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Christmas

Nikolausfahrten ab Winsen (Luhe) — Heide-Express

  • Run by Arbeitsgemeinschaft Verkehrsfreunde Lüneburg e.V. (Heide-Express)
  • OHE station Winsen Süd (at the station car park) — Winsen (Luhe), Lower Saxony, Germany

Next: Dec 5–6, 2026

Nikolaus rides on the Heide-Express museum train from Winsen (Luhe) towards Niedermarschacht, in a decorated historic train where the Nikolaus visits every child at their seat.

Updated

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Next edition

Dec 5–6, 2026

Dec 5 and Dec 6, departures at 10:30 and 14:30. The ride lasts about 2 hours and ends back at the starting station.

From €17 (as published by the operator)

About this event

The Heide-Express is the museum railway of the Arbeitsgemeinschaft Verkehrsfreunde Lüneburg e.V. In Advent its volunteers decorate the historic carriages of the museum train and run Nikolaus rides from several stations; this series is the one that leaves from Winsen (Luhe).

The operator describes the ride as a festive atmosphere on board: the Nikolaus and his helpers board on the way and visit all the children at their places, listen to poems or sing Christmas carols with them, and give every child a small present. The on-board catering serves drinks, mulled wine and sausages.

The train leaves from the OHE station Winsen Süd, next to the station car park, towards Niedermarschacht. The ride lasts about two hours and ends at the starting station.

What to expect

A ride of about two hours from Winsen Süd towards Niedermarschacht and back to the starting station, in decorated historic carriages. The Nikolaus and his helpers visit every child at their seat, listen to poems or sing carols, and give each child a small present. Drinks, mulled wine and sausages are served on board.

Practical info

Departs from the OHE station Winsen Süd, at the station car park (Bahnhofsparkhaus), towards Niedermarschacht. Tickets are sold only in advance, through the operator's online booking or at its advance-sale points: the tourist information offices in Bleckede (Biosphaerium), Lüneburg (town hall, Am Markt) and Winsen (Marstall), and Soltau Touristik; an advance-sale fee may be added. Fares are the same for adults and for children from one to fourteen years, and the Nikolaus bag is already included in the fare for children. Children under one travel free but have no right to their own seat or a Nikolaus bag. The operator always reserves seats together; families who want to sit with another family should book together or give the other family's name under special wishes in the booking.

Where it happens

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Spots and live cams nearby

Where to watch trains within 100 km of Winsen (Luhe).

Frequently asked questions

Where does the Nikolaus train leave from in Winsen?▾
From the OHE station Winsen Süd, at the station car park, towards Niedermarschacht. The ride lasts about two hours and ends at the starting station.
What does the Nikolaus do on board?▾
He boards on the way with his helpers and visits all the children at their places. He is happy to hear poems from the children or to sing Christmas carols with them, and every child gets a small present.
Is the Nikolaus bag included?▾
For children the Nikolaus bag is already included in the fare. Children under one travel free but have no right to their own seat or a Nikolaus bag.
Can we buy tickets on the day?▾
No. The operator says tickets are only available in advance, through its online booking or at its advance-sale points in Bleckede, Lüneburg, Soltau and Winsen.
Will our family sit together?▾
The operator always reserves seats together. To sit with another family, book together or give the other family's name under special wishes when booking.
Is food served on board?▾
The operator's catering serves the passengers drinks, mulled wine and sausages.

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Sources

Dates checked on Oct 21, 2026 from the official site: heide-express.de. Schedules can change — always confirm with the operator before you travel.

Official website: heide-express.de

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