Santa Express 2025

🚂 All Santa Express 2025 trains are now SOLD OUT.


Thank you so much for your incredible support

All four trains are fully booked.
Please follow us on Facebook and Instagram for updates and for news on Santa Express 2026.

✨ The Magic Returns to Mullingar – All Aboard the Santa Express!

The Santa Express is back on Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th December 2025, ready to whisk families away on a Christmas adventure like no other.

From the moment you arrive at Mullingar Train Station, the atmosphere is alive with festive cheer. Step onto the old Athlone Line platform, where old-world railway charm meets festive magic. Music fills the air, cheeky elves and favourite characters like Olaf and the Grinch greet you with smiles and mischief, and the excitement builds as families prepare to board a real train for a magical one-hour return trip through the beautiful Westmeath countryside.

🎶 Festive Fun on the Platform

Your Santa Express adventure begins before the train even leaves the station. The platform blends the historic railway setting with the magic of Christmas. The air is filled with music, laughter, and the bustle of families arriving to meet cheeky elves and festive characters.

You never know who you might meet… watch out for Olaf, the Grinch, and even those naughty Elves on the Shelf, all ready for mischief and photos!

Capture the moment with.

  • Keepsake sleigh souvenir photos (available to purchase)
  • Plenty of festive props and backdrops for your own photos
  • Selfies with elves and characters to make the memories last

And while you soak up the atmosphere, enjoy the best of festive station treats:

  • Hot chocolate piled high with marshmallows
  • Freshly brewed coffee
  • Spiced apple punch (a warming non-alcoholic mulled-style drink)
  • Sweet treats to enjoy before boarding

🚂 Your Santa Express Journey

Once on board, the fun really begins!
Every child will be handed their very own festive activity and treat bag from the elves to enjoy during the journey. As the train makes its way through the beautiful Westmeath countryside on a one-hour trip. The excitement builds for the arrival of Santa and Mrs Claus, who will soon be making their way through the carriages.

While everyone eagerly awaits Santa, the elves will keep the festive cheer alive with songs, stories, games, and plenty of laughter. And then, the magical moment arrives – Santa himself stops at every seat, with a twinkle in his eye and a selection box for each child.

🌟 Sensory-Friendly Experience

Click here for Sensory Supports

We’re proud to offer a sensory-friendly carriage (Carriage F) on every train and a dedicated sensory support area in the station.

These calm and welcoming spaces are designed for children and adults who may find the bustle overwhelming, while still keeping the festive spirit alive. Our sensory elves, easily spotted in their blue vests, will be on hand to provide support, reassurance, and resources to help make the experience magical for everyone.

Key Event Details

Dates & Times

Saturday 13th December, 13:15 and 15:15
Sunday 14th December, 11:15 and 13:15

Location

Mullingar Railway Station
N91 HKR4

Your Santa Express Experience Includes

  • Santa visits every child on board with a gift
  • Festive gift bag with treats and activities for the journey
  • Infant gift included with Adult + Infant tickets
  • Cheeky elves with songs, stories and fun
  • Christmas characters, face painting and live music at the station
  • Photo moments to treasure with Santa and the elves

Tickets & Prices

Ticket Type Facing Seats with Table All Other Seat Types
Adult €25.00 €22.50
Child (2+) €32.50 €30.00
Adult + Infant (0-23 m) €30.00 €27.50

Prices quoted per seat.
Booking fees apply.
Tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable.

Organised by 9th Westmeath Milltownpass Scout Group, a registered charity (RCN 20206832). Proceeds support our new Scout Den and local causes.

ℹ️ Santa Express Information ▼
🪑 Seat Types on The Santa Express

When booking your tickets, you can choose from different seat types:

Airline Style Seats

All seats face the same direction, just like on a regular train or airplane.

Facing Seats with Table

Two pairs of seats facing each other across a fixed table.

Facing Seats without Table

Seats face each other, but without a fixed table.

