The Watercress Line in mid-Hampshire is to run its popular festive Steam Illuminations again, but this year, it is adding a Snowlight Cascade.

The brightly-lit Steam Illuminations train will run from Friday 29 November 2024 until Saturday 4 January 2025. 

The Snowlight Cascade will use lights to create an impression of snowfall outside the train as it travels along the heritage line.

The Watercress Line has run Steam Illuminations since 2020, and describes it as “fantastic fun for friends, families, couples, and corporate gatherings”.

It features a ‘sound to light’ show inside every carriage, and thousands of sparkling LED lights synchronise with LED wristbands worn by passengers, creating “a kaleidoscope of different colours and flashing patterns”. 

The host of the event is ‘Voiceover Man’, who makes announcements on TV shows Britain’s Got Talent and X-Factor.

Entertainment includes merry music, corny cracker jokes, and the sing-a-long FlashyOke game.  

The Festive Canopy of Lights will also feature again this year, with lights in every carriage. 

The music playlist will feature Christmas hits until 28 December; then from 29 December, pop anthems from the 1960s to the present day.

Lighting expert Simon Horn has designed Steam Illuminations, creating internal and external festive lighting displays enabled by GPS.

His resumé includes working on the light shows of pop acts including Westlife, Olly Murs and The Pogues. 

The Steam Illuminations trains depart from either Alresford, where passengers will be able to see ‘singing’ Christmas trees, or Alton stations, and will complete a round trip of the line.

The trip takes approximately one hour and forty-five minutes.

Festive treat boxes, filled with delicious seasonal treats, and drinks boxes can be pre-ordered and collected on arrival at the station before departure. 

Information and tickets are available from the Watercress Line’s website.

Other special events held by The Watercress Line this year have included Summer Art Events & Exhibitions and July’s Diesel Gala.

“The Steam Illuminations has become a much-loved tradition, combining the beauty of steam locomotives with cutting-edge lighting technology. This year, visitors will be treated to an even more dazzling display with the introduction of the Snowlight Cascade. As the train glides through the countryside, passengers will experience a delightful snowfall effect, adding a whole new level of wonder. 

“We are incredibly excited to bring the magic of the Snowlight Cascade to Steam Illuminations – it’s an unforgettable experience that captures the spirit of the festive season. We can’t wait to see the smiles on the faces of our passengers as they enjoy this charming addition to the event.” 

Rebecca Dalley, CEO of the Watercress Line