Magical Christmas FAQs

Park entry prices vary depending on when you book. We recommend booking in advance to get the best available price.

Christmas Park Only tickets:

• Ages 4+: from £22.50 when booked by the end of September, £25.00 standard price or £30.00 on the day.
• Ages 2–3: from £15.00 when booked by the end of September, £18.00 standard price or £18.00 on the day.

We strongly recommend booking your tickets and experiences in advance. Tickets and experiences may sell out, particularly during busy periods, so booking ahead helps guarantee your place. You’ll also benefit from our best available prices when booking online in advance, giving you the best value for your visit.

If your Nimbus Access Card displays the +1 symbol, you are eligible to receive a free Essential Companion ticket. Please email guestservices@draytonmanor.co.uk with your order number and the time of your booked experiences, and our team will add the companion ticket to your booking. Subject to availability

Children aged 0–23 months receive free entry to the park. However, if you wish to take your baby or toddler into the Enchanted Christmas Grotto or Aladdin Pantomime, a separate ticket must be purchased for them.

Ultimate, Platinum and Gold Annual Passholders enjoy free entry to Magical Christmas and only need to purchase tickets for the specific experiences they'd like to enjoy.

The Bounty Pirate Ship, Jolly Buccaneer, Carousel, Troublesome Trucks, Jeremy Jet’s, Thomas & Percy Submarine Splash, Winston’s Whistle-Stop Tours, Harold’s Helicopter Tours, James & the Red Balloon, Flynn’s Fire Rescue, Bertie Bus, Blue Mountain Engines, Captain’s Sea Adventure, Cranky’s Drop Tower, Toby’s Tram Express, Diesel’s Locomotive Mayhem, Engine Tours, Lady’s Carousel, Rocking Bulstrode, Sodor Classic Cars, Terence’s Driving School, Emily’s Adventure Play.

Please note, ride availability is subject to change and may be affected by weather conditions.

Stormforce 10, River Rapids, Gold Rush, The Wave, Accelerator, Maelstrom, Air Race, Wave Swinger, Blasting Barrels, Sheriffs Showdown, The Haunting, Flying Dutchman

No, our thrill rides are not open during Magical Christmas. The event is focused on festive family fun, with selected family attractions, Thomas Land rides, the Zoo and seasonal entertainment available to enjoy. Our thrill rides also undergo their annual winter maintenance during this period to ensure they are ready for the new season.

Tickets for the Enchanted Christmas Grotto cost £12.50 per person if booked in advance. Tickets cost £15 per person if booked on the day.

Yes. Every guest entering the grotto, including adults and children, must have a valid grotto ticket.

Your experience includes Mrs Claus Storytime, reindeer food making, a meet and greet with Father Christmas, a small gift for each child and a complimentary hot drink for each adult.

Yes. Every child entering the grotto will receive a small Christmas gift from Father Christmas.

Yes. Every adult with a grotto ticket will receive a complimentary hot drink.

Yes, children of all ages are welcome to enjoy the Enchanted Christmas Grotto. Please note that all guests, including babies and toddlers, require a grotto ticket to enter.

Yes, you are welcome to take photos throughout your grotto experience. Our team will be on hand to help capture those special Christmas memories.

Your entire grotto experience will last approximately 20 minutes.

A grotto ticket is separate from your park admission ticket, a park admission ticket is required in addition to your grotto ticket.

We recommend booking in advance to avoid disappointment as the grotto can sell out. Tickets are available to purchase on the day for £15 per person, subject to availability.

The grotto is located next to the zoo entrance.

Yes, when you book your grotto ticket you will be asked to select a time.

Please join the queue at your booked time, your grotto experience begin shortly after.

Pushchairs cannot be taken into the grotto. A designated ‘Buggy Park’ is available at the grotto entrance where you can safely leave your pushchair during your experience.

If you miss your grotto timeslot, we will do our best to move you to a later time. However, alternative times are subject to availability and cannot be guaranteed, as the grotto may be fully booked.

Tickets for the SEND Christmas Grotto cost £12.50 per person if booked in advance. Tickets cost £15 per person if booked on the day.

The SEND Christmas Grotto is designed for children with additional needs who may benefit from a calmer, more relaxed Christmas experience. Families with children who have sensory, communication, mobility or other additional needs are welcome.

The grotto has been specially designed to provide a more relaxed experience, with reduced sensory stimulation, a quieter environment and extra time to enjoy a magical meeting with Father Christmas at each child’s own pace.

No, we do not require any proof or documentation. The experience is available for families who feel their child would benefit from a SEND-friendly grotto visit.

Visits are not rushed, allowing Father Christmas extra time to interact with each child and make the experience as comfortable and magical as possible.

Each booking includes entry for the child visiting Father Christmas and accompanying family members. All guests, including adults, require a grotto ticket.

Yes, the SEND Christmas Grotto is wheelchair accessible. If you have any specific accessibility requirements, please speak to a member of our team on arrival.

Yes, families are welcome to take their own photos during their visit with Father Christmas.

Yes, every child visiting Father Christmas will receive a special Christmas gift.

The SEND Christmas Grotto is located next to Mrs Kyndley’s Café in the Zoo. It can be reached via a short walk through the Zoo or by taking the Thomas Land train.

The SEND Christmas Grotto is designed to provide a calmer experience with reduced sensory stimulation. While the wider Christmas event may include festive sounds and activity, the grotto environment is intended to be quieter and more relaxed.

Absolutely. Father Christmas and our team understand that every child is different and will allow children to interact in whatever way feels most comfortable for them.

Yes, children are welcome to bring any comfort items, communication aids or equipment they need to help them feel comfortable during their visit.

Yes, if your child has any specific needs or requirements, please speak to a member of the team on arrival so we can help make your visit as enjoyable as possible.

We understand that children may need a break. Our team will support families and you are welcome to take the time you need.

Yes, siblings are welcome to join the visit. All guests entering the grotto, including adults and siblings, require a ticket.

Yes, our team can advise on quieter areas nearby where families can take a break if needed.

That’s completely okay. There is no pressure to interact, and Father Christmas will take the time to help children feel comfortable and enjoy the experience in their own way.

Tickets for the Aladdin Pantomime cost £5 per person if purchased by the 30th September, tickets after this date cost £7.50 per person.

The Aladdin Pantomime will take place in Falls Theatre, located in Frontier Falls.

The Aladdin Pantomime lasts approximately 30 minutes

Yes! Aladdin is a family-friendly pantomime designed to be enjoyed by children and adults alike.

Seats are unallocated and available on a first come, first served basis

Photography and filming is restricted during the performance. Please follow the instructions from our team and performers on the day.

Latecomers may not be admitted immediately and may be asked to wait for a suitable point in the performance before being shown to their seats.

Yes, the pantomime is wheelchair accessible. If you require a wheelchair space or have any specific accessibility requirements, please let a member of staff know when you arrive at Falls Theatre

Pushchairs are not permitted inside the theatre due to space and safety requirements. Please check with a member of our team on arrival for available storage arrangements.