From festive train rides to magical trails, see Norfolk in a new light at these illuminated events running over the 2023 festive season. 

Norwich Evening News: Luminate Sandringham illuminated light trail Picture: Chris BishopLuminate Sandringham illuminated light trail Picture: Chris Bishop (Image: Chris Bishop)

1. Luminate, Sandringham

Where: Sandringham Estate, PE35 6EH

When: Now until December 24, entry times from 4.30pm to 8pm

Price: Adults: £18.25-£23.25, children: £13.25-£16.75 (depending on date of visit), luminate.live/sandringham-estate

Enjoy a mesmerising mile-long light trail through the Royal Parkland at Sandringham and you will also be able to toast marshmallows by the fire pit and sip mulled wine. 

The immersive experience features stunning lighting elements and intriguing light play, all set to music.

READ MORE: Norfolk town's Christmas Carnival includes funfair, grotto and vintage bus rides

Norwich Evening News: The dazzling Enchanted Journey of Light at Thursford Picture: ThursfordThe dazzling Enchanted Journey of Light at Thursford Picture: Thursford (Image: Thursford)

2. Enchanted Journey of Light, Thursford

Where: Thursford Collection, Thursford, NR21 0AS

When: Now until December 24, from 3.15pm on days when Santa's Magical Journey isn't running, from 5.15pm if it is 

Price: Adults and children: £22, ages 2 and under: free, thursford.com or call 01328 878477

The gardens at Thursford have been transformed into a stunning spectacle of sculptures and displays, with an outdoor bar, food and a funfair too. 

More than 400 new individual lanterns have been added for 2023, including Candy Land, and the experience can be packaged with Santa’s Magical Journey to meet Father Christmas. 

READ MORE: First look at Enchanted Journey of Light 2023 at Thursford

Norwich Evening News: The Norfolk Lights Express at Sheringham Station Picture: Sonya DuncanThe Norfolk Lights Express at Sheringham Station Picture: Sonya Duncan (Image: Archant)

3. Norfolk Lights Express, Sheringham

Where: North Norfolk Railway PLC, Station Approach, Sheringham, NR26 8RA

When: Now until January 1 2024, 5pm/7.30pm

Price: £22.50-£30 depending on travel date, nnrailway.co.uk

Arrive at Sheringham Station as it gets dark to ride a steam-hauled train illuminated by thousands of tiny lights. 

As you go on a festive journey to Holt and back, you will see around 10 colourful lit-up dioramas out the window and there will be onboard narration and music too. 

Norwich Evening News: Head to Bressingham for a Christmas visit Picture: Bressingham Steam and GardensHead to Bressingham for a Christmas visit Picture: Bressingham Steam and Gardens (Image: Bressingham Steam and Gardens)

4. Christmas Visits at Bressingham, Bressingham 

Where: Bressingham Steam Museum and Gardens, Low Road, Bressingham, IP22 2AA

When: Weekends from December 2 to 17, daily from December 21-24 

Price: Entry only (any age): £12.50, child (aged 3-12) with present: £15.22, ages 1-2 with present: £9.54, under 1 with present: £6.13, under 1 no present: free, carer: £7, (prices more with a donation), bressingham.co.uk

Under twinkling fairy lights, ride on a steam train on the Fen Railway, take a spin on the Gallopers and visit Father Christmas, which includes a present for children aged up to 12 years old. 

In the Exhibition Hall, vehicles will be decorated especially for the season and wander around a Christmassy Walmington-on-Sea to see the Dad’s Army display.

READ MORE: 7 of the best Christmas markets to visit in Norfolk in 2023

Norwich Evening News: Ride the Tunnel of Lights train in Eaton Park, Norwich Picture: Eaton Park Miniature RailwayRide the Tunnel of Lights train in Eaton Park, Norwich Picture: Eaton Park Miniature Railway (Image: Eaton Park Miniature Railway)

5. Tunnel of Lights, Norwich

Where: Eaton Park Miniature Railway, Eaton Park, Norwich, NR4 7AU

When: Sundays from December 3, 11.30am-3.30pm

Price: £1 for children, £1.50 for adults, turn-up on the day

Head to the Eaton Park Miniature Railway to see the illuminated tunnel ahead of a magical Christmas journey.

The railway is owned and operated by volunteer members of the Norwich & District Society of Model Engineers (NDSME).