Counties Energy Christmas Lights - Trains at Night

Celebrate christmas with lights, cheer, trains, and a visit from Santa!

Open: Fri 6 to Sun 8 and Thu 12 to Mon 23 December 2024

Glenbrook Vintage Railway will again be lighting up Franklin with festive cheer this year with its award winning Christmas experience at Glenbrook Station.

The Counties Energy Christmas Lights - Trains at Night event is back for 2024 and will see the charitable organisation's trains, station and buildings dressed in Christmas lights, a special Christmas Express train service, visits from Santa, a Christmas market and much more.

The Counties Energy Christmas Lights - Trains at Night will run over 15 nights from 6-8 and 12-23 December in the lead up to Christmas.

The event will be open from 6pm till 11pm (last entry 10.25pm) with trains departing at least every half hour (from 6.30pm) to the workshops and return.

There will be a Santa's grotto, night markets, train rides, entertainment and lots more. Check out the video from 2022's event below.

Tickets

Your ticket entitles you to one return train ride and event entry.

	General Admission (Ages 2+)	Family Pass (2 Adults, 2 Children 2-14 Years)
Online Tickets Earlybird discount	$13	$46
Walk-Up Tickets Pay by cash or card at the gate	$15	$55

Under 2s are free and don't require a ticket.
Trains run throughout the night and cannot be reserved - we recommend coming at the beginning of the night to avoid the busiest periods.

Here is the key information you need to know!

OPEN 6-11pm

TRAINS at least every half hour from 6.30pm - trains are not reserved (NOTE: On the busiest nights, two separate trains will run, your ticket entitles you to ONE return train ride on only ONE of the trains.)

ONLINE BOOKINGS must be redeemed for Train Tickets at the ticket tent upon entry

PARKING is free and is in our car parks off Glenbrook Station Road

https://goo.gl/maps/7e1N3XUVBsWKQax26

SANTA PHOTOS are free and will be posted on our Facebook page the next day

FOOD Trucks will be available onsite - or you are welcome to bring a picnic - Please note: this is an alcohol free event

CRAFT Market will be in the market tent

Will go ahead Rain or Shine - bring a jacket as it can get chilly here at night!

The busy times are typically from 7pm - so come earlier to avoid the crowds!

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to book online?
- No, but there is a discount for pre-booking online $13 General Admission (anyone over the age of 2) or $46 Family Pass (for two Adults and two Children aged 2-14) . Online bookings can only be made prior to 6pm on the days being booked for, and the online discounted tickets may sell out earlier. You must still redeem your booking for your event tickets at the ticket tent at the entrance.

I can't book online/Online tickets are sold out, can I still come?
- Yes you can, the walk up ticket price is $15 General Admission (anyone over the age of 2) or $55 Family Pass (for two Adults and two Children aged 2-14).

Is there a child price?
- No, our General Admission tickets cover all people over the age of 2, though you may find it better to buy a Family Pass (for two Adults and two Children aged 2-14).

What is covered by the Family Pass?
- Two Adults and two Children, aged 2-14. A Family Pass costs $46 when booked online, or $55 when bought at the gate.

I made a mistake and want to change something on my booking!
- If you have made a mistake on your booking such as booking for the wrong night, booking too many tickets, or no longer want to attend we will review your email request and reply as soon as we can. Please do not call us, as our event team cannot change bookings over the phone.

Help! - I haven't received my online booking confirmation!
- Email [email protected] with your name, booking reference (if known), and correct email address and we'll try to re-send it. Otherwise you can turn up on the night with your name, phone number, booking reference, or email, and we can search it up for you!

Do I need a ticket if I don't want to ride the train?
- Yes, your ticket is an entry ticket to our event. It includes access to the displays, kids activities, and Santa photos on site.

Can I book for a specific train?
- No, trains and seating are not allocated however there are plenty of trains running throughout the night and you won't miss out!

What times are the train?
- Trains run at least every half hour throughout the night from 6.30pm to 10.30pm

Where does the train go? How long is the train ride? Can I get off at the other end?
- Trains run on a return trip from the event site at Glenbrook to the Pukeoware workshops or Mission Bush only. You cannot get off the train at the other end and must return to Glenbrook. Sorry, but the train does not go to Waiuku for this event.

What time is the event open?
- Gates open at 6pm and the event closes at 11pm.

What are the busy days/times?
- Friday and Saturday nights. and the last few nights of the event are especially busy. Busy times are between 7pm and 10pm. To avoid crowds, come earlier or later on the night.

How do I get photos with Santa? Do I have to book?
- Santa Photos are available in Santa's Grotto. The photos taken by us are posted on Facebook the next day. You are welcome to take your own photos as well. No bookings are required.

Are dogs or other pets allowed at the event?
- No, sorry.

GVR and Counties Energy photographers will be taking photo and video recordings for promotional purposes. Please inform our photographers (with lanyards and/or high-visibility vests) if you do not wish for photos or videos to be taken of you and used for these purposes.

Proudly Sponsored by Counties Energy.