Norfolk Lights Express

“Around the World”

Sat 14 Nov 2026 – Sun 3 Jan 2027

Advance Booking Essential

  • A magical after-dark journey “Around the World”

  • See the lineside lit up by the constantly changing lights from your illuminated train
  • Historic train illuminated by thousands of tiny lights
  • Bar car included in the train

  • On board narration and soundtrack

  • Please note dogs, aside from assistance dogs, are not permitted on this service

Book Now – TICKETS FROM £21.25 PP

What is the Norfolk Lights Express?

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 and you discover lit up displays throughout the journey, accompanied by on-board narration and music.

For 2026 a party soundtrack will run on the return journey for trains between 14 – 29 Nov and 29 Dec – 3 Jan, with trains between 3 – 28 Dec enjoying a festive celebration on the return journey.

This year, our Norfolk Lights Express will take a magical trip “Around the World” with stunning illuminated displays showcasing 8 different global celebrations including the Netherlands’ famous Tulip Festival, the international festival of Diwali… and of course Christmas!

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.

Please note that the theme for the year will also be brought to life by the on-board narration and music – these are played over a PA system and are integral to the show. Should any of your party wish to be able to control the volume of these we would advise booking one of our private compartments, as each of these has adjustable volume control. 

Seasonal Refreshments

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.

Train Dates & Availability

The Norfolk Lights Express will be operate on the days shown opposite.

Please check our Booking System to see the live ticket availability of each train.

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.

First Class Compartment – Spacious seating for up to six passengers in a private compartment, starting at £28.30 pp.

Private Compartment for up to Eight – a cosy compartment for up to eight passengers, starting at £21.25 pp. These are the best value tickets if you fill the compartment, or an exclusive treat for smaller groups to enjoy the show in comfort.

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). Starting at £24.75 pp.

First Class Tables – Generous seating around tables of two or four for your exclusive use, starting at £27.50 pp.

Standard Class  – Seats are set out in blocks of four, starting from £24.00 pp. Please note that if your party does not fill the table it is very likely that you will be seated with another group.

Accessible Compartment – trains include an accessible compartment that can accommodate up to two wheelchair users and four other passengers. Please call our Enquiries Team to reserve space on 01263 820800.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Each service will have an accessible compartment for a wheelchair-user and their party – please call our booking team on 01263 820800 to book and reserve. Please note that space is limited and this will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.

Wheelchair users who are able to transfer out of their chair and walk a short distance can be accommodated in the standard saloons. Should you have any queries or require extra assistance please call the bookings team.

We advise that families with children under the age of 8 consider instead visiting us aboard one of our Santa Special Steam Trains, our festive event specifically designed for families.

This is due to the format and longevity of the Norfolk Lights Express; in order to fully enjoy the lighting effects, on board lighting will be switched off during both the outbound and return journeys. For safety reasons visitors are also required to remain in their seats whilst the train is moving.

We kindly ask parents or guardians to also consider whether their children are able to enjoy a two-hour performance in this environment without disrupting other visitors.

Overall, the experience lasts for around an hour and 45 minutes from leaving Sheringham to arriving back. However the Old Luggage Office Buffet at Sheringham Station will be open before departure and you should also allow time to check in and find your seats, so we suggest arriving early!

Our bookings system updates availability in real time – if your chosen date and time is full, a message asking you to select a different train will be displayed.

Advance bookings close at 11.59pm – to see if you are able to book tickets for travel the same day, please call 01263 820800. Please check availability below before calling. Higher fares may apply to tickets booked on the day of travel.

Each passenger is allocated a specific seat so we are often not able to add to an existing booking. If you wish to add to your booking please call 01263 820800 – our booking team will then advise you whether this is possible.

It is not possible to add tickets on trains that are fully booked.

Seating in standard class carriages is arranged around tables that seat four; please note that if your party does not fill a whole table (or tables) it is likely that you will be seated with another party. A limited number of compartments seating up to six or eight are available on each train and there are tables of 2 or four in the Bar Car and First Class that can be booked when you order your tickets.

We will have a range of refreshments available at Sheringham for you to enjoy! There will also be a licenced bar on board each train which you can visit before departure and during the intermission.

Please note that the onboard bar will be closed whilst the train is moving as all interior lights are turned off for the duration of the show.

There are a limited number of toilets on board the train, but the inside of the train is dim so passengers can enjoy the illuminations.

Therefore, we recommend you use the toilets at the stations instead – there will be time to alight at Holt before the train starts the return journey.

No;  as trains are likely to be full and there are lighting effects dog tickets cannot be purchased for the Norfolk Lights Express.

Assistance dogs, are permitted – please telephone should you wish to book a group that includes an assistance dog.

The trains are warm (heated by spare steam from the engine!), dry and able to operate in almost all weather conditions.

Once booked, tickets are non-transferable and non-refundable. Ticket Protection Cover is available to provide additional peace of mind – this can be added to online orders at checkout if required.

Please see full details of our Terms and Conditions here.