It’s a white (knuckle) Christmas at Drayton Manor!
Thrill-seekers can swap Rudolph for rollercoasters this Christmas, as Drayton Manor announces that it is the only UK theme park to open all its major rides throughout the festive season.
This Christmas, visitors to the Midlands-based theme park are invited to enjoy magical moments and festive fun – with a few extra thrills and spills.
Throughout December weekends, Christmas week and Twixmas, Drayton Manor will operate its major rides and attractions*, including Gold Rush, The Wave and Maelstrom, allowing thrill-seekers to add an extra dash of adrenaline to their Christmas visit.
Also included in the standard ticket price is the brand-new end-of-day show, which is the largest of its kind in the UK. The breathtaking show – ‘Drayton Manor’s Christmas Miracle – will transform the historic lake into a stunning visual spectacle. Initially launched for Halloween, the new show features a 30-metre water screen, more than 65 choreographed water jets, dramatic fire effects, vibrant lighting and magical festive animations.
Managing Director, Victoria Lynn, said: “As we celebrate our 75th anniversary this year, we want Christmas at Drayton Manor to be bigger and better than ever before. As the only UK theme park to operate its biggest rides throughout the festive season, plus our brand new ‘Christmas Miracle’ end of day show, we’re proud to offer an epic day of exhilarating fun for all the family this December.”
Twists, turns, thrills and spills will all be on offer this Christmas, as guests take on some of Drayton Manor’s most awesome attractions. Perfect for both kids and adults, ‘Gold Rush’ is a thrilling family rollercoaster that delivers a fun-filled frontier adventure.
Those ready to brave ‘The Wave’ this Christmas can also expect dramatic drops and awe-inspiring effects as they experience one of the park’s most popular attractions. Meanwhile, adrenaline junkies will be on the edge of their seats as they tackle ‘Maelstrom’, a stomach-churning, head-turning gyro swing that offers a truly white-knuckle ride.
As well as taking a spin on epic rides and rollercoasters, visitors to Drayton Manor can also enjoy a magical winter wonderland experience this Christmas.
On selected dates from 22nd November to 31st December**, the park will offer a jam-packed schedule of festive activities and events, providing fun for the whole family.
Brand-new for 2025, Drayton Manor welcomes Elves Behavin’ Badly to the park. True to their motto, “Mischief Makes the Magic”, the elves will be creating unforgettable moments for visitors this winter. From cookie decorating and marshmallow toasting, to slides and snowball fights, an explosion of festive cheer will take over the Vikings land this Christmas.
Returning for another year, Mrs Claus awaits with a magical story-time experience inside the Castle Grotto. Children can write their all-important letters to Santa and get stuck in making reindeer food for Rudolph and his friends, before meeting the big man himself for that extra-special family memory.
Alternatively, families looking for a quieter experience can enjoy the SEND-friendly Grotto, featuring a relaxed Christmas workshop and a calm and inclusive Santa experience.
Throughout the Christmas season, the park’s entertainment schedule is filled with family shows, interactive games, and performances on the Main Stage and in Thomas Land. On weekends, the park’s Falls Theatre will be home to the hilarious family pantomime, Cinderella, while in the evenings, visitors can take a magical train ride on the Twinkling Express – a gentle journey through glowing Christmas lights, completing a circuit around Adventure Cove.
Victoria Lynn adds: “We know that our guests love the thrills, spills, drops and dives of some of our biggest and boldest rides, and this year’s winter wonderland will offer even more exhilarating experiences for our most thrill-seeking visitors, as well as magical festive moments that the whole family can enjoy.”
Tickets are priced at £25 and for that, guests will be able to experience the magic of Drayton Manor at Christmas, take a wild ride on some of the park’s biggest rollercoasters, and enjoy festive activities for all ages.
With more than 50 rides and attractions, including Europe’s only Thomas Land, as well as a 150-room hotel and 15-acre zoo, Drayton Manor Resort is one of the UK’s leading visitor attractions. In 2025, the park is celebrating its 75th anniversary, with a fun-filled schedule of events, activities and entertainment to mark the special occasion.
For more information and to book tickets, visit www.draytonmanor.co.uk.
