Riding Into Christmas: Best Festive Train Journeys From London (2025 Guide)
There’s something about a train at Christmas: the click of the rails, the cosy hush as dusk falls, the soft glow of fairy lights reflecting on a frosted window. In and around London, winter brings a lovely cluster of festive train experiences everything from theatrical Polar Express rides to heritage steam Santa specials and luxury festive lunches. If you want to make December feel like a storybook, these are the rides to consider.
Below I’ve rounded up the confirmed, most-reliable Christmas train experiences for 2025, plus where they run from, how to get there from central London, and tips to make your trip truly magical.
1. THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride London (Euston)
If you’re chasing movie-magic, the officially licensed Polar Express™ Train Ride is the headline act. It recreates the film’s atmosphere: pyjamas for kids (if you like), hot chocolate, storytelling and a visit from Santa himself. The London edition is scheduled to run from Euston Station in 2025 and has its own ticketing pages and FAQs.
How to get there: Euston is simple to reach take the Northern or Victoria Tube lines to Euston, or mainline trains to Euston station. Arrive at least 30–45 minutes before departure to soak up the station decorations and avoid queues.
Tip: This is a very popular family experience; book early and double-check seating/age guidance on the official site.
2. Santa Steam Express Departing London Victoria
For nostalgia and theatre on rails, Santa Steam Express (operated by heritage organisers like Steam Dreams) runs festive steam-hauled circular journeys from London Victoria. These are typically 75–90 minute experiences with onboard entertainment, mince pies, and a Santa visit. Dates in 2025 include specific December departures check the operator’s calendar for exact days.
How to get there: Victoria Station is served by the Victoria and District/Circle Tube lines and numerous National Rail services. Aim to arrive early to enjoy pre-boarding festivities.
Tip: Wear warm layers some heritage carriages feel colder than modern trains, and a brisk walk on the platform is part of the charm.
3. Epping Ongar Railway Lights Express & Santa Specials
If you want a short, local festive adventure where the decorations are part of the route, Epping Ongar Railway runs a Lights Express and Santa Specials on selected dates across November–January. The Lights Express is an immersive, illuminated ride (LED wristbands, light shows, and music), while Santa Specials combine a simple train journey with a visit from Father Christmas.
How to get there: From central London, take the Central Line to Epping (Zone 6) and then a short taxi or local bus to the heritage line’s stations (or check the railway’s park & ride / event guidance). The organisers provide travel notes on their event pages.
Tip: These rides are great for younger children shorter, theatrical, and often priced more accessibly than the big-ticket experiences.
4. Audley End Christmas Special (Essex)
For a woodland, storybook feel, the Audley End Christmas Special (miniature railway and festive trail) runs seasonal journeys and family activities in late November through December. It’s a lovely option if you want a countryside escape that still feels short and sweet.
How to get there: Travel from London Liverpool Street (Greater Anglia services) to Audley End station roughly a 1-hour direct train then short local transfer/walk to the event site (check the venue’s “how to find us” notes).
Tip: Combine the train experience with a walk around the nearby stately home grounds if they’re open the rural setting makes the lights feel even more magical.
5. Belmond British Pullman Luxury Christmas Journeys (from London Victoria)
If you’re after a glamorous Christmas experience, Belmond British Pullman runs luxury festive lunches and themed Christmas journeys from London Victoria. Expect vintage carriages, five-course menus, and a sophisticated atmosphere perfect for a special occasion or a luxe day out. Dates and menus for 2025 are published on Belmond’s site.
How to get there: Board at London Victoria (Tube: Victoria line; rail services also available). Belmond provides detailed boarding instructions when you book.
Tip: These sell out and are a splurge but if you want a truly polished Christmas memory (food + train + service), this is the one to pick.
6. Regional Santa Specials & Heritage Lines (Bluebell, Kent & East Sussex, etc.)
Across the southern counties and within easy reach of London, several heritage lines run charming Santa Specials. The Bluebell Railway (Sussex), Kent & East Sussex Railway, and other preserved lines advertise family-friendly trains with gifts, music, and festive station villages. These are dependable, traditional, and often better value for a family day out than the biggest commercial experiences.
How to get there: Many are reached by taking a mainline train from London to a nearby town (for example, Southern services toward Lewes for Bluebell) then a short taxi or heritage shuttle. Always check each railway’s “plan your journey” guidance for the best public-transport routes.
Tip: These smaller lines often include extra winter attractions at the station (crafts, fairground rides) and allow you to combine a short rail journey with a market or village visit.
How to Choose the Right Christmas Train for You
Families with small children: short Santa Specials (Epping Ongar, Bluebell, Kent & East Sussex) are perfect.
Movie & theatre lovers: the Polar Express™ ride is immersive and theatrical.
Romance or celebration: choose Belmond British Pullman luxury lunches for a glamorous day.
Nostalgia seekers: steam-hauled Santa Steam Express trips from Victoria deliver authentic vintage vibes.
Always check exact departure stations, dates and accessibility details on the operator pages before you buy. Train-themed events often sell out quickly and occasionally change dates or departure points, so verify the listing before you plan travel.
Practical Tips & a Sample “Christmas Train Day” Itinerary
Practical tips: arrive 30–45 minutes early, bring layers (heritage carriages can be cool), book train + local travel together if you can, and print or screenshot tickets (some venues have limited mobile signal).
Sample day (Santa Steam Express from Victoria):
Morning: brunch near Victoria (there are many family cafés).
Afternoon: board the steam-express (arrive early, enjoy platform atmosphere).
Mid-ride: singalongs, mince pies, meet Santa.
After: stroll a nearby winter market or return into central London for lights on the South Bank.
Final Thoughts
Christmas train rides are one of those rare experiences that mix motion with memory you return with faces glowing, pockets full of little gifts, and a box of photos that somehow smell faintly of Christmas. Whether you pick the theatrical Polar Express, a small heritage Santa special, or a luxe Pullman feast, you’ll step off the platform with that feeling you only get at this time of year.
If you’re planning now: book early, check the operator pages for 2025 dates and travel advice, and choose the vibe you want theatrical, nostalgic, rural, or luxurious. Below are the official pages I used when checking details so you can verify times and tickets:
Polar Express Train Ride London official event page.
Steam Dreams / Santa Steam Express departures from Victoria.
Epping Ongar Railway Lights Express & Santa Specials.
Audley End Christmas Special (Miniature Railway).
Belmond British Pullman festive journeys.
Bluebell Railway Santa Specials and other heritage lines.
Want more London holiday tips?
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See you on the platform and happy festive travels.