Christmas experiences have changed dramatically in recent years. Families are no longer looking for a quick queue-and-photo Santa visit, but something far more immersive – experiences that tell a story, keep children actively involved and feel like a proper festive day out rather than a short appointment.
Across the UK, venues are responding with Christmas villages, walkthrough adventures and live storytelling that put children at the centre of the experience. If you’re planning ahead for Christmas 2025, these immersive Christmas events are among the best you can book, offering strong value for money and genuinely memorable family moments.
Santa’s Secret Village at Hobbledown Epsom
Value for money score: 9.5 out of 10
Santa’s Secret Village at Hobbledown Epsom is one of the best value immersive Christmas experiences available to families and our top pick overall.
Rather than focusing solely on meeting Santa, the experience unfolds as a complete Christmas village with a clear storyline. Children begin by helping the elves sort Christmas post and prepare toys, immediately giving them a role to play. The elves are a standout feature throughout – warm, funny and incredibly engaging, taking time to interact with every child rather than rushing families through.
Children then choose a cuddly toy before working together to solve a puzzle, adding an interactive layer that keeps them fully involved. The walk through a snowy forest builds anticipation beautifully before meeting Santa, and the experience finishes in a huge yurt filled with gifts where children are invited to choose their own present. This final element makes a big difference, ensuring every child leaves happy.
One of the biggest reasons Santa’s Secret Village scores so highly for value is that tickets also include stay and play access to Hobbledown Epsom. Families can spend the rest of the day enjoying the animals, impressive outdoor climbing structures and one of the largest indoor soft play areas we’ve seen at a venue that isn’t purely a soft play centre. For families, this turns a Santa visit into a full winter day out. Runs until Christmas Eve.
Winter’s Tale at Chessington World of Adventures
Value for money score: 9 out of 10
Winter’s Tale at Chessington World of Adventures comes a very close second, offering an immersive Christmas experience combined with the added appeal of a theme park day.
The festive storyline includes a walkthrough Christmas village where children can write letters to Santa, interact with elves and enjoy themed entertainment before meeting Father Christmas. The attention to detail is strong, and the experience is well managed, with multiple Santas helping to keep queues moving smoothly.
What really elevates Winter’s Tale is that it sits alongside everything Chessington already offers. Ride queues are significantly shorter than during peak summer months, and families also have access to the zoo and Sea Life centre. This makes it particularly appealing for families with children of mixed ages who want festive magic alongside rides and attractions.
While the overall cost is higher than smaller Christmas experiences, the amount included in the ticket makes Winter’s Tale excellent value for families looking for a full day out with strong Christmas theming. Winter’s Tale runs until New Year’s Eve.
Pennywell Farm Christmas Nativity
Value for money score: 8 out of 10
Pennywell Farm’s Christmas Nativity offers a gentler, more traditional immersive Christmas experience that works particularly well for younger children.
At its heart is a live nativity that tells the Christmas story in a calm, engaging way, supported by Pennywell’s animals and festive farm setting. Children move through the experience at a relaxed pace, with plenty of opportunities to interact with animals and take part in seasonal activities.
Families also visit Father Christmas in small groups, which keeps the experience personal, and children receive a gift to take home. Festive treats for both children and adults are included, adding to the feeling that this is a generous and well-considered experience.
While it doesn’t last as long as some larger attractions, Pennywell Farm’s Christmas Nativity delivers a warm, meaningful festive outing that feels particularly suited to preschool and early primary-aged children.
Other Immersive Christmas Experiences Worth Considering
Lapland UK
Lapland UK is one of the most immersive Christmas experiences in the country, offering a multi-hour theatrical journey through Santa’s world. Children help elves, meet reindeer and enjoy a deeply personalised visit with Father Christmas. It is exceptionally well executed, but it comes at a premium price and sells out far in advance. Best suited to families looking for a once-in-a-lifetime Christmas experience. One to consider for 2026!
Tulleys Farm Christmas Experience
Tulleys Farm offers a large-scale Christmas event packed with activities, shows and interactive moments. Children build their own cuddly toy, meet Santa and enjoy a wide range of festive entertainment that can easily fill most of the day. While the cost is higher than many other experiences, the sheer volume of activities means families who stay all day often feel they get good value. Runs until Christmas Eve.
BeWILDerwood Christmas Events
BeWILDerwood’s Christmas offering focuses on atmosphere rather than Santa visits, with illuminated woodland trails, storytelling and festive shows. It’s shorter than many other experiences but significantly cheaper, making it a good option for families looking for something magical without a big price tag. Runs until December 23