The Best Christmas Holidays For Families In The UK 2024
Looking for Christmas holidays for families in the UK?
Whilst some prefer to be at home for Christmas, for others, Christmas is a great time to get away.
There are lots of lovely places in the UK to explore and if you feel like getting away and having someone else cook for you, a UK family Christmas break could be for you.
And if you like the idea of getting away at Christmas but want to spend it with your whole family, why not look properties with large accommodation that will fit the whole family!?
There are lots of options for family Christmas holidays in the UK, but these ones are really special.
From holiday parks to theme parks to luxury family hotels. Wherever you choose, you’re bound to have a fabulously festive time!
Here are some of the best UK Christmas breaks for families in 2024….
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The best Christmas holidays for families in the UK
Christmas is a time of festivity, a time when families gather to celebrate love, joy, and the wonder of the season. It’s also a time when many choose to step out of their regular routines and indulge in a special getaway.
Across the UK, holiday parks and luxurious destinations are gearing up to offer families the most magical of Christmas experiences.
From festive décor and enchanting entertainment to sumptuous meals and cozy accommodations, here’s a detailed guide to the best family Christmas breaks in the UK this year.
Christmas holidays for families at UK holiday parks
If you thought UK holiday parks were bustling with activity only during the summer months, think again.
These locations, renowned for their family-friendly ambiance, take on an added glow during Christmas.
From snow-covered landscapes to twinkling lights, the festive spirit is palpable.
Bluestone’s Christmasland
Date: 6th November 2023 to 1st January 2024.
Location: Bluestone Resort in Wales.
Bluestone, often billed as a less expensive equivalent of Center Parcs, with its serene landscape and expansive spaces, is a treat any time of the year.
However, Christmas brings with it an additional charm. The entire resort transforms, with trees adorned in festive baubles and pathways illuminated with soft twinkling lights.
What’s special at Christmas? On arrival, families receive a personalized Christmas Chronicle from none other than Father Christmas himself.
This marks the beginning of a holiday filled with festivities. From magical workshops to the dazzling Elf Lagoon pool party, there’s no shortage of entertainment.
And for the creative souls, there’s even a gingerbread house-making contest.
Budget: Early bird packages in November start from £499 for a 2-bedroom lodge, ideal for a family of four. Check prices and book here.
Photo credit: Bluestone
Center Parcs: A Winter Wonderland Experience
Date: 6th November – 2nd January 2024.
Location: All Center Parcs venues.
Center Parcs is all about immersing oneself in the beauty of nature. But come December, this natural beauty is enhanced.
Picture log cabins draped with snow, and pathways lit with thousands of fairy lights. The air is filled with the scent of roasted chestnuts and the sweet melodies of carols.
What’s special at Christmas? The signature Winter Wonderland at Center Parcs. During this period, families can revel in festive activities.
Kids, with their eyes wide with wonder, can meet Santa and his Elves, and even receive a special Christmas gift.
Those wanting an intimate family dinner can book one at the park’s restaurants. And for those who love to carry the festivities indoors, there’s an option to pre-decorate your lodge with Christmas trees and ornaments.
When booking your accommodation, check whether the cabin has a log burner. There’s nothing better than a family gathering around a log fire at Christmas.
Budget: Starting at £979, families can enjoy a 3-night break in a cozy 2-bedroom Woodland Lodge. Check prices and book here.
Photo Credit: Center Parcs
Parkdean Resorts
Date: Midweek and weekend breaks between 1st and 18th December 2023.
Location: Cayton Bay, Trecco Bay and Warmwell.
Parkdean Resorts also offer festive Christmas breaks for families at three of their parks.
Cayton Bay, Trecco Bay and Warmwell (where you’ll find a real winter wonderland at their ski centre).
What’s special at Christmas? Some of the activities available during these festive breaks for families include:
- Breakfast with Santa
- Elf Academy
- Festive Milkshake Mornings
- Meet Santas Reindeer
- Pantomime
See more here.
Budget: From £159 for a 4 night midweek break. You can book these Christmas breaks here with a £25 deposit and interest free monthly payments.
Photo Credit: Parkdean Resorts
Forest Holidays
Family Christmas Breaks at Forest Holidays
Date: 3, 4 and 7 night breaks from 15th December to 1st January 2024.
Location: 11 locations across the UK.
What’s special at Christmas? Check-in to your Forest Holidays Christmas Break and be greeted with mince pies and mulled wine.
On select dates there will be a Christmas hamper in your cabin. If you stay between 18th December and 1st January, your cabin will be furnished with a real Christmas tree for you to decorate.
Get out and about in the forest on the self-led Snowman and The Snowdog Trail, The Snowman Afternoon Tea, a Christmas party (additional cost) and enjoy twinkling lights and other festive touches.
Blackwood Forest and Forest of Dean will have a Christmas lights trail for you to enjoy.
Budget: Forest Holidays Christmas breaks start from £915 for a 2-bedroom lodge for 3 nights from 24th to 27th December. All cabins have hot tubs but not all have log burners. And is Christmas really Christmas without a gorgeous open fire? Click here for more info.
Photo credit: Forest Holidays
Ribby Hall Village: Winter Wonderland
Winter Wonderland Short Breaks
Date: From 10th November to 15th December 2023.
Location: Ribby Hall Village in Lancashire.
Ribby Hall Village is known for its expansive grounds and quaint accommodations. As winter sets in, this village becomes a dreamy winter wonderland.
What’s special at Christmas? The highlight has to be Santa’s gingerbread house, which stands tall and sparkly, enticing kids to visit and receive a Christmas gift.
