The Watercress Line in Hampshire is inviting visitors to light up their Christmas on its colourful Steam Illuminations train, which features in its festive programme.

The standard-gauge heritage line is also offering onboard dining on the Festive Countryman, and a Festive Afternoon Tea. Its popular Father Christmas Express is already fully booked.

Steam Illuminations will run from Friday 28 November until Sunday 28 December with Christmas Vibes, and then with the Pop Anthems Party Train from Monday 29 December until Sunday 4 January 2026.

To create Steam Illuminations, the Watercress Line will transform its trains into what it calls “a dazzling spectacle of colour, music, and festive cheer”. It will include immersive entertainment, enhanced light displays, and onboard fun with ‘Voiceover Man’.

The trains will be decorated inside and outside with thousands of synchronised LED lights, which will create a dynamic show that continually changes and surrounds passengers with colour and rhythm. Participants will receive a complimentary onboard LED wristband.

The illuminated train will make its way through the Hampshire countryside as live onboard entertainers get people in the festive mood.

Outside the train, passengers will be able to see the Snow Cascade and Talking and Singing Christmas Trees, which the railway first introduced last Christmas. The Steam Illuminations event has been running since Christmas 2020.

The Line is also offering the Festive Countryman’s lunch in a first-class dining carriage on Thursday 27 November, and on Wednesdays 3 and 10 December. The menu includes roast turkey and Christmas pudding, and other options will be available. The three-course meal will end with coffee or tea, with mints and a mince pie.

On the same dates, the Line’s Festive Afternoon Tea will be served to guests in heritage carriages being hauled along the scenic South Downs. A selection of savoury and sweet treats are included in the menu, along with drinks and a complimentary glass of Christmas Punch on arrival.

More information and tickets are available from the Watercress Line’s website.

“Christmas is a truly special time at The Watercress Line, and this year we’re thrilled to offer our much-loved festive experiences to make marvellous memories for all the family.

“Whether you’re joining us for the magical Father Christmas Express, stepping on-board the dazzling Steam Illuminations, or treating yourself to a Festive Countryman Lunch or Afternoon Tea, we can’t wait to welcome our visitors this Christmas.”

Rebecca Dalley, CEO of The Watercress Line