The Christmas festivities have begun! The girls were delighted to go back to Drayton Manor last weekend to see Thomas the Tank Engine and friends in all their festive garb. Thomas made a good Rudolph with his antlers and red nose, and there was even a snow storm!
The award-winning Magical Christmas event features snow, twinkling lights and masses of brightly-coloured decorations. The perfect place to really get into the festive spirit this season.
We visited Thomas Land earlier in the year and the girls loved it, so we were all delighted to go back for Christmas fun. The fun starts from the minute you go through the gates, with the chance to become a bauble. How could they possibly resist!
Thomas Land is bedecked in sparkling decorations, all across the Island of Sodor. There are Christmas trees, decorations, lights and presents everywhere, as well as regular music and entertainment shows throughout the day. The hand bell show by Sir Topham Hat and friends is fab, and snow showers are guaranteed.
The girls had already planned out which rides they wanted to go on so we made a beeline for those first, then took some time to explore the rest of Thomas Land. It was a gorgeous crisp autumn day with plenty of sunshine, perfect for exploring all of Thomas Land, heading down the line to Tidmouth Hault and exploring the 15 acre zoo.
The short train ride from Knapford Station had been given a magical makeover with masses of snow, fairy lights and beautifully lit trees. Thomas took us to the other end of the line where we visited Terence's Driving School, the small farm area, and the huge Thomas diorama with working trains.
Grateful of the sunshine, we had a picnic in the huge Spencer's Outdoor Adventure Play area, and visited the dinosaurs in their trail. Even the flamingos were enjoying the sun.
We walked up through the zoo to the Castle of Dreams where father Christmas and his elves were waiting. Eve and Tinsel chatted to the girls while we waited and then they excitedly went in to see the man himself. After a lovely long chat, we posed for the usual photographs, and received a gift. With promises of mince pies and carrots and to be asleep on time, we left with smiles and giggles.
Outside reindeer both real and not so were waiting, but we paused for reindeer face paint and play time before we left. Spot the difference...
A few more rides and a restorative tea and mince pie break later, we were ready for the next round of fun as darkness began to fall. Although our reindeer did appear to be flagging a little...
As dusk fell everyone gathered for a wonderful storytelling Imagination parade from Thomas Land to the lakeside, followed by a firework display.
Lara found this rather overwhelming, so we headed out into the winter wonderland with a return ride on Percy to the end of the line. I'm so glad we did as it was absolutely magical. With all the trees lit up and snow everywhere, we had a wonderful time (although the others tell us the parade and fireworks were rather fab too).
We had a wonderful day. Just look at these happy faces!
Although we definitely wore the reindeer out...
Magical Christmas at Drayton Manor Park, Staffordshire is open on selected dates until the end of December, although Father Christmas is only there until Christmas Eve, of course. Book tickets online to ensure you get the chance to see Father Christmas and receive a special gift.
Visit www.draytonmanor.co.uk to find out more and to book tickets.
Drayton Manor’s Magical Christmas is from 16th November till Christmas Eve this year.
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The award-winning Magical Christmas event features snow, twinkling lights and masses of brightly-coloured decorations. The perfect place to really get into the festive spirit this season.
We visited Thomas Land earlier in the year and the girls loved it, so we were all delighted to go back for Christmas fun. The fun starts from the minute you go through the gates, with the chance to become a bauble. How could they possibly resist!
Thomas Land is bedecked in sparkling decorations, all across the Island of Sodor. There are Christmas trees, decorations, lights and presents everywhere, as well as regular music and entertainment shows throughout the day. The hand bell show by Sir Topham Hat and friends is fab, and snow showers are guaranteed.
The girls had already planned out which rides they wanted to go on so we made a beeline for those first, then took some time to explore the rest of Thomas Land. It was a gorgeous crisp autumn day with plenty of sunshine, perfect for exploring all of Thomas Land, heading down the line to Tidmouth Hault and exploring the 15 acre zoo.
Grateful of the sunshine, we had a picnic in the huge Spencer's Outdoor Adventure Play area, and visited the dinosaurs in their trail. Even the flamingos were enjoying the sun.
We walked up through the zoo to the Castle of Dreams where father Christmas and his elves were waiting. Eve and Tinsel chatted to the girls while we waited and then they excitedly went in to see the man himself. After a lovely long chat, we posed for the usual photographs, and received a gift. With promises of mince pies and carrots and to be asleep on time, we left with smiles and giggles.
Outside reindeer both real and not so were waiting, but we paused for reindeer face paint and play time before we left. Spot the difference...
A few more rides and a restorative tea and mince pie break later, we were ready for the next round of fun as darkness began to fall. Although our reindeer did appear to be flagging a little...
As dusk fell everyone gathered for a wonderful storytelling Imagination parade from Thomas Land to the lakeside, followed by a firework display.
Lara found this rather overwhelming, so we headed out into the winter wonderland with a return ride on Percy to the end of the line. I'm so glad we did as it was absolutely magical. With all the trees lit up and snow everywhere, we had a wonderful time (although the others tell us the parade and fireworks were rather fab too).
We had a wonderful day. Just look at these happy faces!
Although we definitely wore the reindeer out...
Magical Christmas at Drayton Manor Park, Staffordshire is open on selected dates until the end of December, although Father Christmas is only there until Christmas Eve, of course. Book tickets online to ensure you get the chance to see Father Christmas and receive a special gift.
Visit www.draytonmanor.co.uk to find out more and to book tickets.
Drayton Manor’s Magical Christmas is from 16th November till Christmas Eve this year.
Pin it:
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