Isle of Man Railways is offering a feast of festive fun and flavours in the run up to Christmas and New Year, with a range of specially designed dining car experiences.
The Dining Car and The Tickethall have drawn inspiration from the much-loved carol The Twelve Days of Christmas to provide a seasonal feel to its events and menus in November, December and January.
There are 12 different packages to choose from, in addition to a Christmas menu boasting 12 festive dishes – four appetisers, four main courses and four desserts – created using the finest Manx produce.
The beautifully appointed dining car, built in 1905 and restored in 2013, is one of only a handful of narrow gauge dining cars in the world.
It allows customers to dine in style while enjoying a scenic trip from Douglas to one of the popular destinations on the southern end of the line.
The dining car is fully-licenced and can cater for an intimate lunch or dinner through to a family occasion or a corporate night out. Customers can book a carriage for up to 22 guests or a full train for up to 88 guests.
Tickets for the 12 festive themed events include return train travel and meals. Advance booking on 697457 is essential as the dining car is extremely popular and places fill up quickly.
Among the highlights of the programme is the Ultimate New Year’s Eve dining car special, a black-tie event featuring a seven-course gourmet meal and Champagne.
Further information regarding dates, times, destinations, menus and ticket prices for all 12 events is available at www.rail.im or on Facebook at /diningcarIOM and /The-Tickethall.
The 12 Days of Christmas dining car experiences include:
1. Christmas dinner trains – 25 and 26 November and 2, 3, 9, 10, 16 and 17 December.
2. Turkey and Tinsel Sunday lunch – 27 November and 4 December.
3. Christmas lunch trains – 1, 8, 9, 15 and 16 December.
4. Silver Dream Turkey and Tinsel Christmas lunch train – 1, 8 and 15 December.
5. Turkey and Pud Christmas Express – 1, 8 and 15 December.
6. Christmas pie and mash supper – 1, 8, 15 and 22 December.
7. Festive fireman’s brunch on the dining car – 3, 27, 28 and 30 December and 2 January.
8. Santa Holiday Express – 20, 21 and 22 December.
9. Tex Mex holiday feast – 29 December.
10. Slow Train to Asia: the Emporia’s Banquet – 28 December
11. Christmas Curry Club – 30 December
12. The Ultimate New Year’s Eve dining car special – 31 December
