Five of the best Christmas theme-park experiences in Europe

1. Parc Asterix, France

The theme park dedicated to everyone’s favourite Gaul hosts a firmly Gallic Christmas celebration from 17 December to 1 January. Just north of Paris, this park’s attractions are based on the themes in Rene Goscinny and Albert Uderzo’s Asterix books — so there’s the Roman Empire, Ancient Greece, Egypt, the Vikings and, of course, Gaul. It’s decorated for the festive season, with snow-covered trees and an outdoor Christmas market where stalls sell tartiflette and traditional French Christmas treats. There’s ice skating, sledging and special Christmas shows, including a new Christmas parade, a magic performance and fireworks. Visitors can immerse themselves fully by staying in one of the three on-site hotels: pretty Les Quais de Lutèce is a ‘village’ set up around a replica of the banks of the Seine in Roman-era Paris, when it was known as Lutetia; woodland-themed Le Trois Hiboux is set in a forest, with lots of outdoor space to explore; while La Cité Suspendue is supposedly a long-forgotten hanging city — the remains of an ancient Celtic civilisation that worshipped trees. 

2. Efteling, Netherlands

Always a good choice for a fairytale trip, fantastical Dutch theme park Efteling is forever bursting with things to delight the entire family. Winter here involves a magical mix of thousands of twinkling lights, artificial snow, Christmas trees and bonfires at each of the squares. There are plenty of wintry snacks and hot drinks on sale, a proper ice rink and special winter shows, as well as a new colourful water show. All the usual rides and attractions are open, too. The winter celebrations run from 14 November to 5 March. 

3. Legoland, England

For fans of the legendary brick, this is the festive playground to visit. More than 20 of the rides, as well as shows and attractions, are open at Legoland Windsor Resort during its Legoland at Christmas event, which runs from 26 November to 3 January. There’s the usual festive magic scattered around the park — trees, snow and plenty of pretty lights — with special Lego touches. Little ones can meet Father Christmas in his log cabin and receive a special Lego gift; Santa also rides around the park in his magical sleigh to entertain the crowds. Looking for more? There are Lego Make and Take activities, a Duplo puppet pantomime and the special Holiday Harbour light show to enjoy, as well as Lego Friends carol singing and an elf post office where kids can send their letter to the big man. 

4. Europa-Park, Germany

Germany’s largest theme park’s Winter Magic season, from 26 November to 8 January, features 3,000 Christmas trees, 10,000 baubles and 6,000 fairy lights. If those numbers aren’t enough to impress, there’s a circus, ice show, ice rink and children’s ski school, 45 huge light figures, fire pits and more. While there are thrills available on the park’s rides, including a 180ft-high big wheel, those looking for traditional festive touches will be pleased with the wooden carousel and Alpine nativity scene. 

5. Tivoli Gardens, Denmark

Copenhagen’s Tivoli Gardens offers a fairytale Christmas adventure to visitors from 19 November to 31 December. Plenty of Christmas trees and sparkling lights will make the cold winter darkness in the Danish capital seem magical and cosy, with snow-clad stalls offering winter treats and the Tivoli Youth Guard playing festive tunes all around the iconic gardens. With light projections, Santa’s House on the Open-Air Stage, The Nutcracker Christmas ballet at the Tivoli Concert Hall and Elf Train and Forest Merry-Go-Round rides for little ones, it promises to be a lovely experience for the whole family.

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