Up until 2019, we were regularly visited Paultons Park at Christmas and the kids adored their grotto experience.
Over the years it has grown and changed and we were surprised this year to find that the grotto the kids once loved, has gone, but we were still keen to visit for Lilah’s 3rd birthday.
Is it still worth visiting Paultons Park at Christmas?
YES!!!!!!
We visited for Lilah’s birthday on Saturday and to see her little face light up in wonder as she saw Peppa Pig World and the park all decorated for Christmas was magical.
On the day we visited, the temperature barely made it above freezing point, so some of the rides had to defrost before they opened, but the park team were fantastic, making sure that families had things to do and see as we waited.
The park is decorated throughout, with lots of photo opportunities, festive decorations and twinkling lights.
For younger visitors, there is the chance to meet Peppa and George Pig, all wrapped up warm and cosy for the winter weather.
Most of the rides at Peppa Pig World were open by lunchtime, with the exception of Grandpa Pig’s boat, which remained frozen. I think the older kids secretly enjoyed their time exploring Peppa Pig World and seeing the magic again through Lilah’s eyes.
Instead of Santa’s Grotto this year, they have a number of events on including Santa’s Christmas Wish Show, with singing, dancing and fun, Santa’s story time and a meet and greet with Father Christmas, Frosty the Snowman, Rudolph the Reindeer and Billy and Belinda Elves.
Lilah loved watching the shows and it gave her the encouragement to pose for a picture with a very authentic looking Father Christmas.
At this time of the year, the top end of the park is closed, but the Lost Kingdom, Critter Creek and Tornado Springs remain open, which means that 3 of the 4 big rollercoasters are open.
As the day wore on, more rides started to open up as they defrosted, with the main rollercoasters all open by 2pm.
Eliza finally decided that she wanted to try the rollercoasters and loved it. Thankfully the queues were so tiny for these that we rode each of the big three at least 5 times each.
It was lovely seeing the park all lit up with Christmas lights at dusk, especially from the top of Storm Chaser, which overlooks Peppa Pig World.
One Christmas favourite that still has a starring role in the park, is the giant Musical Christmas Tree, which performs its own light show every 15 minutes.
Christmas at Paulton’s Park is open on selected dates up until 23rd December with tickets costing £35 per person, online in advance.