The Norfolk Lights Express is an immersive, wintertime experience that is fun for the whole family! Arrive after dark at Sheringham Station and you’ll be greeted by the magical sight of a steam-hauled train illuminated by thousands of tiny lights.

As your train steams from Sheringham to Holt and back, you will literally see the countryside in a whole new light as the on-board lights shine on to the scenery in a series of changing colours. The theme for the year will also be brought to life by the on-board narration and music. During the 5½ mile journey to Holt you’ll pass around 10 colourful light installations on the lineside or dramatically set in the woods adjoining the track, which combine to tell the story of the railway’s 50 years of progress since the line was reopened by pioneering volunteers in 1975.

Your journey will break with an intermission at Holt, giving you the option to hop off and take photographs with the train or to visit the onboard bar. The return journey provides another opportunity to enjoy the lineside displays with the on-board soundtrack complete with some seasonal music adding to the spectacle.

The Old Luggage Office buffet at Sheringham will be open for you to purchase hot festive baps, hot drinks, alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, delicious homemade cakes and savoury refreshments. A licensed bar will also be on board each train and can be visited before departure and during the intermission.

Fares are dependent on the date and time of your show and the type of seating you select:

First Class Compartment – seating for up to six passengers in a private compartment

Private Compartment for up to Eight – a cosy compartment for up to eight passengers. These are the best value tickets if you fill the compartment, or an exclusive treat for smaller groups to enjoy the show in comfort

First Class Tables – Generous seating around tables of two or four for your exclusive use

Bar Car (Adults Only) – Comfortable seating in the bar car at tables of two or four for your exclusive use (the bar is open to all passengers before departure and during the intermission)

Standard Class  – Seats are set out in blocks of four; please note that if your party does not fill the table it is very likely that you will be seated with another group.

Under 3s travel free of charge on this service providing they do not occupy a seat – the safest place for little ones is for them to sit on the lap of one of their parents. Our Santa Special Steam Trains are recommended for families with young children. As there are only limited seats on each train, we are not able to offer discounts or concessions on Norfolk Lights Express trains.

Please check our Booking System to see the live ticket availability of each train. Should you wish to add to your booking please call 01263 820800. Please note that as each passenger is allocated a specific seat it is not always possible to add to an existing booking.

Accessible Compartment – trains include an accessible compartment that can accommodate up to two wheelchair users and four other passengers – please call the bookings team to reserve space – 01263 820800

* based on a compartment for eight for an off-peak show. Fares range from £20 to £44.50 per person, depending on date and ticket type.

Frequently Asked Questions