Christmas Train Rides in the UK 2025: The Definitive Festive Rail Guide
Christmas train rides in the UK are a proper festive mood-lifter. Picture steam drifting into cold night air, carols in vintage carriages, and kids clutching a chocolate-stained ticket like it’s gold. The best part is the variety. You’ve got immersive Polar Express productions, glittering light-show trains, and cosy Santa steam journeys through wintry valleys. In this guide I’ve rounded up the strongest options for 2025 with current dates and prices, plus practical tips that actually help on the day. Ready to pick a ride, warm your hands on a hot chocolate, and make a memory that feels like a film? 🎄
Best Christmas Train Rides: How to Choose
Not all festive rail trips feel the same, so start with vibe and bedtime. A lights train is usually an evening ride with thousands of LEDs, upbeat music and narration. A Santa Special tends to be daytime, often calmer, with an on-board visit or grotto moment. Polar Express rides are theatre-on-rails, true to the book and the film, complete with hot chocolate, cookies and that shiny bell. Think about travel time, your group’s patience level, and whether you want a sit-and-gaze moment or a sing-along. If you’re comparing Christmas train rides in the UK at speed, use the tables below to balance dates, prices and extras.
Quick Facts
| Train | Region | 2025 Core Dates | Typical From Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Train of Lights, Dartmouth Steam Railway | Devon | 22 Nov–31 Dec (selected) | Adult £28.50 |
| Train of Lights + Santa, Dartmouth | Devon | 30 Nov–24 Dec (selected) | Adult £34 |
| Steam Illuminations, Watercress Line | Hampshire | 22 Nov–4 Jan (selected) | Standard £34 |
| SteamLights, Bluebell Railway | Sussex | Nov–Dec (selected) | Adult £35–£38.50 |
| Santa Specials, Bluebell Railway | Sussex | 29–30 Nov; 6–7, 13–14, 20–24 Dec | Compartments from £210 |
| Santa Specials, East Lancashire Railway | Greater Manchester | 22–24 Nov, then most dates to 24 Dec | Adult £23–£41.50 |
| Elf Explorer, Keighley & Worth Valley | West Yorkshire | 29 Nov–24 Dec | £25–£35 by date |
| Lights Express, Epping Ongar | Essex | 15 Nov–4 Jan (selected) | Adult £25 / Child £20 |
| Santa Express, North Yorkshire Moors | North Yorkshire | 29–30 Nov; 6–7, 13–14, 20–24 Dec | From £29.50 |
| Santa Express, GWSR | Gloucestershire | 22–23, 29–30 Nov; 6–7, 13–14, 20–23 Dec | From ~£29 |
| Santa Express, West Somerset | Somerset | Dec (selected) | From £20.50pp |
| Santa Specials, Nene Valley | Cambridgeshire | Nov–Dec (selected) | Example adult £38 |
| Polar Express, Caledonian Railway | Angus (Brechin) | 29–30 Nov; 6–7, 13–14, 20–21 Dec | £30.95–£55.95 |
| Polar Express, Embsay & Bolton Abbey | North Yorkshire | Selected Nov–Dec dates | £36.95–£57.95 |
🔹 Tinker’s Tip: The earliest and latest departures are calmer, with easier parking and better photo space.
Costs at a glance
| Experience | Typical 2025 price notes |
|---|---|
| Dartmouth Train of Lights | Adult £28.50, Child £18.50, Family from £86, Compartments from £195 |
| Train of Lights + Santa | Adult £34, Child £24, Family from £106, Compartments from £235 |
| Steam Illuminations (Watercress) | Standard £34, First Class £42, Private Compartment ~£250 |
| Bluebell SteamLights | Adult £35–£38.50, Compartments £210–£270 |
| East Lancashire Santa | Adult from £23 in late Nov up to £41.50 on Christmas Eve |
| Elf Explorer (KWVR) | £25–£35 by date |
| Epping Ongar Lights Express | Adult £25 / Child £20, Compartments from ~£150 |
| NYMR Santa | From £29.50 |
| GWSR Santa | ~£28.50–£29.95 by date |
| West Somerset Santa | From £20.50pp |
| Nene Valley Santa (example) | Adult £38 on a mid-December Saturday |
| Caledonian Polar Express | £30.95–£55.95 + small fee |
| Embsay & Bolton Abbey Polar Express | £36.95–£57.95 |
Now lets get to the good festive train rides in more detail!
