IT IS not every day you expect to see snow at one of the UK’s top theme parks.
But at Drayton Manor Theme Park we were treated to two downfalls, of the artificial kind, at its Thomas Land attraction and inside its 4D cinema.

Getting us thoroughly into the mood for the festive season, this year the Staffordshire theme park’s celebrations have been themed ‘Knight Before Christmas’.

It has seen the Excalibur ride transformed into Father Christmas’ magical castle grotto complete with elves, jesters and a dragon named Harly.

But more of that later because we started our day in family favourite Thomas Land, the home of Thomas the Tank Engine and friends,  which had been given a very merry makeover with festive lights, gold and red decorations and Christmas trees.

Snowing three times a day at Thomas Land, despite the dreary weather the whole theme park,  twinkling with beautiful fairy lights, remained extremely festive.

 

The park has opened up their family friendly rides so adrenaline junkies may miss not being able to go on park favourites such as Apocalypse, Shockwave and G-Force. 

Next stop was the 4D cinema which was showing a specially adapted screening of The Polar Express.

 

Wearing 3D glasses, we joined a young boy aboard a train bound for the North Pole.

And without given too much away there were plenty of surprises as you sat in the simulation chairs which really captured the attention.

 

As night fell we watched the fireworks aboard Rosie, a popular train from the Thomas the Tank Engine stories, while also enjoying the wonderfully decorated Knapford Station.

The (allocated) time had then come to meet the big man himself – Father Christmas.

 

Elves welcomed my excited children to the castle where they spent time with Santa Claus letting him know they had been well behaved and handing over their extensive present lists.

Leaving the park, we all decided we had been thoroughly put in the mood for Christmas.

 

All we have to do now is wait a month for the day itself.

Booking essential on 0844 472 1960 or www.draytonmanor.co.uk.

Running until January 6.