Traditionally in the UK the end of October half-term marks the end of the UK Theme Park season however, some parks do open their gates for Christmas events with limited ride offerings.
In this blog I’ll share what UK parks are offering for Christmas 2024.
Alton Towers is open between the 29th November and 5th January for their Christmas offering with some activities and rides available.
The Alton Towers Christmas offering is largely geared towards families with some CBeebies characters being out-and-about, rides in CBeebies land being open and rides in Mutiny Bay also being open (with the exception of the Splash Battle for obvious reasons!)
Tower Street will be the hub between the two areas of the park which will be open with The Reindeer Games being a key activity, a new for 2024 adventure where you can search for the missing reindeer. There will also be a festive show featuring Santa and you can even have a festive family break at the Alton Towers Hotel.
Full list of available rides:
Bugbie Go Round, In The Night Garden Magical Boat Ride, Justins Pie-O-Matic Factory, Peter Rabbit Hippity Hop, Postman Pat Parcel Post, Heave Ho, Marauder’s Mayhem, Octonauts Rollercoaster Adventure, Go Jetters Vroomster Zoom Ride, Something Special Sensory Garden, Sharkbait Reef by SEA LIFE, Big Fun Showtime, Furchester Hotel Live, Andy’s Adventures Dinosaur Dig, JoJo and Gran Gran: At Home, Hey Duggee Big Adventure Badge.
For those wanting a festive trip to the seaside Blackpool Pleasure Beach is running their ‘Christmas Grotto’ event, also aimed at families (there’s a trend here!).
A ticket for this event is a timed slot and a variety of times are available between mid-November and Christmas Eve with a standard ticket setting you back £18 per child with up to two adults accompanying.
Included in the price you’ll be able to meet Santa, take a ride on Alice in Wonderland, and get a Bubble Waffle. Ice Skating and games stalls are upcharges which can be pre-booked or booked on the day if available.
Once again, running mid-November until the end of December and aimed at families Drayton Manor has an offering for Christmas.
The park will be decorated for Christmas, Thomas Land and its rides will be open along with the Zoo, Gold Rush, Accelerator, Blasting Barrels, Sheriff’s Showdown, The Bounty Pirate Ship and the Jolly Buccaneer.
Drayton Manor are also offering a Christmas Grotto which needs to be purchased alongside entry and will include kids entertainment, meet and greet with Santa and a small gift.
Drayton Manor are also offering accessible Christmas Grotto experiences this year for children who need a calmer setting and more time. This is booked the same way as normal Grotto tickets and absolutely fantastic this is on offer. Well done Drayton Manor!
Finally, there will be the Hot Chocolate Thomas’ Express ride and Rusty and Dusty’s Hot Chocolate Factory.
In my opinion Drayton Manor has the strongest Christmas offering out of any UK park.
Read more about Drayton Manor’s Christmas offering here
Moving down South we reach Festive Wonderland at Chessington, another family event also running mid-November until the end of December.
Visitors before Christmas will be able to watch the Christmas panto, walk the festive trail, enjoy Zoo talks, check out Snowy’s Conservation Crew in SEA LIFE and even hear some carolling.
The ride offering at Chessington for Christmas is limited with Mandrill Mayhem, Gruffly River Ride Adventure, Room on the Broom, Ostrich Stampede, Mamba Strike, Jungle Rangers, Adventure Tree Carousel, Blue Barnacle, Tree Top Hoppers, Trawler Trouble, Barrel Bail Out, Tiny Truckers, Amazu, Dragon’s Playhouse, Griffin’s Galleon, Elmer’s Flying Jumbos and Sea Dragons being open.
Finally, let’s talk about Paultons Park’s offering for Christmas (probably shouldn’t mention pigs in blankets here!)
Paulton’s will be open for family events on dates throughout December and have a nice selection of rides open across the park (see the full list here). In addition to that there will be be Santa’s story time, live festive entertainment, character meet and greets and decorations throughout the park.
With a selection of options for families at UK parks this Christmas season there’s some great opportunities for festive days out but with Drayton Manor and Paultons offering the strongest line-up and best value for money.
If you’ve enjoyed this post you might like to check out our other blogs.
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