Counties Energy Christmas Lights - Trains at Night

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

Counties Energy Christmas Lights - Trains at Night 2025

Open: Fri 5 – Sun 7 and Thu 11 – Tue 23 December 2025
🎟️ Sensory Friendly/Accessible Night – Wednesday 10th December 2025 – See below

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

The event will feature trains, lights, Santa’s grotto, night markets, and entertainment for the whole family. Trains depart at least every half hour from 6:30pm until 11pm.

🎄 Event Info 🎟️ Book Tickets

To book for the Sensory Friendly/Accessible Night, See below

Tickets

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

Ticket Type	General Admission (Ages 2+)	Family Pass (4 People, Ages 2+)
Online Tickets Earlybird discount	$15	$54
Walk-Up Tickets Pay by cash or card at the gate	$18	$65

Under 2s are free and don’t require a ticket.
Trains run throughout the night and cannot be reserved – we recommend coming early to avoid the busiest periods.

Key Information

🎄 Open: 6–11pm
🚂 Trains: Every half hour from 6.30pm (one return trip per ticket)
🎟️ Online bookings: Redeem at the ticket tent on entry
🚗 Parking: Free – Glenbrook Station Rd (Google Maps)
🎅 Santa Photos: Free – posted on Facebook next day
🍴 Food Trucks: On-site (alcohol-free event)
✂️ Craft Market: Located in the market tent
🌧️ Weather: Rain or shine – bring a jacket!
🕕 Tip: Come before 7pm to avoid crowds

Frequently Asked Questions

No, but there is a discount for pre-booking online: $15 General Admission (anyone over the age of 2) or $54 Family Pass (4 People, Ages 2+). 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.

Yes you can! The walk-up ticket price is $18 General Admission (anyone over the age of 2) or $65 Family Pass (4 People, Ages 2+).

No, our General Admission tickets cover all people over the age of 2.

The Family Pass covers four people, aged 2+ (any combination of adults and children). A Family Pass costs $54 when booked online, or $65 when bought at the gate.

If you have made a mistake on your booking (such as booking the wrong night, too many tickets, or no longer wish to attend), please email us and our team will review your request as soon as possible. Please do not call, as our event team cannot change bookings over the phone.

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 look it up for you.

Yes. Your ticket is an entry ticket to our event and includes access to the displays, kids’ activities, and Santa photos on site.

No, trains and seating are not allocated. There are plenty of trains running throughout the night, and you won’t miss out!

Trains run at least every half hour throughout the night from 6:30pm to 10:30pm.

Trains run on a return trip from the event site at Glenbrook to either the Pukeoware Workshops or Mission Bush. You cannot get off at the other end and must return to Glenbrook. Sorry, the train does not go to Waiuku for this event.

Gates open at 6pm and the event closes at 11pm.

Friday and Saturday nights, and the final few nights of the event, are the busiest. The peak period is between 7pm and 10pm. To avoid crowds, come earlier or later in the evening.

FREE Santa Photos are included in your ticket and 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.

No, sorry – pets are not permitted at the event.

Proudly Sponsored by Counties Energy

Sensory Friendly / Accessible Night – Wednesday 10 December 2025

This special night is designed for families and groups with sensory or accessibility needs. Open 6–9pm with hourly train departures from 6.30pm.

Steam-hauled trains, reduced noise and lighting, and limited numbers (300 tickets only). Tickets are only available online.

Santa will attend; however, food and market stalls will be limited.

General Admission $15 (Ages 2+)
Under 2s are free.

Book for Sensory Friendly Night – 10 Dec Book for Other Nights