Center Parcs for Christmas

[Rainbowsmiles82]

Hi, has anyone been to Center Parcs (ideally Elveden Forest) for Christmas? I’m just wondering what it was like? Are there any additional activities on top of the Winter Wonderland ones? What did you do on Christmas Day etc? Thanks very much.

I've not been over Christmas day, but have done the New Year break there a couple of times while Winter Wonderland theme is still on. The walkways are often lit up with Christmas lights which is always quite magical in the dark, whether you're young or old and they had a little Santa's Workshop village you could walk around without paying for it when it wasn't 'open'.

Additional 'festive' activities can be viewed on the website already (https://www.centerparcs.co.uk/discover-center-parcs/things-to-do.html/-/activities?event+type+=christmas) - some of these I've not seen before so they might be new, but they tend to be similar to what is usually available but with a 'festive' twist.

We did watch the pantomime one of the years we went which was quite fun and only a few pounds rather than being typically overpriced.

We did our New Year's dinner in the treehouse but I know that the restaurants do offer a Christmas Day lunch.

The singing reindeer hut just outside the plaza is always fun to watch too.

I have! It was excellent. I still have our exact schedule if you want a run through 😂
My favourite part was Christmas Eve! We went on bike rides and played in the parks during the day then in the evening we went to a Christmas concert which was perfect for the whole family and felt super Christmassy, waved Father Christmas off as he left on his sleigh through the village then had an evening swim. After that it was baths, pyjamas, Christmas movie and s’mores back at the lodge. Kids were shattered so didn’t hear a thing when we brought presents in. They let you drive to the lodge that night to bring in presents.
on Christmas morning we opened presents then my husband took the kids swimming while I cooked Christmas lunch. I found it fine cooking in the ovens but I know some people struggle. After lunch we went on a bike ride again and played in the parks as nothing else is opened on Christmas Day.
the kids loved it so much! I would do it again in a heartbeat if I didn’t host every year 😂
we were at Woburn Centre Parcs

My sister did and loved it but said she wouldn't go out for Christmas lunch there again as it was overpriced for what it was (a basic, slightly shit roast). She said she'd do it again but cook the Christmas lunch herself

Would love to know also so following for recommendations

We've done it 3 times - one at Sherwood, once at Woburn and once at Longleat. It's sparkly and festive and everyone is nice because it's Christmas. We don't do Christmas lunch; instead we have a brunch, then go swimming, then have a picky bits thing in the evening. Either side of Christmas day we do festive activities and some of the usual things, including the family quiz, bowling, the high ropes thing and indoor climbing.
We're having a break this year due to other commitments but wouldn't hesitate to book again.

Christmas 2025 isn't avarice to book as yet - do you know when the dates are released?

Available

Anyone???

Dates are usually released mid September so keep an eye out this week onwards

@Sewingfairy Thankyou