Christmas and New Year Travel Disruptions in the UK as East Midlands Railway Announces Significant Reductions in Train Services Due to Essential Engineering Works and Holiday Timetable Changes

Published on December 12, 2025

As the festive season approaches, UK travellers face significant disruptions to their Christmas and New Year plans, with East Midlands Railway (EMR) announcing major reductions in train services. This comes as part of essential engineering works and seasonal timetable adjustments. Passengers planning to travel during this period are urged to check revised schedules ahead of time, as EMR operates with fewer services, especially during peak holiday dates. This reduction is set to affect key routes, potentially leading to delays and increased pressure on alternative transportation options. Understanding these changes is crucial for ensuring a smooth and stress-free journey during one of the busiest times of the year.

East Midlands Railway Announces Holiday Schedule Adjustments for Christmas and New Year

As the holiday season approaches, East Midlands Railway (EMR) has confirmed a reduced train schedule over Christmas and New Year, in line with its usual seasonal adjustments. This schedule shift is also due to essential engineering works being carried out by Network Rail, ensuring that the rail network remains in optimal condition.

Passengers should be aware that, like in previous years, the train service will differ from the regular timetable, and travelers are strongly advised to plan ahead. To avoid any travel disruptions, it’s recommended to check your journey times in advance and secure your tickets early. Booking tickets ahead of time can result in significant savings, with up to 60% off on selected routes, including popular services from Nottingham and Sheffield to London.

Here’s a breakdown of the key changes to the EMR timetable over the festive period:

Christmas Eve – December 24th: Early Service Finish

On Christmas Eve, EMR trains will finish operating earlier than usual, with the last departures scheduled between 7:00 PM and 9:00 PM. The exact time will depend on the route, so passengers are urged to check specific train times for their journey. Anyone planning to attend Christmas Eve events or celebrations should be particularly mindful of these early train times and ensure they are able to make the final service of the evening. EMR’s advance booking system will help passengers manage their schedules efficiently, ensuring that no one is left stranded on this busy travel day.

Christmas Day and Boxing Day – December 25th and 26th: No Service

As is customary, there will be no train services running on Christmas Day (December 25th) and Boxing Day (December 26th). All stations will be closed on both of these days, and no trains will operate, allowing staff to enjoy the festivities with their loved ones. Travelers should take note of this and make arrangements in advance for alternative transportation if needed. Many people tend to travel before Christmas Eve, so securing tickets well in advance is always recommended.

December 27th: Revised Timetable

Following the Christmas festivities, EMR will begin operating a modified timetable on December 27th. A number of services will be running on a revised schedule, so passengers are advised to check ahead for specific departure times. Engineering works by Network Rail could cause delays, as some routes may have longer journey times than usual. Fewer services will be available compared to regular days, and travelers should expect reduced frequency on many routes. Those traveling between major cities like Nottingham, Derby, and London should plan accordingly to avoid last-minute disruptions.

New Year’s Eve – December 31st: Regular Service with Earlier End Times

On New Year’s Eve, December 31st, East Midlands Railway will operate services throughout the day, but some trains will have earlier-than-usual finishing times. Those heading to New Year’s Eve parties or celebrations should make sure they confirm the departure times for their return journeys. Train services will run with some adjustments, but to ensure that passengers don’t miss out on the final services, they should be aware of their specific train times. It’s also highly recommended to book tickets in advance to secure both outbound and return travel during the busy festive period.

New Year’s Day – January 1st: Limited Service

New Year’s Day (January 1st) will see a limited timetable in place across the EMR network. Fewer trains will be running, and many services will start later in the morning. Additionally, the frequency of trains will be reduced, so passengers must plan their travel carefully. With fewer options available, it’s essential to book tickets as early as possible to guarantee a seat and avoid potential overcrowding on the limited services that are running.

Tips for Holiday Travel

The Christmas and New Year holiday period can be a busy and stressful time to travel, but with the right preparation, you can make your journey smoother and more enjoyable. Here are a few tips for managing your trip during the holiday season:

1. Book in advance: As mentioned, booking tickets early can save you up to 60% on selected routes, and it guarantees your seat, which is especially important during this busy season.
2. Check for service updates: Always check for last-minute service updates on the EMR website or through official apps, as there could be unforeseen changes to the schedule due to weather or operational issues.
3. Allow extra travel time: With fewer trains operating and possible delays due to engineering works, make sure to leave extra time for your journey, especially if you’re traveling to or from major hubs like London or Nottingham.
4. Stay updated with Network Rail’s progress: Essential engineering works are scheduled over the holiday period, so keep an eye on the progress of these works and how they might impact your travel route.

As the holiday season approaches, East Midlands Railway (EMR) announces significant reductions in train services due to essential engineering works and seasonal timetable changes. This disruption will affect key routes during Christmas and New Year, urging passengers to plan ahead. Travelers are advised to check revised schedules to avoid delays and ensure smooth travel during the festive period.

In conclusion, while East Midlands Railway is offering a reduced timetable over Christmas and New Year, with some service interruptions due to essential engineering works, passengers can still travel with convenience and savings by planning ahead and booking early. Ensure that you check all details of your journey before heading to the station, and take advantage of discounted fares wherever possible to enjoy a hassle-free holiday season.