The Northern Lights Express – Christmas at North Yorkshire Moors Railway

There is a new Christmas experience on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway – The Northern Lights!  NYMR have long run Santa Specials (and still do) but this is a service aimed at adults and older children.  The steam train is magnificently lit on both sides and even the top with multicoloured lights. 

The Northern Lights NYMR at Christmas

It’s a real feast for the eyes when it rolls into the station at Pickering (and must be fabulous to see going by – a lovely trip out in itself!).  Have a look at the video we made.

The Northern Lights Express – Christmas at North Yorkshire Moors Railway

The station at Pickering is also beautifully decorated with Christmas trees and Christmas lights over the bridges.  It’s a real festive treat and it was with a sense of excitement that we boarded the train.  Inside the carriage we were in were tables of four, which was perfect for us.  The luggage rack was decorated with tinsel and multicoloured fairy lights too.  

The Northern Lights NYMR at Christmas

Our journey was accompanied by festive music and from the bottom of the train bright lights shone out lighting up the passing countryside.  The lights cleverly pulsed in time with the music, speeding up or slowing down depending on the tempo of the music.  Every now and then there were surprises in the woodland of brightly lit reindeer or mischievous elves. 

The Northern Lights NYMR at Christmas

There is an on board refreshments cart where you can buy hot and cold drinks as well as snacks.  I think it would be nice to bring a train picnic on board and perhaps some lap blankets to keep you nice and snug (the night we travelled was very cold and I think blankets would add an element of cosy fun too!).

The Northern Lights NYMR at Christmas

At Levisham station you will be treated to a lights show before heading back through the woodland to Pickering.  My recommendation is to wait a little on the station after the crowds have departed then you can get the best photos!

The Northern Lights NYMR at Christmas

We attended the press event for The Northern Lights at NYMR, as always, all opinions are my own.

Do have a look at our post about all the best Christmas events in Yorkshire.

 

 

2 thoughts on “The Northern Lights Express – Christmas at North Yorkshire Moors Railway”

  1. We would like to book in for the Santa specials at Pickett fir 2 x Adult & 2 children – one being Autistic & we think he will love it!! All places have gone on other railways so we’re hoping you have seats please??

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