Look, I’m well aware that trains and stations aren’t particularly famed for being the most pleasant places to be on the days surrounding Christmas (*shudders at the sheer thought of the Christmas Eve Euston rush*). But there are certainly a few exceptions. One of which comes in the form of a vintage steam train that’s been decked out with thousands of twinkling lights, and is festively ferrying passengers through the countryside this Christmas.
The jolly journey in question takes place on the Watercress Line; a picture-perfect heritage railway that offers serenely scenic train journeys through the jaw-droppingly gorgeous Hampshire countryside. And for the season to be jolly, they’ve well and truly stepped chugged into Christmas.
Steam Illuminations on the Watercress Line
Passengers can step aboard the lit-up locomotive at either Alton or Alresford station and embark on an enchanting adventure of light and sound. The train itself has been transformed into a wintery wonderland, serving up Christmas cheer by the carriage-load. With showstopping light displays, thousands of LED lights (inside and out), and a whole host of immersive entertainment on board; Steam Illuminations offers an unforgettable Christmas experience for passengers of all ages.
Passengers can expect live entertainment, seasonal sing-a-longs, interactive games, and festive fun and magical moments at every turn. The iconic ‘Voiceover Man’ from Britain’s Got Talent and the X-Factor will be your host, guiding you through the journey with warmth and wit. And at the peak of the journey, passengers can expect to be utterly mesmerised by the ‘Snow Light Cascade’.
Visitors can hop aboard until December 28 for festive fun and frolics. And then between December 29 and January 4, passengers can embark on the ‘pop anthems’ journey. What a way to kick off the new year, hey? There aren’t a great deal of tickets left, so we’d recommend you going full steam ahead if you want to snap up some of the last of the season.
Find out more and book your festive train ride here.