Are you planning the ultimate festive day out with your children this Christmas? If you’re thinking of heading to one of the bigger UK festive attractions this winter, here’s our roundup of the most magical places to celebrate Christmas with your toddler in the UK.
Looking for festive fun to feel the Christmas Spirit with your baby or toddler?
It’s never to early to book a Christmas class on Happity. Find one you’ll love here.
1. Best All-Round Family Experience – Chessington World of Adventures
Experience the magic of Christmas at Chessington with Winter’s Tail for all-round festive family fun.
With a brand new Christmas village, Enchanted Hollow, Christmas pantomimes, Gruffalo rides, reindeer and more, it’s easy to see why Chessington is a go-to for Christmas magic. Plus, the tickets often include additional perks like gingerbread decorating or a free hot drink. Pre-book your trip here.
“We’ve been to Chessington for Christmas many times and I’d say it’s my all-time fave. Even though it costs a bit, I think it works out as being MUCH better value than the local things because it includes so much!”
– Sara, Happity Co-Founder
2. Most Toddler-Friendly – CBeebies Land
Head to the Alton Towers resort for toddler-friendly Christmas entertainment including pantomimes and Santa’s grotto.
CBeebies Land at Alton Towers is perfect for fans of Octonauts, Bluey, Go Jetters, and more. Children under 90cm visit for free and, as you enter through the main Alton Towers theme park entrance, it’s perfect for grown-ups who want a quick ride on something faster. See the whole resort turn into a magical wonderland at Christmas time, visit Santa and watch the Jack and the Beanstalk panto. Book your visit here.
3. Best For Kids Of All Ages/Most Interactive – Legoland at Christmas
Enjoy the build-up to Christmas at Legoland this winter season with brick trees, treats and Santa.
Legoland at any time of the year is magical, so imagine what it’s like at Christmas! From DUPLO Christmas trees to Christmas Lego gifts from Santa in his magical cabin, soak up the atmosphere of Christmassy day out at Legoland. Your toddler will love the decorations and Santa being pulled around on his sleigh with festive music and dancing. Pre-book your visit here.
“The elves secretly told Santa my kids’ ages and names so my then 7-year-old was amazed at the magic along with my 3-year-old. The gifts then fit their ages too which was so sweet.”
– Becky, Team Happity
4. Best Around The UK For Little Ones – Christmas Toddler And Baby Classes
Check out your regular toddler or baby class for Christmas fun.
Created especially for your toddler or baby, you’ll find that loads of class providers love throwing a Christmas party or festive session in the lead-up to Christmas. Celebrating with other mums, dads, carers and their toddlers can create great memories. So go for stress-free fun in a relaxed environment by checking out Christmas classes here.
5. Most Chocolatey Christmas – Cadbury World
Choose Cadbury World for chocolatey fun, Cadbury’s characters, and chocolate desserts this Christmas.
Christmas and chocolate – what’s not to like? For an ultimate Chocolatey treat, you can book a Festive Character Afternoon Tea. Meet Freddo and Mr Cadbury’s Parrot while enjoying a whole range of Cadbury’s inspired treats. There’s also a Santa show and other chocolatey delights to experience. Make sure you pre-book here.
6. Most Magical – Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park
Skate your way into Christmas under the stars at Winter Wonderland.
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland is on the bucket list for many adults. So what makes it so magical for toddlers? In one corner you’ll find Santaland, designed just for little ones and their families. From a free Santa’s grotto and parades to Penguin Bumper Cars and a Chill Zone, you could spend the whole day here.
Children aged 3+ can borrow penguin skate aids to glide along with the adults on the UK’s largest open-air ice rink, while fans of Mr Tumble can book Justin’s Christmas singalong on selected dates.
“Hyde Park had a brilliant ice sculpture walkthrough which the kids loved – ice thrones you could sit on and lots of photo opportunities.”
– Becky, Team Happity
7. Most Medieval – Warwick Castle
Cosy into Christmas at the Castle at Warwick and admire a bird of prey or two.
Warwick Castle is a firm favourite with families. It’s easy to see why Christmas here is so popular with its open-air ice rink, illuminations, Stories with Santa experience, winter birds of prey, and a Christmas market. Click here for more details.
8. Most Authentic – Lapland UK
Lap up the unique atmosphere at the UK’s very own Christmas theme park with an elf village and real huskies.
