If you’re looking for a fabulous family day out near Bath for Christmas, there’s lots of festive fun happening at Avon Valley Adventure & Wildlife Park. 

Christmas at Avon Valley 2021 is extra special, to make up for muted celebrations due to Covid-19 last year. The calendar is packed with exciting activities throughout December, including ice skating, an Enchanted Village, magical evening events and visits from Santa himself. 

Here are just a few highlights of what’s on this year:

Festive ice skating

There’s a new 500 square metre ice rink set up for the festive season at Avon Valley, and it’s open all day from 11am and 9pm. In the evenings, twinkling lights will create the perfect winter wonderland atmosphere. There’s even an apres-skate bar serving drinks and warming seasonal food. It’s free to watch as a spectator, but tickets for a 45-minute skating session start from £5 (child) and £11 (adults). 

Enchanted Village

The elves at Avon Valley have created a charming Enchanted Village, just in time for Christmas. There’s even a Post Room for anyone wanting to send a letter to Santa – or you can use the Avon Valley SMS (Santa Messaging Service). 

Once you’ve taken your festive snaps at the Village, head out around the park to follow the beautiful Christmas light trail. The illuminations, set amid the lake and trees, has been designed by an award-winning event lighting specialist. 

Festive funfair

Also popping up at the park for 2021 is a Festive Funfair by Charles Porters Fairground, including everything from a big wheel and waltzers to dodgems and a ghost train. And there are plenty of rides suitable for young children too. It’s free to enter the Festive Funfair, and rides cost around £1-£4 each. 

Polar Express Miniature Steam Train

Kids of all ages love a miniature steam train, and the Avon Valley train is one of the best. Hop aboard the Polar Express for a thrilling ride through the snowy forest, where ‘snow’ and the occasional blizzard is guaranteed!

Meet real reindeer

There’s a trio of resident reindeer at Avon Valley too – yes, real ones! You can take the kids to meet Donner, Blitzen and Vixen in person, and even take them some environmentally reindeer food to nibble on. 

Christmas shopping 

Throughout December, the Christmas Shop will be open and selling decorations, gifts and personalised items inspired by the park. 

Planning your visit to Bath and Avon Valley

Avon Valley Adventure & Wildlife Park is less than half an hours’ drive from Bath, so it’s perfect for a day out if you’re staying in one of our gorgeous period apartments in Bath city centre. 

You can make a real festive weekend of it, enjoying Christmas shopping, ice skating and even a winter light trail in the city one day – then popping out to the countryside the next. 

Remember that Avon Valley is open until 9pm from 3rd to 31st December, so you can visit in the evenings too.