A Santa Special is a special

Christmas Christmas is an annual festival commemorating Nativity of Jesus, the birth of Jesus Christ, observed primarily on December 25 as a Religion, religious and Culture, cultural celebration among billions of people Observance of Christmas by coun ...

rail service, common on heritage steam railways (or sometimes on mainline railways, as is done by the

RPSI The Railway Preservation Society of Ireland (RPSI) is a railway preservation group founded in 1964 and operating throughout Ireland. Main line (railway), Mainline steam train railtours are operated from Dublin, while short train rides are opera ...

in Ireland), where children are given the opportunity to meet "

Santa Claus Santa Claus (also known as Saint Nicholas, Saint Nick, Father Christmas, Kris Kringle or Santa) is a legendary figure originating in Western Christian culture who is said to bring gifts during the late evening and overnight hours on Chris ...

". The revenues derived from Santa Specials make an important contribution to the finances of the railways as they attract large numbers of families during the off-peak winter period. Common features of Santa Special services are Midland Railway - Butterley Santa Specials
* Meeting "

" (This commonly, but not always, takes place on the train) * Each child receiving a gift from "

" * Refreshments provided for adults - for example, a

Mince Pie A mince pie (also mincemeat pie in North America, and fruit mince pie in Australia and New Zealand) is a sweet pie of English origin filled with mincemeat, being a mixture of fruit, spices and suet. The pies are traditionally served during the Ch ...

and a Seasonal Drink * Entertainment provided for adults and children - for example,

Juggling Juggling is a physical skill, performed by a juggler, involving the manipulation of objects for recreation, entertainment, art or sport. The most recognizable form of juggling is toss juggling. Juggling can be the manipulation of one object o ...

and Balloon Sculpting

References

Heritage railways Santa Claus {{Rail-transport-stub

See also

References