Lapland’s booking system opens for certain days ahead of the Christmas season. So if you’ve secured a ticket for this year, check out this mum’s blog on her top tips for how to make the most of your visit with your child.
9. Most Illuminated – Yorkshire Wildlife Park
Love the magical light trail at Yorkshire Wildlife Park.
You can’t go wrong with a trip to Yorkshire Wildlife Park. Catch their magical light and lantern festival, a 3 km-long feast of winter illuminations. This year the theme is an Around The World In 80 Days Christmas extravaganza. Children under 3 go free and there’s free parking too. There are also animals to see…
“I visited Yorkshire Wildlife Park last year with my then 3-year-old, niece and nephew. Lots to do and see and so much space for them to run around!”
– Lucy, Team Happity
10. Best For Animals – ZSL Zoos
Prepare Christmas treats for the animals at Whipsnade Zoo.
Talking of animals, Chester Zoo and the ZSL zoos pull all the stops out for Christmas. Whipsnade does a Meet Santa Animal Gift-Giving experience – make food for the actual animals, then watch them eat it! London Zoo offers Christmas crafts, festive talks about the animals and Pop Up Santa. Chester Zoo has a magical animal-themed Christmas light trail this year all set to music. You can take your time going round at toddler-pace and soak up every moment.
“We have booked to go back to Chester Zoo this year and I know a few friends who are returning too. It’s a great one for younger children as it’s quite a calm experience.”
– Kate, Team Happity
11. Most Historic – English Heritage
Step back in time for Christmases of the past at an English Heritage site.
Experience illuminations at Battle Abbey near Hastings, a decorated art-deco mansion at Eltham Palace and Narnia at Wrest Park. With Father Christmas events, illuminations, and Christmas afternoon teas at so many properties, search here for an event near you!
12. Most Nostalgic – National Trust Houses
Recapture your childhood with Christmas trees galore and homemade decorations at a National Trust home.
National Trust properties help recreate the nostalgia of childhood – and create new memories with your children too! While some have paid light shows after dark, you’ll find that most halls open up their doors for families to wander in and admire the Christmas decorations from a bygone era. This is usually free for members. Many properties also offer traditional Christmas crafts like paper chain making.
“Wimpole Hall at Christmas time is an absolute gem. They decorate the rooms – and chapel – so beautifully. It has a really relaxed atmosphere for children, who can enjoy making Christmas decorations.”
– Liz, Team Happity
13. Best Afternoon Tea – British Garden Centres
Tuck into a festive afternoon tea at a British Garden Centre.
We already know that garden centers are a hit with toddlers, so why not go all-out with a British Garden Centre afternoon tea with Santa?
14. Most Spectacular Views – The London Eye
Gain a bird’s eye view of London all lit-up from The London Eye.
If your toddler is a fan of heights and lights, hop onto The London Eye at Christmastime. It’s slow-moving so all the better for catching more than just a glimpse of London’s spectacular skyline. The Southbank also has plenty of festive activities, so you can explore after or before your aerial adventure!
15. Best Santa’s Grottos
Find a grotto to suit you, your child and your budget all over the UK.
- Aviemore, Scotland – With real snow, a woodland grotto and the UK’s one and only free-range reindeer herd, you can’t get more Nordic than this (in the UK)!
- Zipmas, Wales – Travel below ground on Europe’s steepest cable railway to find Santa’s secret grotto, make slate baubles and maybe have a round or two of Grotto Golf.
- Todds Leap, Northern Ireland – Find Santa’s post office, his off-road sleigh and visit Mrs Claus’ cabin.
- The Eden Project, Cornwall – Meet Santa in The Eden Project’s iconic biosphere domes and learn all about his elves!
- Stockeld Park, Yorkshire – Check out Stockeld Park’s interactive map to discover their mega illuminated snowflake maze, winter illuminations, grotto and more.
- Noir Kringle, London – Make reindeer food, experience Black British culture and meet Mrs Kringle too.
- If you live in or near London, Museum Mum has done the legwork for you in her Best Santa’s Grottos in London 2024 guide, including SEN and relaxed grotto sessions.
Looking for a last-minute Santa’s grotto? Check out our blog here for top tips on how to get the best out of the experience for you and your toddler.
And search more great ideas for Santa’s Grottos around the UK here.
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