THOUSANDS of Christmas lights sparkle as we walk up to the Alton Towers Hotel.
I’ve arrived for a Santa’s Sleepover with my two and four-year-old children and it already feels like we are in a winter wonderland.
Our moon voyage-themed room is spacious with a double bed and bunk beds tucked in their own cove.
It’s the perfect set-up for families and my four-year-old boy is especially excited to see an Xbox.
We head to the bar where a Christmas helper draws all the kids into fun and games so that Mummy can get into the festive spirit with a tipple.
The atrium is decorated with gorgeous garlands and a huge tree.
Then it’s time for dinner at the Secret Garden – a roast dinner buffet with all the trimmings, plus kids’ specials.
The food gets the thumbs-up from my two fussy eaters.
We hotfoot it to the Robin Hood panto.
Filled with laughs, singing and dancing, the show really impressed me.
Even better, it delighted my two, who especially enjoyed booing at the Sheriff of Nottingham.
In the morning, it’s back to the Secret Garden for brekkie where we load up for a busy day at the park, a two-minute drive within the resort.
When we step inside the park, we’re greeted by a three-piece marching band bringing extra festive cheer.
The kids race to CBeebies Land but it’s a freezing cold day which has led to a delay in some of the rides opening.
There’s still plenty to do and we start by watching the Christmas Hey Duggee show which is a hit with the children.
We head to Mistletoe Lane where we’re booked in to meet Father Christmas.
The little ones are excited to head to the grotto and knock at the big red door, answered by one of Santa’s elves.
There’s two chances for photos before we meet the big man himself.
Miraculously, my kids have made it on to the nice list and are overjoyed to get an Alton Towers teddy to take home.
We’ve made it to lunchtime and most of the rides are working – we clamber aboard Postman Pat Parcel Post and the In The Night Garden boat rides.
Queue times are short and we manage to pack in most of the attractions.
We have the option of going to the huge indoor waterpark that sits between the Alton Towers and Splash Landings hotels but the kids want to enjoy more rides so we stroll through the beautiful grounds to The World of David Walliams.
The attractions are even quieter than CBeebies Land and we walk on to most of the rides without any queuing at all – including Gangsta Granny: The Ride and Spinball Whizzer, which makes all the difference with two little ones in tow.
In just 24 hours we’ve packed in a host of festive fun and the kids have met some of their favourite characters in a magical setting.
And the fun doesn’t stop when December 25 comes around – there’s festive breaks to enjoy on selected dates in January and February, too.
STAYING/PLAYING THERE: Santa’s Sleepovers start from £85pp including dinner and breakfast, panto, one-day entry to the park, visit to Father Christmas and entry to the waterpark and Extraordinary Golf.
Breaks from £50pp on select dates in January and February.
Based on two adults and two kids.
Valid for the Alton Towers Hotel, CBeebies Land Hotel, Splash Landings Hotel and Woodland Lodges.
See altontowers.com.
