Theme parks may seem like a summer activity, but we think you'll find there's plenty of wintry fun to be had behind their gates too.

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Every December, theme parks across the UK and Europe are glad to deck their halls and put on a sleigh-full of Christmas activities for families to enjoy. From Chessington's Winter's Tail to Alton Towers' Santa Sleepovers, there are so many rides, shows and events to explore.

They also all boast their own Santa's Grotto experience, each one as magical as the rest – so, which should you try?

Below, we've listed all of our favourite Christmas theme parks to attend this winter, in the UK and a sneaky extra from Europe.

Best Christmas theme parks at a glance:

Which theme parks are open in December?

Many UK and European theme parks are open in December and run special festive events, although they'll often close certain rides due to the low temperatures.

In the UK, well-known parks like Chessington World of Adventures and Alton Towers go all-out for Christmas with seasonal decorations, activities and shows, which run on select dates from November to January. The only major theme park that closes for the whole of the winter period is Thorpe Park in Surrey.

Which theme parks are open on Christmas Day?

No UK theme parks are open on Christmas Day, although Disneyland Paris and other European parks will be.

The best theme parks to visit this Christmas

Peppa Pig World and Paultons Park, from £40

Best for little children

Christmas characters at Paultons Park
Paultons Park

Christmas opening dates 6th – 7th/13th – 15th/19th – 24th/27th – 31st December/2nd – 3rd Jan | Cost of day ticket £40 | Cost of overnight stay from £307

Paultons Park is best known for its fabulous Peppa Pig World, which is heaven for pre-school aged children. At Christmas time, it gets even more magical with beautiful illuminations around the park, Santa's Storytime and the chance to meet Peppa and George in their festive outfits.

Buy Paultons Park tickets from £40 at Paultons Park

Chessington Winter's Tail, from £22

Best visit to Santa

Chessington Christmas
Merlin

Christmas opening dates 22nd – 23rd/29th – 30th Nov/6th – 7th/12th – 24th Dec | Cost of day ticket £22 | Cost of overnight stay from £70

Winter's Tail is the name of Chessington's annual Christmas celebrations, which include a sparkling festive range of events and activities. Throughout this period the park undergoes a huge festive makeover complete with carollers and a festive light trail. Plus, every year there's a new Christmas panto amongst a range of other kid-friendly performances and scavenger hunts.

However, the real draw is the Christmas Village, which features a special village to Santa's Grotto, and a look in the Enchanted Hollow: Toy Workshop where the elves are hard at work – you may just receive an early Christmas gift!

Buy Chessington World of Adventures Christmas tickets from £22 at Chessington

Christmas at LEGOLAND, from £34

Best for Christmas activities

LEGOLAND at Christmas
Merlin

Christmas opening dates 22nd/29th – 30th Nov/6th – 7th/15th – 23rd Dec/27th Dec – 3rd Jan | Cost of day ticket £34 | Cost of overnight stay from £70

LEGOLAND at Christmas is a full-on family event with kids' shows, workshops and festive activities scattered around the park. Highlights this year include the Festival of Flurries Show, the Elf Training Academy Show and Build to Give, where you can create a festive heart for young children in need.

Buy LEGOLAND Christmas tickets from £34 at LEGOLAND

Alton Towers Santa Sleepovers, from £18

Best for overnight stays

Toddler and parents at Alton Towers's Christmas event
Merlin Entertainments

Christmas opening dates 6th – 7th/13th – 15th/19th – 24th/27th – 31st December/2nd – 3rd Jan | Cost of day ticket £40 | Cost of overnight stay from £307

As you wander through Alton Towers this December, you'll encounter plenty of Christmas characters, as well as interactive games and a visit to Santa's Grotto on Mistletoe Lane.

We highly recommend the festive family breaks at Alton Towers as the best way to capitalise on all the 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 can enjoy a breakfast buffet, the Alton Towers waterpark, and crazy golf.

Buy Alton Towers tickets from £18 at Alton Towers

Disneyland Paris Christmas Holidays, from £117

Best for Christmas rides

PARIS, FRANCE - NOVEMBER 20: In this handout provided by Disneyland Paris, a general view of Christmas decoration during "Le Noel Enchante Disney - The Enchanted Christmas" at Disneyland Paris on November 20, 2021 in Paris, France. (Photo by Handout/Getty Images)
Handout/Getty Images

Christmas opening dates 1st – 31st December | Cost of day ticket £103 | Cost of overnight stay from £117

Disneyland Paris is as magical as you would expect it to be at Christmas, what with the twinkling Christmas tree lighting, singalong Christmas shows and Mickey’s Dazzling Christmas Parade. Plus, every Disney character is bedecked in festive gear including Stitch, Mickey and Princess Aurora.

Christmas Wonderland at Drayton Manor, from £25

Best for Christmas shows

Drayton Manor Christmas
Drayton Manor

Christmas opening dates 22nd Nov – 31st December | Cost of day ticket £25 | Cost of overnight stay from £125

Drayton manor is a park that ticks a lot of boxes for families with children of varying ages. The rides range from relaxing to scarily fast, there is a themed Thomas the Tank Engine area and a big zoo. At Christmas, one of the main highlights is the Cinderella pantomime, plus there's the enchanted Christmas grotto and the Elf Hunt.

Buy Drayton Manor Christmas tickets from £25 at Drayton Manor

Winter Wonderland, free entry

Best for fairground games

LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 21: An aerial view of Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park on November 21, 2024 in London, England. Christmas begins in London as Winter Wonderland lights up the city. (Photo by Chris Gorman/Big Ladder/Getty Images)
Chris Gorman/Big Ladder/Getty Images

Christmas opening dates 14th Nov – 1st Jan | Cost of day ticket free

Winter Wonderland is a classic in London, featuring dozens of fairground rides and games for families to enjoy. You can always try and win the world-famous big plush banana too!

Book free Winter Wonderland tickets

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Make sure you check out more Christmas content in the best beauty advent calendars and best teen advent calendars. Plus the must-have Christmas toys of this year.

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