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 2025 show will capture the magic of our previous shows and will also feature new lineside displays and surprises that can only be viewed from the train on your journey.
Use the BOOK TICKETS section below to view and book all available dates and sessions.
NOTE: Train of Lights+Santa is a separate trip option : see link below to view information and to book.
From 28th November 2025 to 30th December 2025
We are all ready and raring to go for Christmas 2025 when, once again, 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 there will be some surprises for 2025...).
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).
2025 Prices
For a limited time only Train of Lights tickets are held at 2024 prices.
However, when they're gone, they're gone!
| Adult (aged 16+) | 2024 price : £29.95* |
| Child (aged 3-15) | 2024 price : £21.95 |
| Family (2A, 2-3Ch) | 2024 price : £100.00 |
*There is no concession fare
Note: The 2024 price offer applies to Train of Lights only i.e. does not apply to Train of Lights+Santa. See the dedicated page for Train of Lights+Santa prices.
Dates & Times
| November | 28th, 29th & 30th November |
| December | 4th, 5th, *6th, 7th, 11th, 12th, *13th, 14th, 15th, 16th, 17th, 18th, *19th, *20th, *21st, *22nd, *23rd, 27th, 28th, 29th & 30th |
Departure times : 17:00, 19:00 & *21:00
*21:00 service on the indicated dates only
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
- What a great trip! - A lovely time was had on this trip on the train itself and then river boat - we had the river trip on the paddler which was just perfect - a coal fired train and a coal fired boat! Enjoy.
- Agatha Christie country - The ride on the train is beautiful right along the coast & Dart valley. You can also take your well behaved dog. I would highly recommend this excursion, we go every time that we are in Devon, it is not to be missed.
- At last! - Went by steam train and ferry to Dartmouth on the last day of our holiday. Beautiful. Lovely journey on the steam train and the ferry was also a very pleasant trip. Spent a couple of hours in Dartmouth before repeating the journey. So glad I have managed to do it at last!