What do you do in CentreParcs in winter?

[CentrepieceOfDoom]

I keep looking at going to centreparcs next winter. It looks so magical with the winter scenes and visiting Santa. But I’ve only been to CP in the summer where you swim, ride bikes, walk and do water sports. Apart from swimming, none of these are really suitable for winter. So what is there to do? What is there that makes it special for Christmas? Is it worth the exorbitant costs? I’m thinking of going late November/early December and possibly taking (young) children out of school for a couple of days to make it cheaper?

I used to go the first weekend of December every year for DS birthday before the pandemic.
We used to swim, do bike rides, treasure trail, golf. The winter wonderland was the main bit, we enjoyed walking around it seeing the lights and reindeer.
We would play indoor sports and bowling. DS went on the quad bikes one time.
The have fireworks on the Sunday night as well.

Plenty to do over a weekend.

We do all the stuff we do in the summer but with coats, hats and scarves on!

Swim, high wires/zip line, laser combat, archery, indoor climbing, plus cycling and winter wonderland. It’s fabulous.

The have fireworks on the Sunday night as well

Not any more they don’t. They replaced them with a light display (essentially some lights in a few trees with some music playing). It’s pretty but quite small. But there are so many trees lit up, it feels really Christmassy.

We usually go the first week in December and it’s lovely, especially for children. Everyone is still riding bikes, going for walks, going in boats, doing the high wire stuff etc. They’re just wearing warm clothing while they do it. The swimming pool is heated, so is suitable any time, and there’s nothing nicer than having a log fire going in the evening. And if you have children who still believe in Father Christmas, it’s wonderful.

There are FB groups for each of the parks. Go on one of them and have a look at people’s photos. It will definitely swing you towards the winter.

This

It is alleged that a certain activity between consenting adults takes place there.

In my opinion overall, I don't think Center Parcs is worth the money.

We had a few CP Xmas breaks, when our two were little, really enjoyed them.

Anal, I thought?

according to MN of old at least

Why do people have to add such stupid comments when a poster is asking a reasonable question? Don’t get such inane answers when asking about other holiday resorts. Really doesn't give a good impression of your intelligence levels

Just got back - albeit with pre-teens rather than little kids - who were still found running off to spot Santa on his tour of the park and watching the elves on the CP TV channel.

Mine have been more than busy going to the pool, riding their bikes and the odd bit on the playgrounds but mainly just enjoying the lights, the Christmas bits and chilling out - which is rare cos my kids are normally hard as hell to get to entertain themselves.

And the Pancake House.

🤣I care 0% what random posters on an anonymous forum think of my intelligence levels

We were lucky enough to go to CP for Xmas one year as a treat from my Dad. It's really magical and there's plenty to do - woodland walks, hire wire, mini golf, pony rides, all the stuff on the lake, all the indoor facilities as well as amazing Christmas things (carol concerts, firework displays, a really good santa etc.) The best bit however is the swimming pool / rapids etc which you could literally spend all day in, then back to your cabin for a log fire and a glass of wine! If I had the extra cash I would definitely do it again.

This. We go to CP most years for DS's birthday between Christmas and new year. Quite gutted we're not going this year!

Thanks everyone! I think you’ve sold me on it, except for the anal 😬

We’ve been a couple of times for Christmas and went swimming, on horse and carriage rides, visited Santa, had lots of meals out, went for walks, bowling, to the spa, did archery etc, etc. It was fabulous.

Cycling around with wet hair from swimming is the biggest memory for me

Swimming in the outside pool whilst it is snowing is one of my favourite memories

I used to go for my December birthday every year as a kid.

We went swimming (outdoor swimming/rapids at night in the snow was amazing), bowling and did loads of the indoor activities. A few meals out, plus the outdoor stuff all kitted out. I also remember spending a fortune in the sweet shop