5 of the best Christmas theme-park experiences in Europe
Wrap up warm for festive thrill rides, sparkling trees, skating and Santa Claus at some of Europe’s top theme parks.
When season's cheer meets fairytale playgrounds, the magic of Christmas truly comes to life. Bundle your loved ones and travel through snow-capped markets before heading to spectacular winter shows that will leave you in awe. Here are our picks of Europe's most magical theme-park experiences.
1. Parc Asterix, France
23 December 2023 - 1 January 2024
The theme park dedicated to everyone’s favourite Gaul hosts a firmly Gallic Christmas celebration with firework displays to wish upon, and snow-capped markets. 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
13 November 2023 - 4 February 2024
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.
3. Legoland, England
25 November 2023 - 3 January 2024
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. 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
2 December 2023 - 7 January 2024
Germany’s largest theme park’s Winter Magic season, features Fairytale 3D projections and cosy campfires throughout the festively decorated Christmas village. For endless Christmas fun, 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
19 November - 31 December 2023
Copenhagen’s Tivoli Gardens offers a fairytale Christmas adventure to visitors through vendor stalls abound with Christmas goodies and glittering decorations that recreates the traditional, old-world Christmas atmosphere. Plenty of Christmas trees and sparkling lights, including 70,000 Christmas baubles 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 Glass Hall Theatre and 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.
