PEOPLE of all ages got into the Christmas spirit at the weekend to join in the fun on the Santa Trains.
The magic of Christmas returned to Groudle Glen on Sunday when the first of the popular Santa Trains at the volunteer run railway at Groudle Glen took place.
Hundreds of families braved the chilly weather to travel on the illuminated steam train for North Pole Halt to see Santa and his elves hidden in his grotto deep in the glen.
The annual festive services have been a popular point in the calendar ever since the volunteers started restoring the line in 1982 and ran the first Santa Trains in 1983.
Railway chairman Trevor Nall said: ‘The passenger experience is very important to us. We spend months beforehand planning that not only should everything look smart and tidy at the railway, but the day should be fun and magical for everyone. We enjoy running the railway and we want to make sure the people who visit us feel they’ve enjoyed themselves too. You see plenty of smiles on both sides.’
The Santa Trains in Groudle Glen are running again between 11am and 3.30pm this coming weekend, Saturday and Sunday, and once Santa has returned to the North Pole, Mince Pie Trains are operating on Boxing Day between 11am and 3.30pm.
The Manx Steam Railway Santa Trains have also been a success, this year the passengers were taken on a magical journey to Christmas in Castletown and Santa’s magical Christmas Kingdom at Castle Rushen. Santa’s little helpers have been hard at work creating a Narnia-themed winter wonderland, which included falling snow and festive lights for children to enjoy. Other attractions include Santa at Castle Rushen, Christmas lights, a nativity scene, Christmas Carousel ride, family games, farmers’ market and festive market stalls.
Their Santa Trains will leave Douglas train station on December 17 at 9.50am, 11.15am, 12.50pm and 2.15pm, and Port Erin on December 17 at 10.10am and 1.10pm.