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Magical Christmas at Drayton Manor Theme Park 2015

22 November 2015 by Eileen

Drayton Manor, home of Europe’s only Thomas Land™ has officially opened its popular magical winter wonderland Christmas event with fireworks! Following Thomas Land’s £2.5 million expansion in the spring, this year’s Magical Christmas promises to be bigger and better than ever, with over 25 rides and attractions to enjoy, such as new arrivals Flynn the Fire Engine and Captain’s Sea Adventure.

Drayton's Magical Christmas

The exciting new Thomas Land, which is now 40% bigger, also features a brand new two-storey Sodor Airport complex, with balconies offering stunning views across the park, a café and VIP Thomas and Friends themed suites that are available for private hire. Even though both my children are slightly older now, they still love the gentle rides in Thomas Land especially the Sodor Classic Cars, Troublesome Trucks Coaster, Cranky the Crane Drop Tower, Diesel’s Locomotion Mayhem, etc.

drayton manor flying school

If you happen to be around Knapford Station (you can’t miss it), you might get some flurry snow (at least three times a day) or even better, catch Fat Controller patrolling the place or put on a show!

Drayton's Magical Christmas Fat Controller

This was our second time visiting their Magical Christmas event and we love it despite the extreme cold weather. The children never seem to feel the cold especially when they are busy playing and even if you did, there are outdoor heaters that can be found outside their restaurants or you could seek refuge inside the one of the indoor dining areas or let the kids play in the soft play area (Emily’s Adventure Play).

There is also a spectacular indoor ice rink (£2 charge for 15 minutes) and Mr K had a go at it by himself. The ice rink is small and they have limited penguins available. Mr K slipped a couple of times but shrugged it off and enjoyed it.

drayton's christmas ice rink

There is a 30 foot lightshow Christmas tree set to festive music that will play throughout the day. Not only that but the Apocalypse tower drop is going to be turned into a 54 metre high Christmas tree, complete with star on top!

Last year, we had watched The Polar Express at the 4D cinema, hence this year we decided to skip it. The show lasts around 15 minutes and is a great film to show at this time of the year.

Afterwards, we all went to see Santa in his magical Castle of Dreams. Both of them were very excited to tell Santa what they really want for Christmas! We then took a photo with Santa and each child received a gift from him! The magical experience does not end there! Inside the castle, they got to do arts and crafts and listen to stories from the Princess. There is also a gift shop for you to get more merchandise.

drayton manor santa

Just before the park closed, they put on a low-noise yet beautiful firework display (great for babies and toddlers) at the Castle of Dreams which lasts around 5 – 10 minutes. We all had an enjoyable trip to Drayton Manor and will definitely be back soon! Inside our Santa’s gift, there is a special pass which allows a child to go for free with purchases of an adult ticket for 2016. What a great saving for next year! We are all looking forward to their new build for 2016.

Drayton Manor Theme Park Fireworks Spectacular

Visitors can also ride the Ben 10: Ultimate Mission Coaster but note that if it is too cold, they will close the ride. They can also visit the animals in the 15-acre zoo where resident reindeer, including newest arrival baby Phoenix, will be preparing to assist Father Christmas with his worldwide present delivery on Christmas Eve! The zoo is also home to over 100 other species of animal from across the globe.

If your children are a little too young or old to meet Father Christmas, you can buy park tickets only, without the Father Christmas visit, with prices at just £15 for 12 years and over, and 4 – 11 at £10.

If you want to extend your stay, then the onsite four-star Drayton Manor Hotel, which features 15 Thomas & Friends™ themed rooms, has a selection of packages available over the Christmas period.

Drayton’s Magical Christmas will be open Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays from Saturday 21st November to Monday 14th December, then every day from Thursday 17th December to Wednesday 23rd December and Sunday 27th December to Thursday 31st December. Pre booking Christmas tickets is essential due to demand.

To book tickets, or for more information about the park, visit www.draytonmanor.co.uk or call 0844 472 1950. For regular updates and news about Drayton Manor Theme Park join it on Twitter www.twitter.com/Draytonmanor and Facebook www.facebook.com/DraytonManorPark.

Disclosure: We were provided a family pass for the purposes of writing this review, however, all thoughts and opinions remain our own. Press images used with permission.

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Comments

  1. Galina V says

    1 January 2016 at 8:41 pm

    What a magnificent firework! Love the photo with Santa. Everything looks so bright and festive. What a great place to visit with kids

  2. ♫ Alison M ♪ says

    28 December 2015 at 6:38 pm

    This looks like an amazing place to visit, will have to make a trip one year. Loving the Christmas makeover. Thanks for linking to out and about

  3. Coombe Mill (Fiona) says

    22 November 2015 at 9:14 pm

    Wow, Thomas Land has always looked like the perfect place for the kids, so the winter wonderland looks truly spectacular. Its great that the whole of Drayton Manor is transformed for a full experience. Your two look like they’re having a great time on all the rides and Mr K looks like he’s found his balance on the ice rink in that shot! Thanks for linking up with me on Country Kids.

  4. Sherry says

    22 November 2015 at 8:50 pm

    Looks like a fab day out and place to visit. It’s one on our list #countrykids

  5. Mummy of Two + 1 says

    22 November 2015 at 8:42 pm

    What a great day out! We loved Drayton Manor when we visited but it looks even better at Christmas!

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Welcome to ET Speaks From Home!

I'm Eileen, a proud mum of two teenagers (aged 17 and 16), my daughter is living with visual impairment. Since launching this blog in May 2012, we’ve continued to grow and evolve, sharing our family’s journey and passions.

I love cooking, crafting, DIY projects, writing about Chinese culture, and creating YouTube reviews.

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