Great Western Coffee Shop

............in more ways than one..

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-england-hampshire-55246642

Also being done on the Severn Valley and Swanage railways. Possibly others outside this area

It was done on the Paignton & Dartmouth in 2018.

It is one of those events where you probably appreciate it more if you are not on the actual train.

(http://www.mbob.co.uk/rforum/tol5.jpg)

(http://www.mbob.co.uk/rforum/tol2.jpg)

(http://www.mbob.co.uk/rforum/tol1.jpg)

I think they were the first heritage system to do this?

Splendid, should be done more widely to spread some Christmas cheer.
I think that this started in America where at least one main line railway does something similar. The American one stops at suitable places and various entertainments are provided. There is no charge, but donations of groceries are encouraged, for distribution to the less fortunate.

Years ago I had slight misgivings about such large scale festive lighting due to the fuel used. These days though very imppressive results can be achieved for modest energy use.

Here is a youtube video of one of the best known American "holiday trains". AFAIK, this does not convey the public. The sleepers and seated coaches are for staff.
It is a spectacle to be admired, in transit and at the many stops where bands perform on stages built onto freight wagons.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=anVQbRnZydQ (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=anVQbRnZydQ)

Not to be confused with "polar express trains" these are themed train rides based on a film. Aimed primarily at children who are encouraged to wear pajamas, eat cookies, become over excited and scream loudly. Probably great fun for kids, but not something that I much fancy.

Perhaps a Port rambler train full of elderly bewigged gentleman in white breeches, bulging waistcoats, buckled shoes, red noses and snoring loudly, waited on by even more elderly retainers who whisper in  your ear, would be rather more to your liking........ ;D

I posses neither wig, nor waistcoat, nor buckled shoes, not white breeches.
My nose is not usually red, and I might snore, but only at home in bed, never on a train.
I have been known to take a morsel of port though.

A morsel?  ;D

(http://www.mbob.co.uk/rforum/port.jpg)

Ah, thanks for reminding me, I got a little left.  I'll have a glass with a mince pie in a mo.

You lot have led me astray, I have now taken three mince pies and some port.

I thought it was sherry with mince pies?

...........any port in a storm !

All looks good to me. Reminds me of Polar Express. I'm not usually a huge fan of Christmas lights but this year, all cheer is welcome.

As neighbours were visiting to take a mince pie or two, I provided sherry. Had to drink the rest of the bottle myself before it spoiled :)