There’s a lot to prepare for in December: buying gifts, buying food (and the dreaded wrapping), seeing extended relatives, going to fairs, pantos and nativity scenes, making a stop at our adorable Christmas market in Brum. That’s a lot! So, in December, I thought that instead of looking to tire out my deficient circle of relatives by dragging them down every gentle path, festive fair and garden centre cave in the West Midlands, I was going to settle on a big, fun circle. instead of a family-friendly occasion.
So let’s try, for the first time, Santa’s much-loved slumber party at Alton Towers. We have a toddler who is about to turn three, so he’s the best age. Our baby, who just turned one, had no idea what was going on; He was just glad to be with us.
The Santa Sleepover offers a full festive weekend, with lots of Christmassy fun on offer in the run up to the big day. From just £85pp, guests can enjoy an overnight stay in one of four hotels, a festive evening meal and live entertainment, including a pantomime, a buffet breakfast, one-day entry to the theme park with a selection of family rides and attractions (CBeebies Land, Mutiny Bay, Spinball Whizzer and Gangster Granny are open – but the bigger, more thrilling rides are closed) a visit to Santa’s Grotto, plus entry to the waterpark and nine holes of crazy golf.
Read more: I went on a festive, gentle trail and it’s so beautiful I’m going to make it my new holiday tradition.
Survey: What is the Christmas market in Birmingham?
We arrived around 6pm on Friday night, checking into our family room at the Alton Towers hotel (which is gorgeously decorated for Christmas) before heading to the Secret Garden restaurant for our Christmas Eve meal.
I had no idea, but it was actually a proper Christmas turkey dinner (my excitement rapidly shot up when I realised). Set out buffet style, we lined up to receive a plateful of turkey, gammon or beef (or a mix), roast potatoes, pigs in blankets, parsnips, brussels sprouts, stuffing, Yorkshire puddings, and gravy. We ordered a couple of Christmas cocktails too, and loaded the kids’ plates up at the children’s station which was packed with trays of chicken nuggets, mac and cheese, chips, and more (should they not fancy a Christmas dinner).
It was really delicious, and much needed after an hour long journey in the dark from Birmingham straight after work. There was also a little dessert section with mini festive cheesecakes and mousses, and a table of cold starters like pate.
After dinner, we headed to the convention center next to the hotel, as our panto space was booked for 7:30 p. m. It was a one-hour Robin Hood performance and the room was packed. We slipped away, where most of the kids were sitting. on the floor, laughing and screaming on stage. It was fabulous, but soon proved to be too stimulating for any of our babies, and we left after about 15 minutes. Perhaps it’s more suitable for older children!
Our night in the hotel itself was as calm as you would imagine with a toddler and a baby – especially a toddler who was climbing the walls with excitement at the prospect of seeing the big man himself – Father Christmas – the next day. Luckily the room was warm, comfortable and had everything we needed. So when the kids finally crashed, we were able to easily sleep too.
After a semi-restful night’s sleep, we ventured downstairs for a buffet breakfast at the Secret Garden restaurant before heading to the theme park.
First we attended a fabulous Hey Duggee Christmas display at CBeebies Land which the kids loved. Our oldest son even jumped in the air to help hang balls on Duggee’s tree when they called for volunteers. However, our enthusiasm for doing some of the attractions faded. when they told us it was too cold (!). So we hung out for a while, trying to stay warm. The attractions finally opened, about an hour after the 10am opening time, but the queues were long at the time (Postman Pat was forty-five minutes!) so we made the decision not to do it.
But what we’d been waiting for all morning, all weekend actually, was the layover at Santa’s house. Soon it was our turn, at 11:15 am, and Santa’s magical and friendly elves greeted us at the door of their cave. They waved at us and the elves were adorable to our little ones, which created excitement. The front of the cave was lined with twinkling Christmas trees and we followed an elf down a winding path until we reached a cute little log cabin.
The door opened and we were greeted, our infant state hesitant at the entrance. It was in spite of all the time that he was going to meet Santa Claus. And it was a ball of nerves, bless him.
But the big FC was kind and friendly, and soon we were all sitting next to him in the cozy grotto, discussing what we wanted for Christmas. It wasn’t a long visit, but it was just the right amount of time, I thought. The O boys won gifts, cute Alton Towers teddy bears with purple Santa hats. And we also have this very vital photo of the Grotto, mom and dad smiling, the kids chasing after them surprised and impressed. For me, this is the highlight of our stay. .
It was cold and we were tired after so much holiday fun, but we couldn’t wait to spend the last few hours of our sleepover at the attraction’s water park. I love this place, it’s warm inside (perfect on a cold December day) and there are so many things to do for all ages: slides, water fountains, splash areas, and even an outdoor area!The kids enjoyed it and so did we. I think we spent a few hours splashing around (my spouse and I also tried the brilliant Master Blaster water ride) before grabbing a hot dog at the on-site restaurant and heading home.
We enjoyed our slumber party at Santa Claus, the highlight for us was the layover at Santa Claus himself, the festive dinner at the hotel, and the few hours at the water park. Duggee’s holiday display was also a lot of fun!It’s a shame that the attractions were closed for a while, but we can’t do anything about the cold.
As for the cost, the rest can be expensive depending on where you go and the hotel you stay at. That’s a total of £340 for 2 adults and 2 young people if you go out during the week and stay in the cheapest hotel (Splash Landings). But if you decide to pass away during the weekend, it will cost you £520 at the same hotel. If you decide to stay at the nearby Alton Towers Hotel it will charge you £750. It is based on 2 adults over 16 and 2 children aged 4 and 6. Since my children were 2 and 1 years old, the charge is less. I also won my stay as a gift, as part of the exam.
It was a wonderful experience and my whole family had a great time, but I think the price might put some people off at an already expensive time of year.
The full Santa Sleepover experience includes:
• One day access to the theme park with a variety of rides and attractions for the whole family, plus CBeebies Land
• A to Santa’s Grotto
• Pantomime show
• A festive dinner
• One in one of the hotels.
• Buffet breakfast
• Entrance to the water park
• Nine holes of mini-golf
Visit altontowers.com/short-breaks/offers-packages/santa-sleepover for more.