Free lunch, festive fun, lifelong friendships and the chance to make magical memories as the Railway seeks elves, greeters, raffle stewards and Welsh-speaking volunteers
Llangollen and Corwen Railway is calling on people across North Wales and beyond to become part of the Christmas magic, as the heritage railway prepares to welcome thousands of families aboard its hugely popular Santa Specials, starting on Saturday 28 November 2026.
And for anyone wondering whether to give volunteering a try, the Railway has a message: you never quite know where the experience might take you!
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Last Christmas, volunteers found themselves appearing on BBC Breakfast and ITV Wales, sharing the magic of the Railway with television audiences. Others have discovered lifelong friendships, developed new skills and gone on to take up exciting roles across the Railway. In fact, several volunteers, including steam locomotive drivers, first became involved with Llangollen and Corwen Railway by helping on Santa Specials.
With more festive surprises promised along the way this year, the Railway hopes to inspire a new generation of volunteers to climb aboard and discover what makes its Christmas season so special.
The Railway is particularly looking for people to help as Santa’s elves, at its mulled wine station, as gate greeters and as raffle stewards. There is also a special appeal for Welsh-speaking volunteers, particularly to support the popular Sion Corn trains and help deliver a wonderful Welsh-language Christmas experience for families.
No previous railway experience is required, and lunch will be provided for volunteers during their shifts.
Sophie Hallam, Volunteer Co-ordinator at Llangollen and Corwen Railway, said, “Volunteering on our Santa Specials is so much more than simply helping out for a few hours. It’s an amazing experience, and you genuinely never know where it might lead! Last year, some of our volunteers ended up appearing on BBC Breakfast and ITV Wales. Imagine signing up to help spread a little Christmas cheer and finding yourself on national television!
“We’ve also got volunteers, including some of our steam locomotive drivers, who first came to the Railway to help on Santa Specials. They enjoyed the experience so much that they stayed, learned new skills and became part of our Railway family.
“And perhaps the most special thing of all is the friendships. Some truly lifelong friendships have started through volunteering here. People who arrived not knowing anybody have gone on to become the closest of friends, all because they decided to give something new a try.
“That’s what makes volunteering at Llangollen and Corwen Railway so wonderful. You might come along to help as an elf for a day and discover a whole new world of opportunities!”
The Railway’s Santa Specials are among its most popular events of the year, transforming its historic trains and stations into a festive wonderland filled with Christmas decorations, seasonal entertainment and excited families.
Thousands of visitors are expected to travel to Llangollen during the festive season, with volunteers playing a vital role in making sure every family enjoys a memorable Christmas adventure.
Sophie continued, “We’re particularly looking for friendly, enthusiastic people to help us as elves, welcome families at our gates, support our mulled wine station and help with our Christmas raffle.
“We would also absolutely love to hear from Welsh speakers, especially those who can help us with our Sion Corn trains. It’s really important that we can offer a magical Christmas experience through the Welsh language, and our Welsh-speaking volunteers are a huge part of making that happen.
“You don’t need to know anything about railways, and you certainly don’t need to have volunteered before. We’ll make sure you feel welcome, provide guidance and support, and we’ll even provide your lunch!
“All we ask is that you bring a friendly smile, a willingness to help and a little Christmas spirit.”
The Railway is keen to stress that volunteering is not simply about filling a shift. It is an opportunity to become part of a welcoming community, meet people from different backgrounds and enjoy experiences that might otherwise never come along.
From working alongside historic steam locomotives to meeting families from across the country, no two days are quite the same. And with some exciting surprises planned for this year’s Christmas season, there could be even more memorable moments in store for those who get involved.
Sophie added, “We’ve got some amazing surprises planned along the way, and I really think this is going to be a Christmas to remember.
“One of the loveliest things about our Railway is that everybody has a story. Some people join because they love steam trains, others because they want to meet new people or give something back to their community. Some simply fancy doing something a little different at Christmas.
“Whatever brings you here, you become part of something special. You might make a lifelong friend, discover a new passion, learn a skill you never imagined learning or even find yourself on television!
“We still have quite a few gaps in our Christmas volunteer rosters, so please do consider joining us. Even if you can only spare one or two shifts, it would make an enormous difference.
“Come and help us make Christmas magical for thousands of families. We promise you a warm welcome, a fantastic team to work with and an experience you’ll remember long after the decorations have been packed away.”
How to Become a Santa Specials Volunteer
Anyone interested in volunteering for Santa Specials 2026 can register using the Railway’s online form:
Alternatively, contact Sophie Hallam, Volunteer Co-ordinator, by emailing [email protected] or calling the Volunteer Hotline on 01978 862 226.
Whether you can volunteer for a single shift or throughout the festive season, Llangollen and Corwen Railway would love to welcome you aboard.
