Exclusive:
Chessington World of Adventures have pulled out all the stops for the brand-new Christmas Village experience at their Winter’s Tail event – and you can meet Santa in your very-own private grotto
Christmas
As we wandered through the enchanted forest, the sprightly elves, snow-covered trees and magical music made you feel like you were starring in your own Christmas movie.
And then, guided by one of Santa’s Little Helpers, it was the moment we’d been waiting for. Tucked away down a secret path, we arrived at our very-own private grotto to meet Father Christmas.
The bearded gift-giver, having just eaten “a few too many cookies”, sat slumped into his chair, with a crackling fire and twinkling lights setting the scene perfectly for our private encounter in the cosy cabin. It felt as if we were in our own winter wonderland – and Chessington World of Adventures have certainly pulled out all the stops for the brand-new Christmas Village experience at their Winter’s Tail event.
Running on select dates until December 31 (with tickets starting from £35pp), my wife Bryony and I were equally excited to make the most of our special festive trip with our one-year-old son Alfie – and Santa delivered the goods. It is the most wonderful time of the year, after all.
Arguably the world’s busiest person, he’s very generous with his time, engaging with both parents and kids (even if ours can’t quite talk yet!) and poses for as many pictures as you want. Santa then sends you on your way after a personal and festive chit-chat, but there’s a second part of the experience to enjoy. The magical journey continues with a visit to Enchanted Hollow, the underground town where his elves have set up their toy workshop.
As you navigate your way through the indoor adventure, little ones encounter different elves – all with their own little quirks. From helping to make cookies to wrapping Christmas trees (go and see for yourself!), they are playful and fun with the children before one final treat – you get to choose a Christmas present to take home.
We had the choice of a toy reindeer or a cuddly Chessington-branded Gingerbread man (we went with the latter), and it proved to be the right choice – because as we made our way out of the exit, we got to see real-life reindeer who camped out at Chessington this Christmas.
Lots of thought and effort has gone into the Christmas Village to make it feel magical and personal. Even while you’re queuing up, there’s a festive silent disco, with a choice between Elf FM and more traditional Christmas songs, to keep excited children busy while waiting to meet Santa.
And if you fancy food or drinks while making your way around the organised queuing system, a selection including hot chocolate, mulled wine, Christmas snacks and carvery is available to buy. Even outside the Christmas Village, there are festive touches all around the park – from the giant Christmas tree outside the main restaurants to the Christmas Panto stage that hosts resident show Seatopia.
We visited Chessington to kick off our festive celebrations at their Christmas Village, and the ticket also includes access to their popular rides and attractions, as well as the chance to see over 1,000 animals in the on-site zoo and Sea Life. With plenty to see and do around the park, there’s something for everyone (including kids of all ages).
Being thrill-seekers ourselves, Bry and I really enjoyed the Mandrill Mayhem rollercoaster in the World of Jumanji area. We were at the park on the opening weekend of Winter’s Tail and although it was busy, we never had to wait too long to go on the rides.
And even with Storm Bert causing havoc across the country with heavy wind and rain, it didn’t dampen our experience. The Gruffalo River Ride Adventure – based on Julia Donaldson’s book The Gruffalo, where you go on a magical riverboat journey down a lazy river and through the deep dark wood – was Alfie’s favourite.
Perfect, you could say, given that when we checked into the park’s Safari Hotel for the night, one of two on site along with Azteca, we were given the keys to their Gruffalo-themed bedroom. We were transported into the deep dark woods, with the walls beautifully decorated with Gruffalo-painted scenes, bespoke furniture and a woodland-style carpet complete with little footprints to follow.
Interactive elements in the room also keep kids entertained, including a giant wooden wheel that says phrases from the book when turned. Another generous touch was the gift of a Gruffalo story book, which was found via a hidden door in one of the rooms.
There’s plenty to do for kids of all ages around the hotel, with evening entertainment including magic shows and character meet-and-greets. Room stays also includes a breakfast buffet in one of the two on-site restaurants, which is much-needed with a young child.
And to top off our magical stay, we had a special and personal festive visit from one of Santa’s elves just before we checked out of our room. It’s the season of giving – and Chessington certainly does that.
Winter’s Tail runs on select dates until December 31. Tickets, including Christmas Village entry, start from £35pp. Christmas Village includes Father Christmas Grotto, Toy Workshop and early Christmas present. Animal lovers have the opportunity for a close encounter with Father Christmas’ beloved reindeer with Chessington’s ‘Feed the Reindeer’ experience available from £30 per person.
Festive short breaks start from just £49pp based on a family of four including Winter’s Tail entry. For further information and to book visit www.chessington.com/christmas
