5 theme parks to visit for festive fun - from light trails to Santa experiences

Looking for a festive day out for all the family? Many theme parks will be opening their doors for the Christmas season with a range of activities for all ages

In addition to themed days out, some parks will also be offering special short breaks, with extras such as Santa visits and evening entertainment and even the chance to enjoy a festive-themed sleepover at the on-park hotels. Here's a round-up of some of the most popular theme parks in the UK and what they'll be offering this November and December.

Gulliver's - Christmas and Land of Lights

Starting from £27 per person

Three of Gulliver's theme parks, located in Rotherham, Milton Keynes, and Warrington, will be hosting Christmas events with a variety of festive rides and attractions. The offerings vary by park and include festive breakfasts, Santa's grottos, Christmas shows, Elf workshops, and more, with different packages available.

Each park will also feature a Land of Lights attraction - a stunning light trail that opens during the winter season. Tickets for this attraction are sold separately, starting at £13.75 per person.

For further details and dates, visit Gulliver's website.

Alton Towers - Magical Days Out

From £18 per person

In the run up to Christmas and the New Year, Alton Towers offers Magical Days Out starting at just £18 per person. While it's a cheaper way to visit the park, it's worth noting that only CBeebies Land and Mutiny Bay are open, plus a couple of the bigger rides, so you don't expect all the usual rollercoasters to be available.

However, the park is set to be decked out in festive decorations, and visitors can enjoy Christmas-themed shows such as Hey Duggee Live: The Christmas Badge!, which is bound to be a hit with the younger members of the family.

Families can also book 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 whole family.

Booking the Santa Sleepover also gives you access to the on-site waterpark and crazy golf.

Discover more on Alton Towers' official website.

Drayton Manor - Christmas Wonderland

Starting from £20 per person

Drayton Manor has announced their "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 22 November to 31 December with most of the park's rides open.

There will also be a range of themed attractions for family days out. Fans of Elf on the Shelf can enjoy Elftoria, where the cheeky creatures take over the park, adding a mischievous touch to your day.

Children can even participate in pranking workshops and enjoy a live elf show.

Youngsters can 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 tranquil journey surrounded by Christmas light displays.

Discover more about Christmas at Drayton Manor here.

Paultons Park - Celebration of Christmas

Starting from £20 per person

Paultons, known for being the home of Peppa Pig World, is transforming its park into a Christmas wonderland. On selected dates throughout December, guests can meet Peppa and friends in their festive attire, watch Santa's Christmas Wish show, or enjoy festive-themed menus in 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.

Book or discover more about Christmas at Paultons here.

Chessington - Christmas Village

Starting 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 enjoy a Christmassy silent disco, stroll through a snowy trail, and see 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 an array of VIP experiences that can be added to your package for a truly unique Christmas experience. Arrange for 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 all year round.

Regardless of when you visit, you'll have the chance to enjoy a decorated tree, Christmas crackers, hot chocolate, and even a festively adorned parking space. It's the ideal treat for the Christmas enthusiast in your life.

Discover more about Christmas at Chessington and book tickets here.