7 Christmas trains you can ride in Norfolk in 2024

All aboard The Polar Express (Image: MNR)

1. The Polar Express Train Ride

Where: Mid-Norfolk Railway, Station Road, Dereham, NR19 1DF

When: Wednesday to Sunday from now until December 23

Price: From £29.95, midnorfolkthepolarexpressride.com

All aboard as The Polar Express Train Ride returns to Norfolk by popular demand, with the last few tickets remaining. 

Scenes from the much-loved animated film come to life before your eyes, featuring actors, storytelling, festive refreshments and an appearance from Father Christmas.

Attendees are encouraged to wear pyjamas for the experience. 

READ MORE: 7 of the best Norfolk Christmas markets to visit in 2024

The Norfolk Lights Express is back (Image: Dave Ballard)

2. The Norfolk Lights Express

Where: North Norfolk Railway, Station Approach, Sheringham, NR26 8RA

When: Select dates from now until January 4

Price: From £23, nnrailway.co.uk

Visitors arrive after dark at Sheringham Station and are greeted by the magical sight of a steam-hauled train illuminated by thousands of tiny lights.

The onboard lights shine onto the scenery in a series of changing colours.

During the 5.5-mile journey to Holt, passengers pass around 10 colourful displays telling the story of the changing seasons.

Santa Specials are back at the North Norfolk Railway (Image: Leigh Caudwell)

3. Santa Specials

Where: North Norfolk Railway, Station Approach, Sheringham, NR26 8RA

When: Select dates from November 23 to December 23

Price: From £26, nnrailway.co.uk

Enjoy a magical festive journey aboard a traditional steam-hauled train, with entertainers and balloon modellers who will spend time in each carriage. 

At Weybourne Station, there will be an enchanting Christmas Tree Kingdom and Santa will give every child a wrapped gift. 

The ticket price includes mince pies and mulled cider for adults and gingerbread and hot chocolate for children. 

Tunnel of Lights trains return to the Eaton Park Miniature Railway over the festive period (Image: Steve Adams)

4. Tunnel of Lights

Where: Eaton Park Miniature Railway, Eaton Park, Norwich, NR4 7AU

When: Sundays from December 1 to January 5

Price: Adults: £2, children £1, £5/£4 for unlimited rides, pay by cash or card on the day

The Tunnel of Lights event will return to the Eaton Park Miniature Railway on Sundays from December 1 2024 to January 5 2025.

The festive trains will run from 11am to 3.30pm on those days, with mulled wine and mince pies available on December 8.

The tunnel will be decorated with colourful lights and passengers will ride behind an electric, steam or internal combustion engine.

READ MORE: The Norfolk estate that is a hotspot for celebrities

Visit the Bure Valley Railway this Christmas (Image: supplied)

5. Festive Express

Where: Bure Valley Railway, Norwich Road, Aylsham, NR11 6BW

When: Select dates from December 7 to 24

Price: £24, bvrw.co.uk

Enjoy a one-hour experience with a round-trip from Aylsham Station.

It will include festive treats, a 30-minute steam train ride and a visit to see Father Christmas in his grotto, with a personalised present for every child. 

The Noel Night Train on the Bure Valley Railway (Image: Supplied by Bure Valley Railway)

6. Noel Night Train

Where: Bure Valley Railway, Norwich Road, Aylsham, NR11 6BW

When: December 12 (December 6 and 13 are sold out) 

Price: Adults only: £24, bvrw.co.uk

Experience Aylsham Station all lit up and decorated while listening to the Aylsham Brass Band playing festive favourites, with arrival from 6.30pm. 

Board the train for a 60-minute journey by steam through the Norfolk countryside, which goes on a round-trip from 7.30pm to 8.30pm. 

The £24 ticket price, which is for adults only, includes a festive treat box and a hot drink from the Whistlestop Café.

Take a festive trip on the Whitwell and Reepham Railway (Image: Antony Kelly)

7. Santa Train

Where: Whitwell and Reepham Railway Station, Whitwell Road, Reepham, NR10 4GA 

When: December 14-15, 21-22

Price: Adults (16+): £15, child (2-16): £17.50, under 2s: £7.50, whitwellstation.com

Meet the elves and enjoy some crafts before hopping on the train for a journey to Santa's grotto, with a personalised present for each child. 

There will be two trips each day it is running, departing at 4.30pm and 5.30pm.