Stay up to date with everything happening in London for Christmas 2025.
London's not short of light festivals and illumination shows each winter, but there's one that always gets our attention — a steam train covered in twinkling fairy lights.
Epping Ongar Lights Express (previously called Light Fantastic) is just that — an illuminated train ride through woodland on the London-Essex border.
Watch the the illuminated carriages — hauled by a steam locomotive — pull into Ongar station, and snap a few pictures before climbing aboard. Passengers receive individual LED wristbands to ensure they become a part of the festivities. As the train pulls out of the station and wends through the countryside, you can peer out of the window for illuminated line-side displays designed specially for Lights Express passengers, and visible only from the train.
Music and an onboard commentary (from none other than "Voiceover Man", as heard on Britain's Got Talent and The X Factor) accompany the sights, the experience lasting about an hour, and returning you back to Ongar station.
Until 27 December, you can expect to hear a mix of Christmas hits as you travel; after this, the soundtrack switches to hits from the '90s to the present day.
Basically, it's the closest you'll ever get to riding the Polar Express. Look:
Alternatively, book your family onto one of the daytime Santa Specials (29 November-24 December 2025). You won't see the lights, but you will get to ride a vintage London bus, browse a festive market and hop onto Santa's fantastically festive Special Train, where the man himself will visit you at your seat.
Epping Ongar Lights Express takes place on selected dates, 15 November 2025-4 January 2026 departing from Ongar station. Tickets start at £25 per adult/£20 per child, with private compartments available from £150.
