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Update for 2019
==Recent operation to 2018==
The mainstay operation is was the Santa Special operation. This operates operated half hourly all day, typically weekends from late November/early December until Christmas Eve. This necessitates necessitated a five-train operation, all steam hauled, with a sixth locomotive providing train pre-heating and acting as standby. The trains operate operated between [[Kidderminster]] and [[Santa's Grotto]] at [[Arley]], with trains picking up and setting down at [[Bewdley]] on the return leg only. In addition the [[Class 108 DMU]] runs ran staff trains, and a late afternoon service for late-returning passengers.
Setting up takes took place at the beginning of October, with clearing away taking place before year end. A typical day's operation needs needed around 100 volunteers, excluding crew and signalmen. There are were 96 Santa turns for the Santa Specials.
On 23 November 2018 the SVR made a 'Black Friday' discount offer of unsold Santa Special tickets.
A secondary operation are was ‘Santa Heralds’, with Santa travelling on the train to distribute presents. These are typically steam-operated midweek services.
Carol Trains are an evening DMU service, running from Kidderminster to [[The Engine House]]. Christmas Carvery DMU services also run to The Engine House where a meal is provided. Dining Trains also operate. Schools steam services run in midweek.
Stations and platforms at Kidderminster, Bewdley and Arley are decorated. At both Kidderminster and Arley live seasonal music is provided by local groups. Carriages are not usually decorated, locomotives may carry headboards, wreaths or other decoration.
It is was also an important part of activities for other groups. [[SVR Apprentices]] dress in animal character costumes to entertain the waiting youngsters at [[Arley]]. Several [[List of preservation groups|preservation groups]] roast and sell chestnuts.
==2019 operations==
In June 2019 the SVR announced there will be a refresh of Santa Specials, no longer featuring a Grotto but instead including the addition of departures : *Santa Specials from Kidderminster *Premium Santa Specials from both Kidderminster and [[Bridgnorth]] for the first time in many years and operations from Bridgnorth during the evenings. These will make , making use of the new facilities afforded by the [[Bridgnorth#Bridgnorth_Development_Project|Bridgnorth development project]]. Both oprate to Highley on a decorated steam train (top and tailed with a diesel), with Santa meeting every family on the train handing out gifts and posing for photographs. Carol Trains, Christmas Carvery, Dining Trains, Schools steam services and post-Christmas services continue.
==Passenger numbers==
