Review: Here's why Butlin's Festive Wonderland is the value-packed Christmas break to book now
As we say goodbye to the summer and the cooler days start to roll in, now is an ideal time to plan ahead for a festive family break.
And if you're looking for an experience that really puts the camp into Christmas and incorporates all festive shenanigans in one action packed, short break, Butlin's Festive Wonderland is the perfect option.
Having never been to Butlin’s before I wasn't sure what to expect but my children were raring to go and excited about our schedule.
We stayed at Butlin's Skegness, arriving late on the Friday to check into our seaside apartment. It had everything we needed – from a spacious lounge area to a compact kitchen with all mod cons installed.
Saturday brought a chance to explore the resort, kicking off the day with a fabulous breakfast. We had a premium dining package and the food was definitely a highlight of the trip for me with all the standard fry-up items, as well as live cooking stations for omelettes, custom breakfast sandwiches and continental choices.
Then it was off to our first activity of the day: Father Christmas’ Express Delivery where cheerful elves greeted us, checked if we were on the naughty or nice list (surprisingly both girls were on the nice), and then helped write letters to Santa.
Next it was off to the North Pole in a special lift and a chance to meet and have a photo with the world’s most famous Redcoat. It was a lovely experience that lasted for just the right amount of time for small children.
Later it was festive T-shirt designing, which was probably my daughters' favourite activity, mainly because it was a chance to get messy and also create something quite special.
Spray paint, fabric pens and stencils were on hand to make their unique Christmas-themed designs which also incorporated some artistic license – festive lobster anyone?
We then headed into the Skyline Pavilion for Jingle’s Christmas Party, a festive puppet show at the Puppet Castle and a chance for a drink and refuel before the Skyline Snowstorm - a show with a guaranteed white Christmas atmosphere.
The final event of the day was Platinum Queen Presents Music for the World - A Tribute to Live Aid.
I was so impressed with the show, it was such a perfect way to end the day, dancing and singing along to the crowd-pleasing performance that recreates the magic of the legendary 1985 concert.
Sunday morning brought festive arts and crafts and a chance to make tree decorations.
My children also tried out the Skypark playground which includes high climbing towers, tube slides and sensory features. It’s designed for all ages and my 10 and 6 year old loved it.
In the afternoon we went to Snow White and Her Magnificent Friends – and who doesn’t love a good panto around Christmas? The vibrant costumes, songs, dancing, dad jokes and the modern spin on a classic fairy tale made for good wholesome family fun.
This year's production is Jack and the Beanstalk which I'm sure will be just as joyfully merry.
It's fair to say Butlin’s really dials up the festivities in the run up to Christmas draping the resorts in twinkling lights, giant decorated trees and putting on a schedule of non-stop fun and entertainment. The welcoming attitude of the staff was a major highlight and made our break special. One lady greeted us so warmly to dinner every night. She explained she worked on Christmas Day too and there was such a lovely atmosphere in the resort then.
The Christmas season is fast-approaching and it will be a treat for anyone heading to any of Butlin’s for the festivities, with breaks starting from £38 (£9.50 per person) .
Butlin’s offers a four-night Festive Wonderland break featuring Father Christmas’ Express Delivery staying in a two bedroom Comfort Room in Skegness from £38 on 30 November 2026. Price is based on a family of four sharing and includes all live shows and activities with free flow access to the pool, unlimited fairground rides and playgrounds including Skypark.
All Inclusive drinks packages with a range of unlimited Proud to Serve Costa Coffee, alcoholic and soft drinks start from £25.95 per adult, per day, £10.50 per child (6-14), per day and free for under 5's. Dining plans with unlimited breakfast and dinner start from £25.95 per adult, per day, £15.50 per child (6-14), per day and £7.25 per child (2-5), per day.
To book visit butlins.com.