Paultons Park, recently crowned UK Theme Park of the Year and winner of Best Christmas Event at the UK Theme Park Awards, has confirmed the return of its festive extravaganza, A Celebration of Christmas, for 2026.
The Hampshire attraction will transform into a winter wonderland from Saturday 5th December 2026 through to Sunday 3rd January 2027, and following a successful debut, extended 'Twixmas' opening dates return for a second year, allowing families to keep the holiday magic alive between Christmas and the New Year.
Santa’s Grotto and Live Festive Shows
At the heart of the celebrations is the return of Santa’s Grotto, offering an enchanting family walk-through experience lined with illuminations and animatronic characters. Running from 5th December through to 24th December, Grotto tickets include a professional full-colour photograph and a soft plush toy for children. Early pre-booking is strongly advised.
Santa will also take to the stage daily for Santa’s Storytime and Santa’s Christmas Wish Show, performing twice daily alongside Frosty the Snowman and Rudolph the Reindeer. Guests can also look forward to snow flurries and character meet-and-greets with Peppa and George in their festive attire over at Peppa Pig World.
Festive Rides and Valgard Debuts at Christmas
Paultons Park will have more rides open during the festive season than any other major UK theme park, with the majority of its 70+ rides and attractions remaining operational. Popular thrilling rides such as the spinning coaster Storm Chaser and giant gyro swing Cyclonator will be running alongside the fully decorated Tornado Springs and Peppa Pig World areas.
For the first time during the Christmas period, visitors can also explore Valgard: Realm of the Vikings, the park's major new land which opened in May 2026. The expansion features Drakon, Paultons Park’s first-ever inverting roller coaster.
"Each year we strive to make A Celebration of Christmas even more magical than the year before and we are delighted that our win at the UK Theme Park Awards this year reflects the efforts of our entire team," said James Mancey, Managing Director at Paultons Park.
"For the second year ever, the magic of Christmas at Paultons carries on beyond Christmas Eve with thrilling rides, meet and greets, and our delicious festive menu available throughout the Christmas break and into the new year. There’s no better way to make the most of Twixmas and keep the festive spirit alive than a day out with the family before it's time to go back to school."
Opening Dates & Visitor Information
Paultons Park will be open across every weekend in December, as well as selected weekdays (14th, 18th, 21st, 22nd, 23rd, 24th, 28th, 29th, 30th, and 31st December). The park will be closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year's Day.
Tickets for A Celebration of Christmas must be pre-booked online in advance. Santa’s Grotto requires a separate add-on ticket alongside standard park admission.
For full details and to book tickets, visit paultonspark.co.uk. Stay tuned to Theme Parks UK for news on all the Christmas events at UK theme parks.