The Reindeer Lodge is where families can meet Rudolf and his mates. For some quiet time, families can gather around for the Elves’ story session, with milk and cookies for company.
They also offer Little Elf breaks for families with kids aged 0 – 4.
Budget: A 3-night break starts from £568 for a family of four.
Photo Credit: Ribby Hall Village
Butlins
Date: From 27th November to 2nd January 2024.
Location: Butlins Minehead, Butlins Bognor Regis and Butlins Skegness.
What’s special at Christmas? Visit Father Christmas or catch a Christmas panto. Marvel at the Christmas lights and end with some festive fireworks.
Budget: From £49 per break.
Christmas holidays for families at UK Theme Parks
For families that love a dose of thrill with their festivities, UK theme parks offer a perfect blend of roller coasters and Christmas cheers.
These are our favourite theme park Christmas breaks.
Alton Towers Resort
Date: 24th November to 23rd December 2023.
Location: Alton Towers in Staffordshire.
A favourite among thrill-seekers, Alton Towers adds a festive twist during Christmas.
What’s special at Christmas? Families can wander through the Garden Lights Walk and meet Santa in his grotto.
Santa Sleepover packages include 1 night stay in a themed accommodation with dinner and breakfast, 1 day park entry, a visit to Santa’s Grotto, a panto and other Christmas activities.
Budget: Prices start from £400 for a 2-night stay for a family of four. Book your Alton Towers tickets here.
Chessington World of Adventures Resort
Date: 25th November to 30th December 2023.
Location: Chessington World of Adventures Resort in Surrey.
Beyond the regular rides, the park transforms into a winter wonderland,
What’s special at Christmas? Santa Sleepover includes two days of entry to the Winters Tail event, entry to Father Christmas’ Grotto and Toy Workshop, Christmas Panto, plus NEW for 2023, visit the delightful underground town, Enchanted Hollow at Christmas.
Budget: A night’s stay for a family of four starts from £306. Book your regular Chessington tickets here.
See here for our Chessington review. Chessington is one of our favourite day trips from London with children.
LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort
Date: Selected dates from 25th November 2023.
Location: LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort in Berkshire.
Christmas at LEGOLAND® promises a blend of building blocks and festive blocks.
What’s special at Christmas? The park is adorned with holiday decorations, catch a glimpse of Father Christmas as he makes his rounds in the park or book a special visit to see him in his Grotto (additional cost).
Budget: Prices for this Christmas holiday for families of four begin at £465 for a night. Book your Legoland tickets here.
Warwick Castle
Date: Selected winter dates from 25th November to 24th December 2023.
Location: Warwick Castle in Warwickshire.
Warwick Castle is magical any time of the year but Christmas is a really special time to visit.
What’s special at Christmas? the Knight’s Village gets a festive makeover and during your festive stay you’ll get to enjoy themed evening entertainment.
In the morning, you’ll wake up to the sound of sleigh bells with an elf wake-up call where Santa’s cheerful elves will bring a present for little ones. Santa Sleepover packages also include Storytime with Santa.
Budget: Prices start from £735 for a family of 4 in one of the Warwick Castle hotels. Book your Warwick Castle tickets here.
Paultons Park
Date: From 2nd to 23rd December 2023.
Location: Paultons Park in Hampshire.
Book at short break at Paultons Park and get 2nd day of park access to Paultons Park and Peppa Pig World free.
What’s special at Christmas? Paultons Park is transformed for the festive season into a magical winter wonderland!
There is plenty to get you into the Christmas spirit with Magical Illuminations across the Park, Peppa and George in their seasonal outfits and a Christmas show featuring Father Christmas!
Budget: Christmas short breaks start from £179 per family.
Christmas holidays for families at luxury hotels in the UK
For families who wish to splurge and immerse themselves in opulent settings, the UK offers luxurious hotel stays that promise a classic and lavish Christmas experience.
There is no shortage of luxury hotels in the UK but not all of them cater as well as these ones for families.
If you want everything to be taken care of for you so that all you have to do is decide which Christmas jumper to wear, these are the places for you!
These are some of the most luxurious Christmas holidays for families in the UK.
Claridges
A truly luxurious Christmas break for families in the heart of London. Enjoy little touches like stockings and mince pies, Christmas storytelling and carol singing as well as the most extravagant Christmas menus.
Sharkey & George will be onsite offering Christmas craft activities for little ones on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
They also offer a very kid-friendly afternoon tea.
If you’re staying in London, make sure to check out where to visit Santa in London this year and other Christmassy things to do with kids in London.
3-night stays available from 23rd and 24th December only.
Lucknam Park Hotel:
At Lucknam Park in Wiltshire, families can experience a traditional English Christmas in all its grandeur. From champagne receptions with carol singing to Santa’s grand arrival, it promises a memorable stay.
Cliveden House:
Set amidst sprawling gardens, this country estate turned hotel is all about vintage luxury. It promises a Christmas experience straight out of a classic English novel.
Best Christmas holidays for families in the UK
This festive season, the UK is brimming with opportunities to create unforgettable memories with loved ones.
Whether you choose a cozy cabin in a snowy holiday park, an adrenaline-packed stay in a theme park, or a luxurious retreat in a grand hotel, one thing’s certain – Christmas 2023 promises to be magical.
So, pack those festive jumpers, get the family together, and embark on a UK family Christmas holiday that you’ll cherish for years to come.
We hope you have enjoyed this list of places to spend Christmas in the UK.
If you have any other suggestions, drop us a line. We’d love to hear from you.
