What Christmas Activities Are On At North Yorkshire Water Park?

Trying to figure out how to keep everyone entertained this December? It can be a real challenge finding something that the little ones will love, the teenagers won't scoff at, and that adults will actually enjoy too. Well, it looks like the search is over. The North Yorkshire Water Park, usually known for its summer splash-abouts and water sports, is swapping its wetsuits for winter woollies. It’s transforming into a full-on Christmas destination, and there are loads of brilliant activities planned for the whole family during this festive season. Forget traipsing around the shops; this is all about making some proper memories together.

Meet santa and mrs claus in their grotto

Let’s be honest, it’s not really Christmas until there's been a chat with the big man himself. At the North Yorkshire Water Park, they're making it extra special. Starting on Sunday, 7th December, the grotto will be open for business. This isn't one of those quick, in-and-out visits. Children get to have a proper, cosy chat with Santa and Mrs Claus, share all their Christmas wishes, and even get a special gift to take home. It’s a fantastic way to spend some quality time and kick off the Christmas magic. The whole experience feels really personal, and for just £12.50, it’s a lovely treat that’s bound to get everyone excited. Imagine the look on their faces! This is the perfect family activity to build up the Christmas spirit.

• When: Every Sunday from 7th December
• Times: 12:30pm, 1:30pm, 2:30pm
• Price: £12.50 per child

Get creative in santa's workshop

For those little ones who love getting stuck into some arts and crafts, Santa's Workshop is an absolute dream. Kicking off on Saturday, 6th December, this is a whole hour of festive fun led by Santa's cheerful elves. Kids can get their hands messy decorating their own gingerbread Christmas trees and making decorations to hang on the tree at home. They’ll also get to write their official letters to Santa, with the elves on hand to make sure they get posted straight to the North Pole. And after all that creativity? They get a private visit with Santa and Mrs Claus in their grotto. While the kids are busy, adults can put their feet up for a bit with a well-earned mince pie and a hot drink. It’s a brilliant package that combines creativity, a bit of magic, and a treat for the grown-ups too. The sleigh bells will be ringing after this experience.

• When: Saturdays from 6th December to 20th December
• Times: 11:00am and 1:00pm
• Price: £22.50 per child

Tuck into breakfast with santa

What could be a better start to a chilly December morning than sharing a meal with Santa? The hugely popular Breakfast with Santa is back, running every Sunday from 7th December. Families can head down to the lovely lakeside café for one of the best festive breakfasts around. There’s a delicious buffet breakfast waiting, with teas and coffees for the adults. The main event, of course, is the quality time the children get to spend with Santa. He’ll be visiting tables, chatting with everyone, and giving out a selection box to each child. It’s a really relaxed and cheerful way to get into the festive spirit, and at £12.50 per person, it’s fantastic value for a special morning out with delicious food included. It’s one of those activities that will be talked about all the way until Christmas Day.

• When: Every Sunday from 7th December
• Time: Starts at 9:30am
• Price: £12.50 per person

Something for the big kids: a slice of christmas

Think the North Yorkshire Water Park is just for kids this Christmas? Think again. If you’re looking for a fun day out with friends or a different kind of work party, the ‘A Slice of Christmas’ package is spot on. Available from 29th November, this is all about action-packed activities followed by some amazing festive food. Groups can choose from a range of challenges: fancy some Archery or maybe some competitive Axe Throwing? Or for those who love a good puzzle, there are the Puzzle Rooms or the full-blown Escape Room. After working up an appetite, everyone heads to the café for a seriously festive Christmas-themed pizza. We’re talking turkey, pigs in blankets, cranberry sauce, and red onion all on one pizza. It’s a brilliant alternative to the usual sit-down meal and is guaranteed to be a lot more fun. The park's new events room, part of the expansion by the Dawnay Estate, is a great spot for these group gatherings.

• When: From 29th November, throughout the week (not Sundays)
• Activities: Choose one from Archery, Axe Throwing, Puzzle Rooms, or Escape Room
• Food: A Christmas-themed pizza
• Price: £25 per person

Go on a free elf adventure

Sometimes the best things in life are free, and that’s definitely true of the Elf Walk. Starting from 29th November, Santa’s mischievous elves have gone missing around the lake! Families can grab a map and take a lovely winter walk along the free lakeside trail to see how many of the runaway elves they can spot. It’s a great way to get some fresh air and let the kids burn off some of that pre-Christmas energy. Once the hunt is complete, explorers can report their elf count back at the café. If the number is correct, they’ll be entered into a prize draw to win a North Yorkshire Water Park family voucher. It’s simple, fun, and adds a bit of adventure to a day out. While the park is famous for its summer AquaPark, this shows there's plenty of fun to be had on dry land too.

• When: From 29th November, all day
• Price: Absolutely free!

Gareth Davies, the Manager at North Yorkshire Water Park, seems genuinely excited about the line-up. He says,

“We’re thrilled to unwrap our most exciting Christmas yet. Our team has worked tirelessly to create festive experiences that bring families together and offer something truly unique at the park.”

So, whether it’s meeting the real Santa, enjoying some festive food, or trying some unique winter activities, it sounds like the park has got Christmas all wrapped up.

Address: Long Causeway Rd, Wykeham, Lakes YO13 9QU, United Kingdom