’ll be a December to remember as the Santa Express will be decked out in a festive theme and Santa will be walking up and down the train in person to hand out gifts.
The first Santa Express will leave Edinburgh Waverley on Saturday, 4 December at 08.58, and head to Boat of Garten in the Highlands before returning to the capital at 16.46.
Then, on the 11 and 18 December, there will be another two specials on each of the days leaving Edinburgh Waverley and travelling around the Fife Circle line, one in the morning and the second in the afternoon.
Since it’s the season to be jolly, children will receive treats and activities on board to keep them enter-trained, including a visit from Father Christmas. And there will be lovely treats for mums and dads too, including a hot drink and festive snacks to enjoy.
There will also be performances from a magician and, on the trip to Boat of Garten, there might even be a sighting of some reindeer!
Ticket prices start from £12.50 for a standard child and £25 for a standard adult on the Fife Circle Santa Express (family ticket for two adults and two children costs £65).
And on the Boat of Garten Santa Express, it’s £30 per child, £60 per adult and £160 for a family ticket.
The Railway Children charity will benefit from all ticket sales, and ScotRail staff are donating the presents for the children to receive on the train, to keep costs to a minimum.
David Simpson, ScotRail Operations Director, said:
“We are delighted to be launching Christmas 2021 today with Santa and the Railway Children charity.
“It’ll be great to see the faces of all the children, and maybe the parents too, when Father Christmas hands out presents to them on the train.
“These five Santa Express trains will be a brilliant addition to the festive fun in the lead up to the big day.”
Terina Keene, Railway Children CEO, said:
“Thank you so much to Scotrail for supporting us with this lovely, festive event.
“It should be a brilliant experience for everyone and a great start to the Christmas season at the same time as raising funds to help us reach vulnerable children and families around the world.”