Halloween might be just around the corner, but many parts of the UK are already gearing up for Christmas. And if you’re a train fan, this year’s festive season is turning out to be a real treat. Following the news a couple of weeks ago that the Santa Steam Express is returning for Christmas 2023, now it’s been announced that another fave Crimbo train is coming back. The Epping Ongar Lights Express – also known as Epping’s answer to the Polar Express – will return for the 2023 festive season.
For those not already familiar with the Epping Ongar Lights Express, here’s the pitch. Punters get to chug along through Epping Forest on an epic steam train glammed up in LED lights. Festive music plays in the background, as well as cheeky, humorous onboard commentary. Each passenger gets an LED wristband that is synchronised to the music – it’s all a lot of fun.
The journey takes about an hour and, starting on the weekend of November 25/26 and running all the way up to Christmas Eve, the services will run as Santa Special Trains. All children on these services receive a special gift from Santa himself.
Sounds brill, eh? Here are a few more pics of the Epping Ongar Lights Express, in all its LED-blazing glory.
The Epping Ongar Lights Express starts from Nov 17, with the Santa Special Trains running from Nov 25. You can buy tickets and find out more on the official website here.
Sleighing with Time Out
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