2023 Guide To What’s On At Christmas At Merlin Attractions In The UK
If you’re looking for ideas for fun Christmas days out for the family this year, take a look at what’s going on at Christmas at the Merlin attractions in the UK.
There are Santa Sleepovers, Christmas markets, Santa’s Grottos, winter light trails, ice rinks and more at the Merlin attractions this Christmas. Could it get any more festive?
This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one and book or buy something, we may earn a small commission but this is at no extra cost to you.
Before you check out what’s going on at the UK Merlin attractions at Christmas, consider whether you will be visiting more than one attraction over the next 12 months.
If you are thinking of making next year the year of visiting Merlin attractions, then you should take a look at the savings you could make with a Merlin Annual pass.
If you are based in London and looking at visiting more than one of the London Merlin attractions at Christmas, take a look at the Big City Saver to make savings.
Not quite Christmas yet? Take a look at what’s on this Halloween at the Merlin attractions.
Here’s what’s on at the Merlin attractions this December…
Christmas at the Merlin theme parks in the UK
Whether you are looking for a festive family break or just a festive day out, these Merlin theme parks have loads going on at Christmas.
Christmas at Warwick Castle
It is already one of the most impressive castles in England but during the festive period, Warwick Castle is decorated head to toe with Christmas decorations. It offers a fabulous festive day out for the family and is one of the best Merlin Christmas events.
Things to do at Warwick Castle at Christmas
Stories with Santa – enjoy a special Christmas story with Santa and Mrs Claus.
Ice Skating – set in the castle grounds, ice skating is such a lovely thing to do at Christmas.
Light Trail – Warwick Castle light trail is one of the best Christmas light trails in the country. The castle and grounds come alive at night with a dazzling light display.
Santa Sleepover – on selected dates through November and December. The Merlin festive break package includes an overnight stay in the castle, 2 day Warwick Castle entry tickets, evening entertaiment in the Knights Village. In the morning you will receive an Elf wake-up call and during the second day you will get to have a story with Santa. See here for Windsor Castle Santa Sleepover tickets and more info.
Warwick Castle Christmas 2023 dates
The festive season at Warwick Castle runs on selected dates from 26th November 2022 to 2nd January 2023.
Annual passholders can book to visit the castle during this period free of charge but if you want to book any of the above activities, there is an additional charge.
Photo Credit: Warwick Castle
Christmas at Alton Towers
Things to do at Alton Towers at Christmas
Santa Sleepover – on selected dates through November and December. Your package includes 1-day entry to the Theme Park, a visit to the Santa’s Grotto, the Lightopia Seasonal Wonderland and the Towers Christmas Market.
In the evening you will enjoy a festive meal and an overnight stay in a themed hotel. The next day you will get entry to the Caribbean themed waterpark and 9-holf crazy golf course. See here for Alton Towers Santa Sleepover tickets and more info.
Towers Street Christmas Market – enjoy wandering around the Christmas market stalls (included in your park entry).
Seasonal Wonderland – Alton Towers Resort & Lightopia are working together to bring you a fabulous, immersive winter light experience that transforms Alton Towers into a winter wonderland.
Alton Towers Christmas 2023 dates
The festive season at Alton Towers runs on selected dates from 25th November 2022 to 2nd January 2023.
Just visiting for the day? Buy your tickets on the Alton Towers website here.
Photo Credit: Alton Towers
Christmas at Legoland Windsor
Things to do at Legoland Windsor at Christmas
Santa Sleepover – your festive stay at Legoland Windsor includes 1-day entry to the Theme Park and an overnight stay in a themed hotel.
In addition, you will receive a free LEGO gift in your room, a free Christmas gift and letter, Storytime with Santa and access to the pool area. See here for Legoland Windsor Santa Sleepover tickets and more info.
See here for Legoland at Christmas ticketsandmeet Father Christmas tickets here.
Legoland Windsor Christmas 2023 dates
The festive season at Legoland Windsor runs on selected dates from 25th November 2023. We have a guide to visiting Legoland Windsor with younger children which you may find helpful.
Legoland Windsor is easy to get to from London and makes a great day trip from London by train. See also our guide to family days out from London.
Christmas at Chessington World of Adventures
Things to do at Chessington World of Adventures at Christmas
Santa Sleepovers – the Santa Sleepover at Chessington World of Adventures includes 1-night stay with breakfast in a themed hotel, 1-day entry to the Winters Tail event, Zoo and SeaLife Centre.
You will also get to meet Father Christmas and have access to the Savannah Splash Pool. See here for Chessington World of Adventures Santa Sleepover tickets and more info.
Chessington World of Adventures Christmas 2023 dates
The festive season at Chessington World of Adventures runs on selected dates from 25th November to 31st December 2023. See here for more event info and tickets. Tickets start from £30.00 per person.
For help with making the most of your visit, make sure you read our review of Chessington.
You might also be interested in finding out what’s on at Christmas in Surrey this year and also Christmas events in Sussex.
Photo Credit: Chessington World of Adventures
Christmas at Thorpe Park
Things to do at Thorpe Park at Christmas
The Thorpe Park festive calendar for 2023 has yet to be released. We will update when it has been published.
Thorpe Park Christmas 2023 dates
TBC
Christmas at Merlin attractions in the UK (London)
The details for the Christmas events at the Merlin attractions in London have not been released yet. We will update when we have more information.
Before we detail what’s going on at Christmas at the Merlin attractions in London, if you are based in London and looking for things to do this Christmas, we have a Christmas section on our blog covering lots of Christmassy things to do.
These are our most popular posts:
The best things to do at Christmas for families in London.
Where to find the best Christmas lights in London
Exploring the London Christmas markets
Where to visit Santa in London
Where to go ice skating in London
Where to eat in an igloo restaurant in London
OFFER:
Shrek’s Adventure – Get an extra £12 off. Book tickets from £20.00. Offer runs on select dates for the rest of 2023. See here for tickets. Promo code: SALAFF2023.
London Dungeon – Get adult tickets for £25 and up to £10 off per person on selected dates. See here for tickets. Promo code: LDAFF2023.
Shrek’s Adventure at Christmas
You can book your Shrek’s Adventure tickets here and read our full review of Shrek’s Adventure here. See also our guide to family-friendly things to do near Waterloo.
London Eye at Christmas
You can book your London Eye tickets here (and read our London Eye review here). This Christmas they are running a Christmas Panto Pod (Jack and the Beanstalk from 14th to 18th December).
SeaLife Centre at Christmas
You can book your SeaLife Centre tickets here.
Madame Tussauds at Christmas
See our review of Madame Tussauds in London.
You can book your Madame Tussauds tickets here.
The London Dungeon at Christmas
Read our review of the London Dungeons with kids.
You can book your London Dungeon tickets here.
Photo Credit: Merlin Entertainments
Christmas with Merlin attractions in the UK (outside of London)
Christmas 2023 Merlin attraction information TBC.
SeaLife Centre Birmingham
You can book your SeaLife Birmingham tickets here.
SeaLife Centre Manchester
You can book your SeaLife Manchester tickets here.
Blackpool Tower
You can book your Blackpool Tower tickets here.
Legoland Discovery Centre Manchester
You can book your Legoland Discovery Centre Manchester tickets here.
So this is what is on at Christmas at Merlin attractions in the UK. Keep checking back here as we will update this post when the Christmas events at the Merlin attractions are updated.