Dartmouth Steam Railway: Christmas Train of Lights (Paignton) ✨
This Devon classic genuinely feels magical after sunset. You board at Paignton for a round trip that rolls along the coast and through tunnels, all lit with story-led light scenes. The first few minutes give a last peek of the sea, then the night takes over and the colours do their thing. Kids go wide-eyed at the tunnels, adults melt for the vintage carriages and gentle music.
2025 dates run on selected evenings from 22 November to 31 December, with clear seating and family options. Adult seats are £28.50, children £18.50, family tickets from £86, and private compartments from £195.
- Journey time: about 90 minutes
- Best for: families, photographers, anyone who loves a good twinkle
📍Official Website: Christmas Train of Lights
👉 Good to know: Sit on the seaward side departing Paignton for quick coastal glimpses before the lights take centre stage.
🗺️ More UK Christmas Cheer: UK Festive Weekenders: 8 Easy City Breaks For Maximum Cheer 🎄
Our Google Maps Legend
Save time pinning everything! Get lifetime access to our endless hours of research and time spent on the ground finding the best places to eat, drink, relax and explore in the area. You simply open the Google Map on your device and all our pins are at the touch of your fingertips.
Dartmouth Steam Railway: Train of Lights + Santa 🎅
Same glowing route, but Father Christmas pops in on board. The light tunnels still wow, the narration still carries the story, and you get a gift moment for children without the pressure of queues. It is upbeat but not chaotic, and it hits the sweet spot if you want both the lightshow and a Santa hello.
In 2025 it runs on selected dates 30 November to 24 December. Prices are straightforward: adult £34, child £24, family from £106, or book a private compartment from £235 if you like your own space.
- Arrival window: 30 minutes before departure
- Seating: pre-assigned, easy boarding with buggies folded
📍Official Website: Christmas Train of Lights + Santa
🔹Tinker’s Tip: Early evening departures work best for younger children who tire after 7 pm.
Watercress Line: Steam Illuminations (Alresford–Alton) 💡
This is the full-on lights-and-music party. Carriages glow inside and out, the countryside flashes into colour as you roll by, and the soundtrack is timed to beats and moments. It is lively, it is joyful, and adults come away grinning as much as the kids.
2025 services run on selected dates from 22 November to 4 January. Standard seats are £34, first class £42, and private compartments sit around £250 if you want a contained family space.
- Departures from Alresford or Alton, check your ticket
- Journey length: around 60 minutes
📍Official Website: Watercress Steam Illuminations
💡 Fact: Steam Illuminations began as a winter brightener and has grown into one of the South’s standout seasonal rides.
🗺️ Recommended Read: Christmas in York: A Festive City Guide
Recommended Tours from GetYourGuide
Powered by GetYourGuide
Bluebell Railway: SteamLights (Sussex) 🌈
A heritage heavyweight with a gorgeous lightshow overlay. SteamLights blends narration, colour and classic steam so it feels both nostalgic and fresh. The stations are decorated, the lineside scenes pop into view, and there are sing-along moments if you fancy.
2025 dates run on selected evenings through November and December, with adult seats typically £35–£38.50 depending on date. Private compartments for groups usually land in the £210–£270 bracket.
- Departure: Sheffield Park
- Expect: illuminated scenes, warm atmosphere, fab station photos
📍 Official Website: Bluebell SteamLights
Bluebell Railway: Santa Specials (Sussex) 🎁
Bluebell’s Santa Specials lean into classic festive rail done properly. You travel from Sheffield Park with carols, decorations and a warm meet with the big man. It feels traditional in the best way, with plenty of heritage flavour and just the right level of bustle.
For 2025, services run 29–30 November and 6–7, 13–14, 20–24 December. Compartments start from £210 and there are several trains per day.
- Whole experience: around two hours
- Accessibility: check your chosen coach when booking
📍 Official Website: Bluebell Santa Specials
👉 Good to know: For dramatic steam-and-lights shots at stations, book nearer the front of the train.
🔹 Tinker’s Tip: Compartments work brilliantly for grandparents plus little ones, with space for bags and quiet moments.
East Lancashire Railway: Santa Specials (Bury) 🎄
One of the North’s biggest festive operations, built for proper family days out. Platforms buzz, volunteers keep things moving, and the whole station area feels like an event. Extras vary by date, and early-season weekends tend to be better value and less intense.
In 2025, adult prices range from £23 in late November up to £41.50 on Christmas Eve, with matching child fares and options for an adult plus under-3 on knee. Dates run across late November and most of December.
