Greater Manchester’s iconic heritage railway is hosting one of the most festive fine-dining experiences in the region this Christmas.
It’s no secret that East Lancashire Railway (ELR) is known and loved for its immersive events that give rail enthusiasts and curious Mancs the chance to step back in time by hopping on one of the historic Pullman-style carriages and riding a steam train through the picturesque Greater Manchester countryside.
Every time the festive season rolls around, it always tends to be ELR’s beloved Santa steam trains that grab headlines more, as the event has gone on to become an absolute Christmas classic for families in the North West over the years.
But especially for the grown-ups, how does getting the chance to tuck into a luxury Christmas dinner onboard the retro locomotive sound instead?
ELR’s unique ‘Dining with Distinction’ package is known to be a fan-favourite all year round, but this December, the railway’s festive edition of the experience is back once again by popular demand for another year – and, apparently, “yule be sorry to miss it”.
Throughout December, passengers can enjoy their Christmas dinner whilst travelling through and taking in the seasonal sights of the stunning Irwell Valley.
You’ll be onboard one of ELR’s restored Pullman-style steam train carriages, which boasts the most luxurious furnishing and polished panels to provide the perfect atmosphere for a sumptuous festive feasting dining experience.
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Upon boarding, you’ll be presented with sparkling welcome drink to kick-off the festivities, all before you’re served up four courses of festive delicacies.
East Lancashire Railway’s festive ‘Dining with Distinction’ experiences are back this Christmas / Credit: ELR
Traditional roasted turkey served with kilted chipolata and stuffing, a festive wellington, balsamic and cranberry glazed rib of beef, a homemade Christmas pudding with brandy sauce, and an apple and cinnamon crumble with nutmeg custard are just some of the dishes being served by personal dedicated waters on selected dates throughout the month.
And of course, no dining experience is complete without coffee and after-dinner chocolates.
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A wide range of dietary requirements can be catered for, including vegetarian, pescatarian, vegan, gluten free, dairy free, halal, and diabetic.
“This Christmas dinner experience is one you won’t forget,” teased Mike Kelly, who is East Lancashire Railway’s Chairman.
“It’s perfect for friends, couples, or families looking to do something different to celebrate the festive season together this year [and] we can’t wait to end the year in style with an evening of fantastic food, stunning surroundings, and cracking company.”
It means you can eat a luxury Christmas dinner while riding a steam train through Greater Manchester / Credit: ELR
The Christmas Dinner services are running on selected dates from Friday 1 – Saturday 23 December, with tickets now on sale and setting you back £77.50 per person.
Boarding will start at 7:15pm for a 7:30pm departure, and the journey lasts just under three hours, with guests returning to the station at 10:15pm.
You can step inside a fashion show with Vogue’s immersive ‘Inventing the Runway’ show in Manchester
Thomas Melia
A Vogue immersive show titled ‘Inventing the Runway’ has arrived Manchester, and it’s even co-created by Anna Wintour herself.
Ever fancied learning more about the fashion world? Well, now’s your chance to hear everything you need to know from global fashion leaders and lifestyle magazine Vogue.
The Anna Wintour-approved immersive experience comes alongside the announcement of Factory International‘s Winter lineup, which features another new event all about voyaging to the moon.
Vogue: Inventing the Runway incorporates interviews, visual media and more to help attendees visualise fashion shows of the past, present and future.
Visitors will be surrounded by incredible visuals on all sides (including underfoot), fully stepping inside the world of high fashion.
As well as understanding how fashion shows became the pinnacle of a designer’s vision, this runway-themed display also includes looking back at iconic moments of fashion and pop culture.
‘Inventing the Runway’ by Vogue is focusing on outfits worn by models and A-listers alike, with narration from the one and only Cate Blanchett.
A glimpse inside Vogue: Inventing the Runway. Credit: The Manc Group
You can expect to see curated pieces by significant creative minds in fashion history like Alexander McQueen, Balenciaga, Stella McCartney, Vivienne Westwood and lots more.
Throughout the Vogue experience, as well as coming visually face to face with fashion, you will also hear a soundscape that perfectly reflects this innovative industry with a fusion of classical and pop music.
This fashion exhibition uses the same Lightroom technology behind the impressive David Hockney experience that opened back in December.
Anna Wintour, Chief Content Officer, Condé Nast, and Global Editorial Director, Vogue said: “At Vogue, we’ve been lucky enough over the decades to see many incredible runway shows, which have often told the story of fashion as much as the clothes themselves.”
“This Lightroom experience is a wonderful opportunity for a lot more people to experience first-hand the thrill of watching the history of fashion unfold right in front of them.”
You can experience Vogue’s ‘Inventing the Runway’ immersive show from 18 December to 10 January.
Find out more information and grab your tickets HERE.
Manchester favourites hosting a heartwarming festive social for those alone this Christmas
Danny Jones
Beloved Manchester bar and cafe, Haunt, have announced that they will be hosting a special social to spread some much-needed seasonal cheer to those who are spending Christmas apart from their families and/or friends this year.
Wholesome stuff from a wholesome bunch.
That’s right, friendly neighbourhood ghosts Haunt will be putting on a little free shindig for the 2025 festive period in an effort not only to share the typical kindness with locals based in and around the city centre but to help create “a sense of community, no matter what your situation”.
Announcing the completely open-to-the-public Christmas Eve party over the weekend, the team are looking to provide those who might otherwise be lonely or struggle during the holidays with a warm, arms-wide welcome, plus plenty more.
Writing on their social media account this past Sunday, bar manager JJ said: “People, it’s time to connect this Christmas! We will be providing free coffee and sweet treats from 12-5pm on Christmas Eve, as well as some games and workshops.
“We’ve put a lot of work into this, so it would be amazing to see as many of you there as possible! Also need this to reach the people that need an event like this most, so please share and repost.
“As always, look out for your people, I wouldn’t be anywhere without mine – JJ xoxo”
Come on, who doesn’t love seeing heartwarming stuff like this on their feed, especially when it comes to a time of year where so many suffer quietly amid the majority having a good time?
This isn’t the first time they’ve held a pop-up that’s caught our attention in 2025, either; it was only last month that we were surprised to stumble on a mini padel court in the middle of the room.
Once again, there’ll be brews and fresh bakes, as well as plenty of other activities to keep people entertained on the night.
As described in their post, Christmas can be tough for a lot of people, and if they can make even just one person looking for some kindness and companionship feel better for a few hours this year, then they’ll have done above and beyond their job.
It goes without saying that we love seeing local businesses taking the social and community side of their work like this to heart and putting in serious effort to make a difference.
Well done to JJ, the Chosen Family support group, and everyone at Haunt for setting this up; if you know anyone who might be interested in coming along, please do pass on the information.
You can grab your free tickets via Eventbrite right HERE, and maybe we’ll see some of you there.
Emily Sergeant -
31st October 2023 
