Christmas Carols at East Lancashire Steam Railway

From a morning pickup in your local area, we travel by coach to the heart of Manchester, where the city’s famous Christmas Markets are in full festive swing. With free time to explore, wander through rows of beautifully decorated wooden chalets brimming with seasonal treats, handcrafted gifts and stocking fillers. The air is filled with the scent of mulled wine and roasted chestnuts, while twinkling lights and live entertainment add to the merry atmosphere. Later, we continue to our hotel to check in and relax ahead of tomorrow’s special steam-hauled experience.

Christmas Carols at East Lancashire Steam Railway

After breakfast, we check out of our hotel and make our way to the East Lancashire Railway in Bury. At the station, the celebrations begin with a choir performing traditional Christmas carols on the platform, setting the scene for our special journey. We then take our seats in standard class and travel behind a heritage steam locomotive for a delightful round trip through the wintery Lancashire countryside. The festive cheer continues on board, with carols sung along the way and a warming glass of mulled wine to enjoy. We’re also treated to a mince pie and a splash of Baileys, adding an extra touch of seasonal indulgence. Keep an eye out for Santa as well – he’ll be making his way through the train with a present for every guest! Following our steam-hauled journey, we have free time in Bury to explore at leisure before we rejoin the coach for our journey home.

Explore the Manchester Christmas Markets, weaving among twinkling wooden chalets brimming with crafts, ornaments, and cosy knitwear. Follow aromas of mulled wine and roasted chestnuts, sample bratwurst or sweet treats, and watch buskers and choirs animate central squares beneath a canopy of lights.

Established in 1999, this European-style celebration spreads across the city centre, blending continental flavours with Northern makers. Browse for thoughtful gifts, warm drinks, and evocative photographs of festive décor that capture Manchester’s winter spirit.

Board a heritage steam service on the East Lancashire Railway as a choir fills Bury Bolton Street with carols on the platform. Ride behind the Lancashire & Yorkshire A Class 52322 through the wintry Irwell Valley, sipping mulled wine with a mince pie and Baileys.

Enjoy carols along the route and a present from Santa amid wreath-trimmed carriages and Victorian stations that echo the region’s industry. For operational reasons, the locomotive may be substituted while the festive programme continues unchanged.