UK holiday parks offering festive breaks with Santa visits and Winter Wonderlands from £39

Attempting to squeeze all your festive activities into December can prove a daunting task. From the big visit to Santa, attending a panto and Christmas markets, to spending quality time with family, it often seems like the month simply isn't long enough.

If you're in search of a more laid-back alternative, many holiday parks are now providing breaks in the lead up to the big day. While caravan and lodge holidays might typically be associated with summer, these parks are opening their doors in November and December for festive-themed breaks. The offerings vary from park to park, but generally include extras ranging from Christmas-themed shows to Santa's grottos, and even a Christmas tree in your accommodation. These breaks could serve as an excellent escape from the pre-Christmas mayhem, or a chance to spend time with extended family without the need to host at home.

So, which holiday parks will be welcoming guests for some festive fun, and what's on offer?

Haven - 'sleigh-cations'

Four nights starting from £115

Haven will be opening its doors at nine of its locations in the run-up to Christmas: Craig Tara, Seton Sands, Devon Cliffs, Kent Coast, Cala Gran, Hafan y Mor, Primrose Valley, Seashore, and Rockley Park.

Staying at Haven means you can choose between accommodation from caravans to lodges, each with its own Christmas tree.

The parks will also be adorned with decorations and lights, and Haven says there will be festive entertainment during the day and in the evening.

Bookable activities will include pottery making, festive make-a-bear, and much more. Of course, there's also a Santa's Grotto, which will be an additional cost.

Haven will also be staging a Jack and the Beanstalk panto and promising "plenty of opportunities for a festive boogie."

Their on-site restaurants will serve festive food, including a three-course menu for Christmas day, while some Haven parks have their own Wetherspoons, which will offer the chain's Christmas menu.

Find out more and book online.

Parkdean Resorts - Winter Wonderland breaks

From £145 for four nights

Parkdean Resorts will offer what it describes as the "full Winter Wonderland experience" at six parks in December: Camber Sands in Sussex, Warmwell in Dorset, Trecco Bay and Ty Mawr in Wales, Cayton Bay in North Yorkshire, and Cherry Tree in Norfolk.

They're also opening two parks in the Lake District with a "more relaxed festive atmosphere," White Cross Bay and Fallbarrow. Parkdean is offering a packed entertainment programme for children, featuring Festive Milkshake! Mornings and Rocking Around the Christmas Tree with the PAW Patrol puppies.

Families can enjoy breakfast with Santa, visit his grotto, watch a family pantomime, or even explore a festive market. At Warmwell, there's also a dry ski slope for skiing and snowboarding.

For those opting for a midweek break starting on a Monday, Parkdean offers an all-inclusive option. This includes three meals a day, plus soft drinks and hot drinks, so you won't need to worry about feeding the kids during your stay.

Some parks will also have the option to book lunch on Christmas Day, so you can skip the washing up.

Find out more information and book here.

Center Parcs - Winter Wonderland breaks

Prices vary

Center Parcs already has a festive vibe, thanks to its wooden lodges with open fireplaces. But during the festive season, they'll be going all out to create a Winter Wonderland.

Guests will be able to explore Enchanted Light Garden trails, watch the Santa's Greeting Parade, or take a family photo in the Snow Zone.

They'll also have Christmas shops stocking decorations and festive food, plus Tipis serving hot chocolates, Bratwurst and waffles, perfect for a stop after a chilly winter walk. Plus, the restaurants in each park's village will have their own Christmas-themed food offerings.

There are a range of additional activities available for booking at an extra cost, such as an elf pyjama party, a visit to Santa's Workshop, or Christmas crafts. For an added fee, you can also arrange for a freshly cut Christmas tree to be placed in your accommodation, complete with a selection of bows and baubles that you can take home to create the perfect festive atmosphere.

More information and bookings can be made on the Center Parcs website.

Butlin's - Family Christmas Breaks

Starting from just £39 for four nights

Butlin's presents a budget-friendly alternative for a Christmas break centred around family fun. Unlike most holiday parks on this list, the price of meeting Santa is included for all families visiting their parks.

Children can take part in Father Christmas' Express Delivery, an immersive experience where they write their Christmas letter and hand it over to the man in red himself.

Included in the price of Butlin's Christmas breaks is festive entertainment, featuring a panto, Snow White and her Magnificent Friends. Other themed shows include the Skyline Snowstorm party and Christmas Goes Pop, along with Christmas movie screenings for the whole family to enjoy together.

The swimming pools will be open, with Butlins hosting a Festive Pool Party during each break. Visitors also get unlimited access to fairground rides and can participate in activities such as crafting their own Christmas decorations.

The parks are set to be adorned with Christmas decorations, including lights throughout, creating a festive atmosphere. Additionally, there's themed dining for Christmas, so if you opt for a dining plan, you can indulge in popular dishes, from roasts to festive puddings, depending on the day.

Butlins' most affordable option is to reserve one of their standard rooms, but they also offer hotel rooms, apartments, and other upgraded accommodation if you're looking to splurge.

Find out more about festive breaks here.

Away Resorts - Winterfest

Prices from £224 for four nights

Five Away Resorts will host Winterfest this year: Sandy Balls and Mill Rythe in Hampshire, Tattershall Lakes in Lincolnshire, and Retallack Resort and St Ives Bay in Cornwall.

Away Resorts say its "holiday parks will transform into winter wonderlands, each brimming with twinkling lights, festive shows, and heartwarming activities that create unforgettable holiday memories." There's a long list of activities happening at its parks, from the Dear Santa experience where kids can send their letter to the North Pole, to an Elf Slime Workshop, Christmas decoration making, and festive baking with Mrs Claus.

Four-legged family members can also join in the fun by visiting Santa Paws. At the Festive Doggy Party they can meet Santa and get a special Christmas treat. There will be festive food across the parks, with Christmas Day menus for those staying on the big day.

Find out more and book here.