Christmas Lights at the Glenbrook Vintage Railway

Overview

If Christmas and trains have gone hand in hand in your household since your very first viewing of The Polar Express you'll want to put this one in your diary immediately. Glenbrook Vintage Railway is lighting up for Christmas this month, with Christmas lights set to cover the iconic Waiuku railway's trains, station and building.

Making its hotly anticipated post-COVID return, the event runs from 6pm to 11pm each night from Friday, December 16 to Thursday, December 2. About every 30 minutes a special Christmas train ride departs, taking you to Santa's grotto and workshops before returning. There will also be night markets, food trucks and live entertainment to keep the festive cheer rolling — as well as free photos with Santa.

Tickets cost $10 if booked online (or $15 at the gate) which gets you event entry and one return train ride. And yes, this event will be going rain or shine — so bring your raincoats.

A special sensory-friendly night will be held on Thursday, December 15 for those who need a slightly softer atmosphere — trains will be hauled by the quieter Heritage Diesel locomotive, music will be turned off and flashing lights will be minimised. This event is capped, so make sure you book online.