Twilight Nights — Colne Valley Railway

Twilight Nights are the Colne Valley Railway's informal Christmas evenings, held after dark at Castle Hedingham in Essex. As daylight disappears the railway comes alive with Christmas lights and illuminated displays. Trains keep running throughout the evening, and the ticket lets you ride as many times as you like, on a diesel train on the regular departures.

Between rides, visitors can head into the railway's HST buffet for hot food and drinks, which the operator's ticket page says include mulled wine and mince pies. There is no fixed itinerary: you can arrive at any time in the evening and stay for part of it or until closing.

The operator is explicit that Twilight Nights are not a Santa experience and that Father Christmas does not appear; its Santa trains are a separate event with their own tickets. The event is deliberately relaxed, with room to wander, take photographs, ride again or simply enjoy the lights.

Christmas lights and illuminated displays around the railway after dark, unlimited train rides throughout the evening, and an HST buffet serving hot food and drinks that you buy separately. No fixed itinerary and no Santa. Some of the event is outdoors, so wrap up warm and wear suitable footwear; the trains and buffet are heated and covered.

Colne Valley Railway, Castle Hedingham Station, Yeldham Road, Castle Hedingham, Essex CO9 3DZ, near Braintree, Halstead and Colchester. Free on-site parking. Gates open at 4:30pm, last entry is at 7pm and the site closes at 8:30pm; you do not have to arrive at 4:30pm. Train rides are included in the ticket and food and drink are bought separately from the HST buffet. The event runs in rain and snow. Step-free access is available on the train; there is a small step into the buffet, though access can be arranged with the staff on duty. Dogs are welcome everywhere on a lead, but the operator asks that they are not let on the seats.