IF YOU are looking for a festive treat to get you in the mood for Christmas, look no further than the Watercress Line’s Steam Illumination train.

The magical journey offers passengers a festive ride on board a dazzling heritage steam train lit up in spectacular computer-controlled LED lights.

The Christmas sound and light show features a constantly changing display of colourful lights both outside and inside the train and runs until January 2023.

Brand new for this year the Watercress Line is offering two ways to enjoy the event; through an immersive experience for all the family or a Party Mix train for adults only.

When I arrived for the launch event with my five-year-old son, clouds of steam wafted onto the platform as the impressive locomotive chugged into the station.

My son was fascinated by the engine as it was attached to the other end of the train ready for our departure from Alton.

We took our seats on board before our festive treat box arrived, with goodies including jellybeans, biscuits, crisps, fudge, lemonade and deliciously gooey chocolate brownies, all beautifully presented in a Christmas-themed box.

The festive tunes were played through the carriages and, as darkness began to fall, we marvelled as the colourful lights lit up the passing countryside outside.

Arriving at Alresford station we were given a chance to disembark and admire the train from outside. It looked incredible from above on the bridge as the lights twinkled in the dark.

The volume of the music on the return journey was ramped up as the children on board danced in the aisles, fuelled by jellybeans and fizzy drinks.

It gave us a taster of the adult-only Party Mix trains as the festive tunes were replaced by pop hits and a soundtrack guaranteed to have everyone bopping in their seats, from S Club 7 to Whitney Houston.

The specially curated DJ soundtrack for the party trains will feature some of the best music from the 1960s right up to the present day, creating a fun and unique atmosphere on board.

The LED wristbands offered an extra fun, interactive element, lighting up to the music, which extra entertainment was provided by the Voiceover Man, from Britain’s Got Talent, who encouraged everyone on board to participate with singing and dancing.

Arriving back at Alton station, beautifully decorated ready for Christmas, darkness had fully descended and we could appreciate the stunning twinkling lights of the train for a final time.

Watercress Line chief executive Amanda Squires said: “We can’t wait to brighten up the dark winter nights with our breath-taking Steam Illuminations and the brand-new Steam Illuminations Party Mix trains this festive season.

“It will be a wonderful experience and is sure to get everyone in the mood for Christmas."

Book tickets for the Steam Illuminations at watercressline.co.uk/steam-illuminations/ Find out more and book for the Steam Illuminations Party Mix trains at watercressline.co.uk/steam-illuminations-party-mix/