Christmas Gift Ideas at the East Lancashire Railway
The snow isnt falling (yet), but we’re already playing and having fun this Christmas season here at the East Lancashire Railway!
Obviously, the Santa Specials are just around the corner. We can’t wait to welcome hundreds of families from around the Northwest and beyond to this magical yuletide train ride!
For those looking for Christmas gifts, our 2026 Dining Experiences are now on sale. Get your year started with a slap-up meal on the Burns and Valentine’s Night Diners that take place in January and February 2026. Looking beyond the first couple of months, we have our usual programme of evening and afternoon Dining Trains, as well as a few brand-new treats, and that’s only the start of our gift offerings…
So, keep reading to find out more.
SANTA SPECIALS
Nov and Dec 2025
You better watch out, Santa Claus is coming to town! Make enchanted family memories on board a traditional steam train. The fun starts with a walk through a Winter Wonderland at Bury before boarding the train to meet Father Christmas, and more.
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DAY OUT WITH THOMASTM
2 – 4 May, 18 – 19 July, 3 – 4 October 2026
Looking for the perfect Christmas gift? A ticket to our Day Out With Thomas is sure to bring a smile to any Thomas fan’s face! Hop onboard for a train ride with Thomas, watch exciting live shows, have fun with garden games and more.
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FESTIVE DINING
November and December
Enjoy a traditional Christmas meal with a steam powered twist. These luxury dining experiences make for great gifts for friends, family or even your co-workers… did someone say office Christmas party?
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BURNS NIGHT
23 – 24 january 2025
Toast to Scotland’s national bard by dining on board a luxury steam-hauled train. It’s the perfect way to kick off the new year and makes for an excellent gift for a group of friends, with live music from a Caledonian pipe band on arrival and a four-course meal.
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Valentines Night
13 – 14 February 2025
Treat that special someone to an evening out on board one of our atmospheric dining trains. Enjoy the strains of live classical music as you watch the train steam into the station and then board for a sumptuous, silver-served four-course meal.
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Dining Experiences
Selected dates 2026
The two options above not quite floating your boat? All of our 2026 Dining Experiences are now on sale. Make your selection from a mind-boggling array of options, including our popular Murder Mysteries, our evening Red Rose Diners, luxury Premium Nights and more.
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Gift Vouchers
Of course, you don’t need to stress trying to pick the perfect gift right off the bat. Our Gift Vouchers can be redeemed against any Dining Train you please, and you can also purchase general Activity Vouchers that can be used against any and all of the events and experiences we offer.
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The Trackside
Get out of the cold and get cosy at a traditional pub. Situated on and set against the unique backdrop of Bury Bolton Street Station, the Trackside is the perfect place to enjoy a pint whilst you watch the trains go by.
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Buffer Stops
The bustling Buffer Stops Bar is located at the end of the line in Rawtenstall, and it’s well worth the trip! It offers a bonanza of beverages including five real ales and one real cider, as well as a variety of lagers, continental beers and snacks.
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