Drayton Manor Does Christmas — With a Big, Bold Ba-Da-Boom
- James Smith
- Dec 9, 2025
- 3 min read
The yuletide elves have landed — and brought the whole North Pole with them. This Christmas, Drayton Manor has cranked the festive dial with lights, laughter, and roller-coaster screams all tangled up in tinsel.
Until the 31st December 2025, the Staffordshire favourite transforms into a full-blown “Christmas Wonderland” — complete with elves, pantomime, hot-chocolate smells, and more than a sprinkling of seasonal sparkle.
WHAT’S ON — FOR BIG KIDS & LITTLE ONES ALIKE
Grotto Wanderings & Magical Moments
Kids (and big kids who still believe) get to meet Father Christmas in the Enchanted Grotto. There’s letter-writing for Santa, “reindeer-food” making, story time with Mrs Claus, and a little gift waiting at the end — plus hot chocolate for the grown-ups. All just £10 per person (or £5 if tiny tots under 2 come along).
Twinkle Express & Snowy Trails
As dusk falls, climb aboard the Twinkle Express — a magical, light-filled train ride that snakes through winter wonderland scenes. For just £5, you get ride, lights and festive feels all in one. Perfect if you want Christmas charm without the white-knuckle screams.
Elftoria — Mischief, Magic & Snowball Fights
New for 2025: Elves Behavin' Badly | Elftoria. Think cheeky elves, snowball fight arenas, pranking workshops, crafts, a Christmas-tree maze — and probably more glitter than Santa’s workshop after midnight. There are bites to eat, merry chaos, and a snow-dusted escapade that kids will remember for years. All for £20 per person.
Pantos, Rides & Full-On Family Fun
It wouldn’t be Christmas without a bit of panto — enter the Cinderella Pantomime, packed with sparkle, songs, silly jokes and enough family-friendly fun to leave grannies and toddlers giggling together. Tickets are £5 a head.
But that’s not all — for the first time ever, all of Drayton’s major rides (yes — proper roller-coasters like Gold Rush, Maelstrom and The Wave) will be open through the festive weeks including weekends, Christmas week and Twixmas. Cozy winter vibes and screaming drops. So if your idea of Christmas includes a bit of adrenaline, Drayton has you covered.
A Christmas Miracle on the Lake
As the stars come out and the air turns crisp, gather by the lake for A Christmas Miracle — a jaw-dropping show of water, fire, light, and music. Think 30-metre water-screens, dancing jets, dramatic flame bursts and a festive soundtrack. It’s a proper wow-moment to end your day with.
SLEEP, EAT & WAKE — WITH SIR TOPHAM HATT
Let’s face it — after a day of snow-ball fights, coaster screams and elf mischief, you want to put your feet up. That’s where the Drayton Manor Hotel comes in — the 4-star on-site pad that turns a day-trip into a full-on miniature holiday.
Stay the night in a cosy family-friendly hotel room (double + sofa bed, bunk beds, family interconnecting rooms — the lot).
Wake up to a hot buffet breakfast (available 7am–10am). Perfect for filling up before another round of festive fun.
As part of the festive package, there’s also a special “Breakfast with Sir Topham Hatt” — a breakfast occasion where kids can munch their fry-up while hanging out with the big cheese himself (or at least a version thereof). Magical for Thomas & Friends fans and a proper perk if you’ve got little ones in tow.
On top of that: kids’ evening entertainment at the hotel, a festive-themed mini-golf round, free parking and Wi-Fi — so no scrabbling around for extras.
So you don’t just bolt home after the lights go out — you cosy up, recharge, then dive right back in for round two.
WHY THIS IS THE CHRISTMAS TRIP YOU’VE BEEN WAITING FOR
Because — and let’s be honest — Christmas these days deserves more than just a tree and some tinselly baubles. Drayton Manor 2025 is serving a full Christmas banquet: sparkle, noise, warmth, thrills, caring-for-everyone, and that awkward uncle dancing at the panto.
Whether you want to cosy up by the grotto, launch snowballs at elves, ride a looping coaster, or just watch lights dance on water — there’s something here for every kind of festive soul.
So wrap up warm, charge the camera, and book early — because when Christmas comes knocking, you don’t want to be the one still stuck on the sofa.
For more information and a 20% discount visit:
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