- Location: Bury Bolton Street
- Style: fun, busy, very Christmassy
📍 Official Website: Santa Specials on the East Lancs Railway
🔹 Pro Tip: Go earlier in the season for better availability, easier parking and lower prices.
Our Google Maps Legend
Save time pinning everything! Get lifetime access to our endless hours of research and time spent on the ground finding the best places to eat, drink, relax and explore in the area. You simply open the Google Map on your device and all our pins are at the touch of your fingertips.
Epping Ongar Railway: Lights Express (Essex) 🎶
London’s heritage line brings the party lights. The train is covered in LEDs inside and out, there is an interactive wristband, and the playlist is built for singing along. It is high-energy and feels like a rolling festive disco through the Essex countryside.
In 2025 it runs selected dates from 15 November to 4 January, with tickets from £25 per adult and £20 per child. Private compartments start around £150 for small groups.
- Journey length: 60–90 minutes
- Best seats: near a door for quick platform photos
📍 Official Website: Epping Lights Express
👉 Good to know: Lights Express is a show, not a Santa meet. If you want Father Christmas here, pick the dedicated Santa trains instead.
North Yorkshire Moors Railway: Santa Express (Pickering) 🚂
Classic heritage rail with a warm theatrical sprinkle. You depart from Pickering, roll into moorland scenery, and meet Santa on board with elves keeping the pace. It feels traditional without being sleepy, and there is enough theatre to make kids feel part of the story.
2025 dates are 29–30 November and 6–7, 13–14, 20–24 December. Tickets start from £29.50 per person, with seating plans that make family groups straightforward.
- Starting point: Pickering
- Accessibility: dedicated wheelchair spaces on each service
📍 Official Website: Epping Lights Express
💡 Fact: NYMR also runs post-Christmas winter excursions between 27 December and early January, perfect for a steam fix after the big day.
Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway: Santa Express (Cotswolds) 🧣
A charming Cotswold run from Cheltenham Racecourse, with crisp countryside, friendly volunteers and a gentle timetable. It is a neat choice for multi-generational groups who prefer a classic Santa hello to a full performance. The line looks beautiful in soft winter light, and the on-board team are lovely with shy children.
2025 dates include 22–23 and 29–30 November, plus 6–7, 13–14 and 20–23 December. Prices vary slightly by date, typically around £28.50–£29.95 per person.
- Timing: multiple departures each event day
- Family feel: smaller crowds than the biggest railways
📍 Official Website: Santa Express Cotswolds
West Somerset Railway: Santa Express (Somerset) 🌊
A relaxed coastal-meets-countryside ride with Santa, run by a much-loved heritage line. Expect gentle rhythms, friendly crews and a proper seaside-adjacent day out. It works well for younger families or anyone who likes lower-key crowds.
For 2025, tickets are advertised from £27.50 per person on selected December dates, with trains published as they open.
- Great for: multi-gen groups, pram-friendly platforms
- Bonus: seaside cafés for a post-ride treat
📍 Official Website: Santa Express Somerset
👉 Good to know: Weekend departures sell quickly, while weekday runs are easier on the nerves and often cheaper.
Nene Valley Railway: Santa Specials (Peterborough) 🎅
A strong East Anglia option with classic steam stock and an on-board Santa visit. The route is scenic in a soft, English way, with open farmland and winter trees. Platforms tend to feel cheerful rather than crowded, and car parking is manageable if you arrive early.
Dates span weekends and mid-December slots, with example pricing at £38 for a Saturday in mid-December 2025. Coach types vary, so check your seating layout when booking.
- Handy for: A1 corridor travellers
- Style: classic steam, strong family focus
📍 Official Website: Santa at the Railway
Polar Express UK: Caledonian Railway (Brechin) & Embsay & Bolton Abbey (North Yorkshire) 🔔
If your crew loves the film, this is the ticket. Actors recreate key scenes, hot chocolate and cookies arrive right on cue, and there is a bell moment that children carry home like treasure.
Caledonian Railway runs on 29–30 November and 6–7, 13–14, 20–21 December 2025, with tickets from £30.95 up to £55.95 plus a small fee. Embsay & Bolton Abbey runs through late November and December on selected dates, typically from £36.95 to £57.95 depending on date and class. Expect big smiles, pyjamas on the platform, and many photos.
