Unless you’re lucky enough to commute on the DLR (the best train in London, obviously), you might not find much to romanticise about trains in London. But a charming Christmassy steam train is chugging its way back into our hearts this winter, bringing with it a joyful train-ride experience. The Epping Ongar Lights Express has returned for 2025and it’s just as colourful, cheerful, and magical as ever before.
It’s London’s most colourful steam train journey, with the train and the passing scenery full of lit-up delights. Journeys take place all the way through to January 4, 2026and this special steam train journey is sure to be a hit for the whole family. (Yes, even your eye-rolling teenagers won’t be able to resist enjoying themselves!)
Riding the Epping Ongar Lights Express
Running between (you guessed it) Epping and Ongar, this festive train experience takes passengers on a delightful interactive journey. As you travel, you’ll pass by stunning neon coloured installations. And that’s without even mentioning that the train itself is done up with more Christmas lights than Covent Garden!
Each passenger gets a special LED wristband, which is synced up to the music and the light displays outside. That means that everyone on board becomes part of the show. It makes for a “kaleidoscope of different colours and flashing patterns…. inside and out!”
Image: @eorailway, via IG
You might hear a familiar voice as you travel on the Epping Ongar Light Express. It’s none other than “Voiceover Man” (from Britain’s Got Talent and X-Factor), on hand to guide you along your journey. And he’s also got a rollicking playlist of Christmas hits for you to enjoy during your journey.
Missed out on tickets for this year, or can’t make it to any of the available journeys? They’re already selling tickets for the Epping Ongar Lights Express’s return in winter of 2026. And they’re holding them at 2025 prices until February of 2026! So whether you missed out or are simply planning ahead for next year, you can take advantage of the deal. Grab a ticket for 2026 here.
📍 The Epping Ongar Lights Express service runs to and from Ongar station. Find it at Station Approach, Chipping Ongar, Ongar, CM5 9BN.
🎟️ Find out more about the Epping Ongar Lights Express and grab your tickets here.
