Christmas Night Train
Visitors ride the Rhododendron Line Steam Railway on an illuminated journey through the woodland gardens after dark, gliding past twinkling lights and festive displays. Each departure includes a personal send-off from Father Christmas. Festive food and drink are also available throughout the evening.
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Plan Your Visit
Website / Tickets
When
Tickets
£21 per person, or £19 for Friends of Exbury members. The ticket includes admission to the railway via the gardens, which are not otherwise open. Meet Father Christmas in the Evening tickets are separate and not included.
Hours
Entry from 4.45pm; train departures at 5.15pm, 6pm, 6.45pm and 7.30pm.
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
New Forest
Food & Drink
Festive food and drink will be on offer each night.
Accessibility
The train experience features some flashing lights.
Going?
Location
Tips & Advice
- Choose from the four scheduled departures—5.15pm, 6pm, 6.45pm or 7.30pm—and allow time to enter from 4.45pm.
- If you are a Friend of Exbury, select the £19 member ticket rather than the £21 standard ticket.
- Expect some flashing lights during the ride, and consider this before booking if anyone in your party is sensitive to them.
- Do not plan to explore the gardens separately: ticket admission is via the gardens to the railway, and the gardens are otherwise closed.
- Book the separate Meet Father Christmas in the Evening experience if you want to participate; it is not included with train tickets.
Special Events & Promotions
- Friends of Exbury members receive a ticket discount.
- The train runs on the evenings of 30 November to 4 December.
- Father Christmas gives a personal send-off at each departure.
- Meet Father Christmas in the Evening, including a festive gift for each child, is sold separately and is not included in the train ticket.
Links & Contact
Run by Exbury Gardens Ltd.
Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide, not the organizer of this event. For tickets, entries, vendor spots or questions, contact the organizer directly through their contact page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the Christmas Night Train suitable for?
It is promoted for families and railway enthusiasts, with no age restriction stated.
How long is the train journey?
The journey takes approximately 30 minutes.
What happens during the ride?
The illuminated steam train travels through the woodland gardens past festive lights and displays, and Father Christmas gives each departure a personal send-off.
Is food and drink available?
Festive food and drink is available each night.
Does the ticket include a visit with Father Christmas?
No. Meet Father Christmas in the Evening requires a separate ticket and is not included with the train ticket.
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Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.