SteamLights runs on 31 evenings from 21 November to 30 December, tickets from £35, from Sheffield Park only. This year's rainbow theme has no Santa on board.

The Bluebell Railway’s SteamLights train runs on 31 evenings from Saturday 21 November to Wednesday 30 December 2026, starting and finishing at Sheffield Park. Tickets start at £35. The railway is clear that this year is different: the theme is “Somewhere over the Rainbow”, the host is a Good Witch, and Santa is not on board. (Bluebell Railway, SteamLights)

The quick answer

  • Is it on this year? Yes. Tickets are on sale for 31 evenings, 21 November to 30 December.
  • Tickets from £35. Every train leaves from and returns to Sheffield Park; you cannot board at East Grinstead.
  • No Santa in 2026. The railway calls it “NOT a traditionally festive event” and points families who want Father Christmas to its Santa Specials.
  • About two hours, with a 30-minute stop at Horsted Keynes. Arrive at least 30 minutes before your departure.

The dates

The railway’s timetable lists these evenings, all from Sheffield Park and all “from £35”:

Month Evenings
November Sat 21, Sun 22, Wed 25 to Sun 29
December Wed 2 to Sun 6, Tue 8 to Sun 13, Tue 15 to Wed 23, Sun 27 to Wed 30

There are no trains on Monday 7 or Monday 14 December, and none from Christmas Eve to Boxing Day. Departure times are given when you book; the event page does not list them. (Bluebell Railway, SteamLights timetable)

What happens on the night

The station entrance at Sheffield Park is lit with rainbow lights. On the platform the Good Witch, played by Malinda, meets passengers and then leads a count-down to the switch-on, when the whole train lights up. Boarding follows straight away, so the railway asks you to have your compartment details to hand.

The train steams down the line past lit-up lineside scenes themed on the four seasons, which “fuse together to create a… rainbow”, with a story and music played in each carriage. At Horsted Keynes there is a 30-minute stop while the engine runs round; you can stay aboard or buy a drink on the platform. On the way back you pass the same displays a second time. (Bluebell Railway, SteamLights)

Before you book

  • Flashing lights: the railway warns that one display uses them and it may not suit people with epilepsy or light sensitivity.
  • Dogs: assistance dogs only.
  • Pushchairs: leave them with the station staff on the platform at Sheffield Park.
  • Late arrivals: trains leave on time and the railway says it cannot refund you if you miss yours.
  • Food: the Bessemer Arms at Sheffield Park serves seasonal food and drink, drinks can be taken on board, and the shop stays open until 8pm. The railway publishes a SteamLights food menu.

If you want Santa instead

The Santa Specials run from Sheffield Park on 28 and 29 November and through December, adults from £35 and children from £10. Those and the Borde Hill grotto are on our Mid Sussex Santa’s grotto page. (Bluebell Railway, Santa Specials)

Getting there and parking

Sheffield Park Station is on the A275 between East Grinstead and Lewes, postcode TN22 3QL, about two miles north of the A272, with brown signs from the A22 and A23. The railway says there is plenty of free parking at Sheffield Park, with disabled bays and four electric car charging points. (Bluebell Railway, How to get here)

From Haywards Heath and Lindfield the drive is along the B2028 and A275, and from East Grinstead down the A22 and A275. Roadworks on those roads are on our roadworks and travel page, and town centre car parks for an evening out before or after are on our parking page.

Other Christmas lights nearby

What is still to be confirmed

  • Departure times for each evening, and the full price range above £35. Both show only in the booking system. We will add them and any sold-out evenings in November.

Sources