Christmas Train of Lights
The multi award-winning Christmas experience and the UK's first ever steam train of lights! The Christmas Train of Lights is now the must-see event in the South West festive calendar and of course the 2023 show will capture the magic of our previous shows and will also have new displays and surprises.
Train of Lights services still have seats available.
Use the BOOK TICKETS section below to view and book all available dates and sessions.
From 24th November 2023 to 30th December 2023
As tickets continue to sell well, we are raring to go for Christmas 2023 when we plan to be even bigger and better! Don't forget, the show can only be viewed from the train as you travel the line from Paignton to Kingswear (and we have surprises up our sleeves for 2023!).
Your festive illuminated journey starts at Queen's Park Station, Paignton, where our train with vintage carriages await you - decorated with thousands of lights, both inside and out. Fifteen minutes later, once you've had time to settle back into your seat, you will arrive at Churston Station where the show begins. As the anticipation builds and minutes after leaving Churston, you will be propelled through the 450-metre Greenway tunnel that leads you to the enchanted forest which will be transformed by a multitude of lights with brand new feature displays - plus some old favourites! The stunning show ends as you leave the forest only to be greeted by the twinkling lights of Dartmouth reflected on the river Dart. After a turnaround at Kingswear and with the opportunity to disembark and take photographs from the platform, you will be on your way back to Paignton to experience the spectacle from a different direction.
Note: Santa does not visit if you book Train of Lights only. There is the separate option of booking Train of Lights+Santa
Starts from Paignton - View location
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This is a fully ticketed event with allocated seating so pre-booking is essential.
If you wish to travel with another party please inform us at the time of booking and we will do our utmost to accommodate you all together. We can offer a wheelchair specific carriage that means the whole family can sit together in comfort to enjoy this unique experience (please book a wheelchair space via the telephone or in person at our Paignton station only - online bookings not available). Sorry, only registered disability assistance dogs allowed.
Please ensure you arrive at our Paignton station at least 30 minutes before your Train of Lights departure time. The Head of Steam café will be open serving tea, coffee, hot chocolate and snacks. Toilets are available at the station and on the train. The experience lasts for c.80 minutes.
Tickets available for collection from mid-November onwards from Queen's Park Station, Paignton (only).
2023 Prices
| Adult (aged 16+) | £29.00* |
| Child (aged 3-15) | £20.00 |
| Family (2A, 2-3Ch) | £95.00 |
*There is no concession fare
Dates & Times
| November | 24th*, 25th*, 26th* & 30th* |
| December | 1st*, 2nd, 3rd*, 7th*, 8th*, 9th, 10th*, 12th*, 13th*, 14th*, 15th, 16th, 17th*, 18th, 19th, 20th, 21st, 22nd, 23rd, 27th, 28th*, 29th* & 30th |
Departure times : 16:45, 18:45 & 20:45
* No 20:45 service on these dates
important : please read all the essential information on this event before booking your tickets.
Book tickets for Christmas Train of Lights now - Buy Tickets
Reviews
- Nostalgic day out - Had a great day on the steam railway and paddleboat with my family. Fantastic views during the railway trip and equally excellent views, and commentary, during the river cruise. Well worth the cost, friendly and helpful staff.
- Excellent trip out - On recommendation from our hotel in Torquay we booked this and we were not disappointed. Steam train then ferry over to Dartmouth + a lovely river cruise for an hour included. We will visit again.
- So organised - So well organised. All had seat reservations and the coaches were extremely clean. The river cruise did not disappoint and without doubt one of the best commentaries I have ever heard. Without exception everyone enjoyed the day out, and thought it was the highlight of our holiday. A credit to all.