- Train Rides
- All Ages
Lights Party Express at the Epping Ongar Railway
Epping Ongar Railway · Ongar, Essex · 14th November 2026 to 2nd January 2027
About this event
The Lights Party Express is an evening party train from Ongar Station on the Epping Ongar Railway. It runs on selected Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings from November 2026 to 2 January 2027, plus every evening from 27 to 31 December. You cannot board at North Weald, because the train does not stop there.
On board there are thousands of lights, LED lightshows and DJ soundtracks. Each passenger gets a free illuminated wristband that joins in with the show, and song sheets so everyone can sing along. The host is the Voiceover Man from Britain's Got Talent and The X Factor, who runs comedy and an on board game between passengers.
There are three themes for 2026. Christmas Gold, with carols and festive sing-alongs, runs on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings from 28 November to 23 December and is pitched at families of all ages. Party Anthems, with pop sing-alongs, leaves at 16:45 and 18:15 on 15 and 22 November and runs again after Christmas. Groove Train, 1980s pop and disco at 18:15 and 19:45, is aimed at grown ups and mature teenagers.
Santa does not appear on these trains; he is on the railway's separate Santa Special trains. Standard seats are unallocated around tables of four, and you may share a table. The show uses flashing lights, which may not suit people with certain medical conditions.
Light up wristbands for every passenger
Each passenger gets a free illuminated wristband that joins in with the LED lightshow, plus song sheets for the sing-along. The Voiceover Man from Britain's Got Talent and The X Factor hosts, with an on board game.
Three musical themes to choose from
Christmas Gold is carols and festive songs for all ages, Party Anthems is pop sing-alongs for slightly older families, and Groove Train is 1980s pop and disco for grown ups and mature teenagers. Pick the one that fits.
Book a compartment for 6 or 8
Standard seats at £25 for adults and £22 for children are unallocated tables of four. An exclusive compartment costs £160 for up to 6 or £215 for up to 8, and booking before 14 November with AUTUMN saves 20 per cent.
Plan your visit
Dates and times
14th November 2026 to 2nd January 2027
Selected Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings, November 2026 to 2 January 2027
Groove Train: 18:15 and 19:45 on 14, 21 and 27 November; 19:45 from 27 December to 2 January
Party Anthems: 16:45 and 18:15 on 15 and 22 November; also 27 December to 2 January
Christmas Gold: Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings, 28 November to 23 December
Earlier departures on 31 December, times not publishedAges
All Ages
Parking
There is limited parking at our stations. If you do prefer to drive to us then we recommend that you park at Epping station and use the heritage bus connection which is included in your great value fare.
For those visiting from London, places further afield and towns to the east of the railway, the quickest and easiest method is to come via London Underground Central Line to Epping (Zone 6), then join our inclusive heritage bus service.
Getting there
For full details on how to get to Epping Ongar Railway and make the most of your visit, please visit: www.eorailway.co.uk/visit/getting-to-us/
VIP Pass
Members save at selected Christmas days out
Frequently Asked Questions
Most asked questions relating to Christmas.
From Santa's grottos and magical light trails to winter farm parks, theme park celebrations and immersive festive experiences, the UK has plenty of Christmas days out for all ages. Our Christmas Events hub highlights the most popular and top-rated options to help you choose the perfect adventure.