🎫 Tickets & Prices
  • Availability:
    • All Santa Express 2025 trains are now fully booked and no further tickets are available.
  • Adult Ticket
    • €22.50 (airline seat or facing seat without table)
    • €25.00 (seat at fixed table)
  • Child Ticket (age 2+)
    • €30.00 (airline seat or facing seat without table)
    • €32.50 (seat at fixed table)
    • Each child ticket includes a festive tote gift bag with activities and treats from the elves, plus a gift from Santa (selection box).
  • Adult + Infant Ticket (ages 0–2)
    • €27.50 (airline seat or facing seat without table)
    • €30.00 (seat at fixed table)
    • Adult has a seat, infant travels on adult’s lap. Includes a special gift from Santa for the infant.
  • Please note:
    • ⚠️ A booking fee applies to all tickets
    • 🚫 Tickets are non-refundable, except if the event is cancelled
    • 🎫 A ticket, either digital or printed, is needed for boarding
    • 🎁 Adults do not receive a tote bag or gift
🚗 Arrival & Parking
  • Arrive at least 30 minutes before train departure time
  • Boarding opens ~15 minutes before
  • Boarding closes 5 minutes before the train leaves
  • Trains depart on time and cannot wait for late passengers
  • Paid parking available at Mullingar Station (APCOA) — pay via app, website, or ticket machines. Advance payment does not guarantee a space.
  • Westmeath County Council are providing FREE parking in their car parks (not on-street) during the Christmas period. (check their website for details and updates)
  • Closest FREE parking: Blackhall Car Park and behind the Fire Station
  • Allow extra time for parking, refreshments, and photos before boarding.
☕️ Refreshments & Treats
  • Snacks, drinks and souvenirs available before boarding
  • Cash & card payments accepted.
  • No alcohol permitted
♿ Accessibility & Sensory carriage
  • Wheelchair users welcome.
  • Sensory-friendly carriage available on every train
  • Guide dogs and service animals permitted
  • Contact us in advance if you need extra assistance
📸 Photos
  • Optional keepsake photo with Santa’s Sleigh available to purchase (limited availability — arrive early)
  • Plenty of other photo opportunities with Santa, Mrs Claus, elves, and characters on board
  • Photographs and video will be taken during the Santa Express for use on our social media and in promotional materials
  • These may include general event shots where visitors could appear incidentally as part of a group or crowd
📜 Full Terms and Conditions

1. Admission and Conduct

  • All children must be supervised by a parent or responsible adult (aged 18+) at all times.
  • The organisers reserve the right to refuse admission or remove anyone whose behaviour is disruptive or poses a risk to safety.
  • No alcohol is permitted on board.
  • Pets are not permitted, except registered guide dogs and service animals.

2. Tickets

  • All passengers, including infants, must be included in the booking.
  • Infants under 2 may travel free of charge if seated on the lap of an accompanying adult and no seat or gift is required.
  • An Adult + Infant ticket option is available (adult fare plus €6) which includes an infant gift, with the infant seated on the adult’s lap.
  • Children’s tickets include a treat bag.
  • Tickets are non-transferable without the organisers’ consent.

3. Refunds and Cancellations

  • Tickets are non-refundable.
  • If the event is cancelled by the organisers, a full refund of the ticket price will be issued.
  • The organisers accept no responsibility for incidental costs (e.g. travel, accommodation).

4. Trains and Timings

  • Passengers must arrive at least 30 minutes before departure.
  • Boarding generally opens 15 minutes before and closes 5 minutes before departure.
  • Trains will depart on time and cannot wait for late passengers.
  • Parking, including free parking potentially offered by Westmeath County Council during the Christmas period, is outside the organisers’ control.

5. Liability

  • Participation in the Santa Express is at the ticket holder’s own risk.
  • The organisers accept no responsibility for personal injury, loss, or damage to property unless caused by negligence.
  • Passengers are responsible for their belongings at all times.

6. Personal Data

  • Personal data provided during booking will only be used for event administration and safety purposes.
  • Data will not be shared with third parties except as required by law.
  • Please see our Privacy Policy for more detail.

7. Event Operation and Changes

  • The organisers reserve the right to change event content, timings, or facilities if necessary.
  • Advertised activities and characters (Santa, Mrs Claus, Elves) are subject to availability.
  • In the event of train service disruption, alternative arrangements will be made at the organisers’ discretion.

8. Photography and Media

  • Photographs and video may be taken for promotional use and on social media.
  • Guests may appear incidentally in group or crowd shots.
  • If you do not wish to appear, please notify a volunteer upon arrival.

9. Care of Ticket

  • A valid digital or printed ticket is required for boarding.
  • Lost or stolen tickets cannot be replaced.