UK theme parks including Alton Towers, Gulliver’s World, Chessington and Paultons Park are all pulling out the stops for Christmas 2025 with a host of fun festive events
Many theme parks are set to open their doors for the Christmas season, offering a variety of activities for all ages. Alongside themed days, some parks will also provide special short breaks, complete with extras such as Santa visits, evening entertainment and even the opportunity for a festive-themed sleepover at the on-site hotels.
Here’s a summary of some of the UK’s most popular theme parks and what they’re offering this November and December.
Alton Towers – Magical Days Out
Starting from £18 per person
In the lead up to Christmas and the New Year, Alton Towers is offering Magical Days Out starting at just £18 per person. The park is expected to be adorned with festive decorations, and guests can enjoy Christmas-themed shows such as Hey Duggee Live: The Christmas Badge!, which is sure to be a hit with the little ones.
Families can also reserve a Santa Sleepover at one of the park’s on-site hotels, starting at £91 per person. This includes a one-day theme park ticket, a visit to Santa’s grotto, a traditional pantomime, and a festive dinner and entertainment for the entire family.
Booking the Santa Sleepover also grants you access to the on-site waterpark and crazy golf.
Gulliver’s World Warrington- Christmas and Land of Lights
Starting from £27 per person
Just an hour from Manchester, Gulliver’s World in Warrington will be offering packages from just £27, which include selected Christmas rides, Santa’s Grotto entry, and a visit to the elf workshop. There’s also the chance to book a festive breakfast, visit Gully’s Christmas Show, and much more.
The Warrington park will also host the Land of Lights Lantern Festival, which you can add to your ticket or visit separately. This beautiful light trail has lots of colourful and unique displays to explore.
Drayton Manor – Christmas Wonderland
Starting from £20 per person
Drayton Manor has announced its “biggest and most magical Christmas plans ever”. The Midlands-based park, renowned for being the home of Thomas Land, will open on selected dates from November 22 to December 31 with most of the park’s rides available.
There will also be an array of themed attractions for family days out. Visitors can also enjoy Elftoria, where the cheeky creatures take over the park, adding a playful touch to your day.
Children can even participate in pranking workshops and watch a live show.
Kids can also explore the Castle Grotto, which offers a story-time experience with Mrs Claus and a visit to Father Christmas, while Thomas Land will be adorned with festive decorations and host seasonal family shows. In the evening, families can embark on the Twinkling Express, a gentle journey surrounded by Christmas light displays.
Paultons Park – Celebration of Christmas
From £20 per person
Paultons, best known as the home of Peppa Pig World, will transform their park into a Christmas wonderland. On selected dates throughout December, visitors can meet Peppa and friends in their festive attire, watch Santa’s Christmas Wish show, or indulge in festive-themed menus at the park’s cafes.
For those who prefer adrenaline-fuelled rides, the Tornado Springs area will also be open, along with selected attractions in Lost Kingdom and Critter Creek.
Chessington – Christmas Village
From £32 per person
A ticket to Chessington’s Christmas village includes access to a selection of the park’s rides, as well as entry to the zoo and SEA LIFE centre. Visitors can partake in a Christmassy silent disco, stroll through a snowy trail, and watch the elves crafting toys in their workshop.
Naturally, there’s also an opportunity to visit Santa and present him with your Christmas list.
Guests can extend their stay by reserving a room at the on-site Safari or Azteca Resort Hotel, and there’s even a variety of VIP experiences that can be added to your package for a unique Christmas experience. You can arrange an elf wake-up call, complete with a small pre-Christmas gift for the children, or participate in a reindeer encounter to see Santa’s helpers up close.
However, the festivities don’t end when January arrives. Chessington now offers a themed Christmas Room, which will be a permanent feature in their hotel throughout the year.
