ALL ABOARD!
Holdham Events is looking for friendly, enthusiastic and reliable volunteers to join the team delivering THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride at Edinburgh Waverley this Christmas.
THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride is a large-scale festive experience welcoming thousands of families to Edinburgh Waverley throughout November and December. We’re looking for volunteers who would like to get involved behind the scenes and help us deliver a fantastic experience for every guest who joins us.
You don't need previous railway, retail or events experience. We're particularly interested in people who want to gain practical experience in customer service, events, retail, hospitality or the railway industry.
There will be a variety of things to get involved with, so no two shifts are necessarily the same.
What could I be doing?
Depending on the requirements of the event, our Volunteer Event & Customer Experience Team may help with:
- Welcoming guests arriving for THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride.
- Checking tickets and helping guests find the correct departure or queue.
- Supporting the management of customer queues around the event.
- Answering general customer questions and providing directions.
- Helping customers who require additional assistance.
- Working within our POLAR EXPRESS™ merchandise shop.
- Restocking and presenting merchandise.
- Supporting the retail team during busy periods.
- Helping keep customer and event areas clean, tidy and presentable.
- Assisting with cleaning and preparing the train between departures.
- Helping reset the train and event areas ready for the next group of guests.
- Supporting the wider event delivery team with general tasks as required.
- Helping us create a welcoming, safe and enjoyable Christmas experience for our guests.
You won't be expected to do everything at once! Our team will allocate activities depending on your interests, experience and the operational requirements of the event.
Who are we looking for?
You don't need previous experience. We're looking for people who are:
- Friendly, welcoming and enthusiastic.
- Comfortable speaking with members of the public.
- Interested in gaining experience in a customer-facing environment.
- Happy working as part of a busy team.
- Reliable and willing to get stuck in.
- Comfortable being on their feet for extended periods.
- Able to follow instructions and event safety procedures.
- Calm and helpful when dealing with busy periods.
- Passionate about providing a great experience for our guests.
- Ready to embrace Christmas!
Previous experience in customer service, retail, hospitality, tourism, events or the railway industry is welcome, but absolutely not essential.
What will I get from volunteering?
This is a great opportunity to gain practical experience while being part of one of Edinburgh's major festive events.
You'll have the opportunity to:
- Gain hands-on customer service experience.
- Experience working in a busy live-event environment.
- Develop retail and merchandising experience.
- Gain exposure to the railway and events industries.
- Build confidence communicating with members of the public.
- Develop teamwork and event-delivery skills.
- Work alongside our professional event, railway and customer experience teams.
- Add genuine event experience to your CV.
- Be part of bringing THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride to life for thousands of families.
Lunch will be provided during applicable volunteer shifts.
And, of course, there will be plenty of Christmas spirit along the way!
When will I volunteer?
The event operates from 21 November until 30 December 2026.
We understand that volunteers may be fitting this opportunity around education, employment or other commitments, so opportunities will be arranged around the availability you provide to us and the requirements of the event.
There is no requirement to be available for every event day.
When applying, please tell us roughly when you're likely to be available, including whether you can volunteer on:
- Weekdays
- Weekends
- Daytime
- Evenings
Where will I be based?
The role will be based at:
Edinburgh Waverley Station, Edinburgh
Activities may take place onboard the train as well as within our event, customer and retail areas at the station.
Because this is a live railway and event environment, volunteers must follow all instructions provided by Holdham Events, railway staff and event management while taking part.
Important information
This is an unpaid voluntary opportunity and is intended for people wishing to support the event and gain experience.
Volunteer opportunities are offered according to event requirements and individual availability. There is no guarantee or obligation to undertake a minimum number of shifts.
Full event-specific information, instructions and any necessary briefing will be provided before you begin volunteering.
Some activities take place in a busy railway station and onboard railway vehicles, so applicants should be comfortable working within an operational, public-facing environment.
About Holdham Events
Holdham Events is part of Holdham Group, a growing British railway, events and customer experience business.
Our team delivers major passenger rail and experiential events, bringing together railway operations, entertainment, hospitality, retail and customer service to create memorable experiences for our guests.
How to apply
Click Apply Now and send us a short application telling us:
- Why you'd like to volunteer with THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride.
- Any relevant customer service, retail, events, hospitality or railway experience you have - although none is required.
- Your approximate availability during November and December.
- What you'd most like to get involved with.
If you're enthusiastic, friendly and fancy spending part of your festive season helping thousands of families experience the magic of THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride, we'd love to hear from you.
ALL ABOARD!
Pay: Up to £0.01 per year
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Edinburgh Waverley Station, City of Edinburgh: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Application question(s):
- Do you understand that this role is a voluntary / unpaid opportunity?
Work Location: In person
