From hair-raising roller coasters to grand-scale illusions, today’s theme parks offer something for everyone, and come Christmas-time, they get even more exciting. If you visit many of Europe’s theme parks at Christmas you will find that they put on festive displays especially for the holiday season. Experience snowy scenes, twinkling lights, live entertainment and maybe even a visit from Father Christmas.
Perfect for all ages, embrace the holiday season by visiting some of the best of Europe’s theme parks at Christmas.
Winter Magic at Europa-Park, Germany
Until 12 January 2020
Germany’s largest theme park, Europa-Park is found close to the French border, a half-day drive from the P&O ports at Calais, Zeebrugge and Rotterdam. As its name suggests, the park houses 18 zones dedicated to countries all over the continent – from Greece to Iceland.
For Christmas, the park has been festooned with 2,500 local Christmas trees, countless twinkling lights, snow covered scenes and crackling log fires to fend off the biting cold. Peruse the park’s Christmas market, explore the five-metre-high ice sculptures in Snorri’s Glistening Water World, or watch the nightly Winter Starlight Parade, which is full of festive floats.
Winter Efteling at Efteling, the Netherlands
Until 2 February 2020
The largest theme park in the Netherlands, Efteling brings traditional fairy tales to life before your very eyes, and during the festive period, the park gets even more magical. Skate along the indoor ice rink, slide down a real snow slide or grab some ski poles and head down the 450 metre cross-country track before warming up at the park’s bonfire (a special winter addition) with a hot chocolate.
There’s also plenty of festive entertainment, including a performance of The Snow Princess and Fire Prince, gospel singers, carollers and the Efteling Musikanten – an event featuring a theatrical quartet.
Family Holiday Parks France – Disneyland® Paris at Christmas
Until 6 January 2020
Mention theme parks in France and more often than not, Disneyland® Paris will be the first to come to mind. And for good reason – the park has been making childhood dreams come true since its inception 25 years ago.
See your favourite characters make their way down the streets of Disneyland® Paris on spectacular themed floats, or watch the mouse himself performing in Mickey’s Christmas Big Band. There’s also a Christmas market at Disney Village, and you’ll have the chance to meet Santa!
Looking to travel to one of Europe’s theme parks at Christmas? Take a look at our Christmas preparations page for more inspiration.
Feature image by Kevin Gaudin
