The Christmas Train of Lights
Passengers board vintage train carriages decorated inside and out with thousands of twinkling lights for a return journey from Paignton to Kingswear. The trip travels past coastal scenery and through the 450-metre Greenway tunnel into an illuminated enchanted forest filled with colourful displays, animals, and elves. At Kingswear, guests can step onto the platform to photograph the lit-up train and view Dartmouth's twinkling lights across the River Dart.
See more Christmas lights near Paignton
Plan Your Visit
Website / Tickets
When
Tickets
Adult (aged 16+) £31.50; Child (aged 3-15) £24.00; Family (2A, 2-3Ch) £105.00. There is no concession fare.
Ages
All ages
Food & Drink
Refreshments are available to purchase at The Head of Steam café at Paignton station before boarding or from the onboard trolley.
Accessibility
A dedicated wheelchair-accessible carriage is available but must be booked in advance by phone or in person.
Pets
Only registered disability assistance dogs are allowed.
Going?
Location
Tips & Advice
- Book early, as selected departures are ticketed and the event has sold out quickly in previous years.
- Choose your departure time when booking, then reach Paignton station at least 30 minutes early before boarding.
- Reserve wheelchair space in advance by telephone or in person at Paignton station; online wheelchair-space bookings are unavailable.
- Expect allocated seats in every carriage; tell staff when booking if you want them to try to seat your group together.
- Buy refreshments at The Head of Steam café before boarding or use the onboard trolley during the journey.
Special Events & Promotions
- Early booking is advised because tickets are expected to sell out.
- An additional late-night departure runs on December 12 and December 18–23.
- The 2026 show has new lineside displays and surprises.
Links & Contact
Run by Dartmouth Steam Railway and River Boat Company
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 train ride suitable for?
The experience is described as suitable for visitors of all ages.
Should I book ahead?
Yes. Advance booking is essential, and tickets are expected to sell out. Tickets are for a selected departure and seating is allocated.
What can passengers see during the journey?
The lit vintage carriages travel along the coast and through the Greenway tunnel into an illuminated forest with displays, animals and elves. At Kingswear, passengers can briefly step onto the platform to take photos.
Can I buy refreshments?
Refreshments are available at The Head of Steam café at Paignton station before boarding and from the onboard trolley.
Is there an accessible carriage, and are pets allowed?
There is a dedicated carriage for wheelchair users, which must be booked in advance. Only registered disability assistance dogs are allowed.
Browse Christmas in Paignton
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.