How to get tickets for Alton Towers family Christmas event
We hear those sleigh bells ringing, the Alton Towers Christmas event defrosting. Here's everything you need to know about your next family weekend away.
It may feel like a way off but as the first bit of frost starts to cling to our windowsills, it's time to well and truly start looking forward to Christmas.
So, how about Christmas at Alton Towers? We're big fans of the Stoke-on-Trent theme park, with it making an appearance on our best theme parks for families guide, and we were lucky enough to visit Alton Towers' Halloween event, Scarefest, last October, too.
So what does Alton Towers have in store for families this Christmas? The theme park as we know it hibernates for the winter, and in its place you'll find festive shows, overnight stays like Santa Sleepover and festive family breaks, as well as activities such as The Reindeer Games.
Let's find out more.
Buy Christmas at Alton Towers day tickets from £18 at Alton Towers
Jump to:
- What is Alton Towers doing for Christmas?
- Are there age restrictions at Alton Towers festive events?
- What are the dates for Christmas at Alton Towers 2025?
- What are the festive family breaks at Alton Towers?
- What is Santa Sleepover at Alton Towers?
- How much does the Alton Towers Santa Sleepover cost?
What is Alton Towers doing for Christmas?
Alton Towers is transforming into a winter wonderland this Christmas and — dare we say — the theme park has a sleigh full of festivities in store for you and your family in December.
The Christmas magic seems to have sparkled and settled in CBeebies Land, predominantly, with the Towers Street area decorated in all of its festive glory, too.
As you wander around Alton Towers, you and your little ones will have the chance to meet various Christmas characters, and we're sure if you ask nicely, you'll be able to snap a photo with the merry guests.
No family Christmas event is complete without Santa's Grotto! Santa has travelled from the North Pole to Mistletoe Lane at Alton Towers to spend quality time with your family. As well as meeting Santa, you can also take a photo with Mr Claus to commemorate the special day.
All this plus a range of interactive games for kids to play in groups and new festive live shows, yet to be announced. Day tickets in the Christmas period start from just £18.
Buy Christmas at Alton Towers day tickets from £18 at Alton Towers
Are there age restrictions at Alton Towers festive events?
A lot of the festivities at the Alton Towers Christmas event take place at CBeebies Land, and the rides here are aimed at children between the ages of one to six.
What are the dates for Christmas at Alton Towers 2025?
Alton Towers is open from March until November each year, however, when the theme park as we typically know it is closed, the Christmas Days Out dates and Festive Short Breaks run from December to February half term. The November and January dates that Alton Towers is open are as follows:
- 28th - 30th Nov
- 5th - 7th Dec
- 12th - 23rd Dec
- 26th Dec - 4th Jan
The Alton Towers Waterpark is open almost all year round, however, not all of the rides are (but more on this later). You can find all of the dates that Alton Towers is open for Christmas on the theme park's handy opening times page.
What rides are open for Christmas at Alton Towers?
As well as the Christmas activities, there are plenty of rides still open in CBeebies Land at Alton Towers, which are perfect for younger children. This Christmas, you and your family can enjoy Bugbie Go Round, In The Night Garden Magical Boat Ride, Justin's 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, and Hey Duggee Big Adventure Badge.
It's worth noting that the biggest rides at Alton Towers, such as The Smiler, Oblivion, and Wicker Man, will go into hibernation for the winter period.
What are the festive family breaks at Alton Towers?
The festive family breaks at Alton Towers combine an overnight stay with festive fun. They typically include one-day entry to the Alton Towers theme park, a festive evening meal, tickets to a traditional pantomime and an overnight stay in one of Alton Towers's themed hotels. The following day, you enjoy a breakfast buffet, the Alton Towers waterpark, and crazy golf.
Festive breaks start at £91 per person and book up quickly once the leaves start to drop, so get yours soon.
Book Alton Towers festive breaks from £91
What is Santa Sleepover at Alton Towers?
As well as the festive family breaks, Alton Towers has another activity which is sure to be a ho-ho-whole lot of fun — the Santa Sleepover! You can buy the Santa Sleepover package at the Alton Towers website, and the MadeForMums team have written below everything that's included.
On the check-in day at Santa Sleepover, you and your family will get one-day entry to Alton Towers theme park, a visit to Santa's Grotto, tickets to the Christmas festive shows, and a delicious meal and overnight stay in one of Alton Towers's themed hotels.
On the check-out day, you and your family will eat a buffet breakfast, get access to the Alton Towers waterpark, and try your luck on the nine holes of crazy golf.
How much does the Alton Towers Santa Sleepover cost?
The Santa Sleepover at Alton Towers will set you back £91 per person.
Book Alton Towers Santa Sleepover from £91 at Alton Towers
Read more of the Best Alton Towers deals and CBeebies Land Hotel review.