The 6 best affordable Christmas activities

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, and here at Verdant Leisure, we’re really getting in the festive spirit. Whether you’re looking for the very best activities for kids, or a romantic Christmas date activity, we’ve got some fantastically festive ideas for you. Find the best affordable Christmas activities of 2023 below.

1. Meet the man himself

That’s right, the one and only Father Christmas is coming to our UK holiday parks this year, so bring the little ones along to not only meet him, but enjoy a delicious meal with Santa – at a great price too! After arriving on his sleigh to select locations in England and Scotland, Santa would love to join you along with the Verdant Elves, Jingle and Jangle, in saving Christmas.

Come along for just £7.50 at Riverside (17^th December at 9am), Scoutscroft (17^th December at 2pm), Thurston Manor (16^th December at 9am), Viewfield Manor (9^th December at 9am), Coldingham Bay (9^th December at 2:30pm), Erigmore (3^rd December at 9am), Heather View (10^th December at 9am), or Pease Bay (2^nd December at 9am).

2. Attend the very best festive parties

Is there a better time of year to celebrate? Everyone knows that Christmas time is a great time to party, and we know where you can find the very best ones. How does this sound for an evening itinerary: delicious hot turkey filled rolls, a range of festive drinks, fantastic live music, and a festive boogie bingo?

You can enjoy all this at the Jingle Bell Ball across our leisure parks (click here to see specific park dates and timings), with tickets only £10.

3. Watch a hilarious panto

He’s behind you! This classic family favourite is sure to put a smile on everyone’s face this Christmas. Our fantastically talented Entertainment Team are ready to put on the show of a lifetime, with this year’s Twixmas pantomime: Cinderella.

For just £4 a ticket, join us at Riverside or Thurston Manor on 28^th December to experience the fun.

4. Get in the spirit with tasty Christmas food

Hot crispy roast potatoes, delicious pigs in blankets, sumptuous turkey, and lashings of gravy is our usual Christmas time diet. Plus, it’s even better when you don’t have to cook it yourself! The only question is: do Yorkshire puddings belong on a Christmas dinner?

Our top pick for a Christmas meal this year: The Old Mill pub in Woolacombe. With plenty of affordable activities going on during the festive season including Christmas party nights, movie marathons, festive scavenger hunts, and delicious, freshly prepared meals, this is the home of Christmas in Devon.

5. Bake some sweet treats

Whether you’ll go for the classic gingerbread house or want to try something a bit different, there’s nothing to get you in the festive spirit quite like a bit of baking, with the Christmas tunes playing in the background. Plus, your sweet creations can make the perfect presents (that’s if you decide to share!)

At The Old Mill pub in North Devon, we’ve got plenty of creative activities for the little ones during the festive season. Join us on Boxing Day for some Christmas cookie decorating, only £2!

6. Create your own handmade decorations

Decorating your house or holiday home for Christmas can be an expensive job. Between baubles for the tree and a wreath for the door, there’s a lot to sort out. Creating your own decorations is not only affordable, but fun for the whole family, too. There are plenty of ideas online, but some of our favourites are:

• Pom pom baubles
• Lollipop stick wreath
• Festive paper plates

Having affordable activities lined up can take some of the stress out of the Christmas period. Plus, these ideas are perfect for spending quality time with your loved ones, either at home or on your holidays. If you haven’t yet booked your 2023 UK festive break, click here to see a brilliant selection of winter destinations.

We love seeing your fantastic festive photos, so don’t forget to tag us on socials @verdantleisure or send them to marketing@verdantleisure.co.uk.

Activities are available at selected parks and may incur an extra charge. Images used for representation purposes only.