- Length: around 60–90 minutes
- Audience: families who enjoy theatre, sing-alongs and a bit of glitter
📍 Official Website: Polar Express UK
Belmond British Pullman: Festive Lunch with Father Christmas (London Victoria) 🕯️
Not a children’s party train, more an elegant celebration with a Santa hello for younger guests. You step into art-deco carriages, sit down to a festive lunch and watch London slip away as lamps glow on crisp linen. It is a splurge that suits big birthdays or a once-in-a-lifetime December treat.
Dates run on selected days in late November and December 2025. Prices vary by itinerary; recent festive lunches have sat around £485 per person.
- Dress code: smart festive fits beautifully
- Audience: couples, friends, multi-gen families marking a special date
📍 Official Website: Belmond Festive
What to know How to Plan or Save for a Trip? Here are our best:
Now, over to you…
Been on one of these already, or got your eye on a new route this year? Share your tips, best seats and surprise moments in the comments so other families can plan with confidence. If you want help building a festive weekend around your pick, I’ve got itineraries and city break ideas ready to go on TheTravelTinker.com. Christmas train rides in the UK are simple, joyful and easy to build a day around. 🎅🏼🚂
Note on accuracy: Dates and prices are correct for 2025 at time of writing, but always confirm your exact fare and running date when you book.👇🗣️
Adventure on,
The Travel Tinker Crew 🌍✨
Simliar Articles:
- A Global Christmas: How the World Celebrates the Holiday Season
- Christmas Markets and Festive Light Shows: European Winter City Breaks
- 8 Best Places to Travel at Christmas: Festive Escapes
Recommended Websites and Resources:
FAQs
What are the most popular Christmas train rides for 2025?
Dartmouth’s Train of Lights, Watercress Line Steam Illuminations, Bluebell SteamLights and Santa Specials, East Lancashire Santa Specials, NYMR Santa Express, and the Polar Express rides in Brechin and at Embsay & Bolton Abbey.
How far in advance should I book?
As soon as you can. Many railways open in late summer and the prime weekend and Christmas Eve departures vanish first. Early-season dates are cheaper and calmer.
Do all rides include meeting Santa?
No. Lights shows like Steam Illuminations and some SteamLights dates are performances without Santa. If a meet is important, choose a Santa Special or a Polar Express-style event.
Are these trains suitable for prams and wheelchairs?
Provision varies by line and coach. Many services offer accessible carriages and dedicated spaces, but you need to book those slots in advance.
What is the best value option?
Late-November Santa Specials usually offer the lowest fares. East Lancashire’s earlier dates and West Somerset’s from-£20.50 tickets are strong value, and family compartments can be cost-effective for bigger groups.
Travel Planning Resources
Ready to book your next trip? These trusted resources have been personally vetted to ensure a smooth travel experience.
Book Your Flights: Kick off your travel planning by finding the best flight deals on Trip.com. Our years of experience with them confirm they offer the most competitive prices.
Book Your Hotel: For the best hotel rates, use Booking.com . For the best and safest hostels, HostelWorld.com is your go-to resource. Best for overall Hotel ratings and bargains, use TripAdvisor.com!
Find Apartment Rentals: For affordable apartment rentals, check out VRBO. They consistently offer the best prices.
Car Rentals: For affordable car rentals, check out RentalCars.com. They offer the best cars, mostly brand new.
Travel Insurance: Never travel without insurance. Here are our top recommendations:
- EKTA for Travel Insurance for all areas!
- Use AirHelp for compensation claims against flight delays etc.
Book Your Activities: Discover walking tours, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more on Get Your Guide. They have a vast selection of activities to enhance your trip. There is also Tiqets.com for instant mobile tickets.
Book The Best Trains: Use Trainline to find the most affordable trains or Rail Europe for rail passes!
Travel E-SIMS: Airalo Worldwide! Use your mobile phone anywhere!
Need More Help Planning Your Trip? Visit our Resources Page to see all the companies we trust and use for our travels.
You May Also Like
Save this post (pin it)
Share this post
Note: This post contains affiliate links. When you make a purchase using one of these affiliate links, we get paid a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Author
Nick Harvey
Hi, I am Nick! Thank you for reading! I created The Travel Tinker as a resource designed to help you navigate the beauty of travel, allowing you to tinker your own travels! Let's explore!
Shop
Get Social
Entry Requirement Checker
Popular Posts
Join the Community
Shop Our Google Maps
Travel Itinerary Generator
Other Resources
Destinations
Get Your Free Travel Starter Kit!
Sign up with your email to receive step-by-step planning checklists, free guides, and a wealth of money-saving tips to help you plan your trip like an expert!
