Two perfectly pitched pantomime jokes at Alton Towers Resort had an eight-year-old boy laughing with pure, unbridled joy, creating a magical highlight of the resort's acclaimed Santa Sleepover package.
A Festive Package Packed With Value
The Santa Sleepover at Alton Towers, available on selected dates from November 28 to December 24, offers a jam-packed two-day festive experience. Priced from £91 per person, it represents significant value for families. For context, a typical Santa's Grotto visit elsewhere can cost £15-£20 per child, while pantomime tickets often start at £25 each.
The package includes one-day entry to the Alton Towers theme park with access to family attractions like the UK's only CBeebies Land. Guests also receive a visit to Santa's Grotto, panto tickets, a festive dinner with entertainment, and an overnight stay in a themed hotel. The second day begins with a buffet breakfast, followed by time at the tropical waterpark and a round of nine-hole crazy golf.
Panto Magic and Unforgettable Gags
The Cinderella pantomime proved to be a standout moment, delighting both an eight-year-old son and his six-year-old sister. The show mastered the classic panto blend of camp, cheeky humour. One joke involved an Ugly Sister boasting, "In 2005, I was crowned most beautiful princess," to which Buttons retorted, "Oh yeah? Where did you get that title – Crufts?!"
Another gag saw Buttons telling the sisters, "You two look like movie stars." When one eagerly asked, "Which movie?" the punchline "Shrek!" landed perfectly, sending the young boy into another fit of belly laughs. The production quality was high, providing the perfect, fun-filled end to the first day.
From Rainy Rides to Indoor Adventures
Despite relentless rain on their first day, the family's festive spirit remained unshaken. The live show The Sprout Who Saved Christmas, complete with singing, dancing, cheesy jokes and a finale of fake snow, successfully set a merry mood.
In CBeebies Land, favourites included the chaotic Justin's House Pie-O-Matic Factory, the Octonauts rollercoaster, and the Go Jetters and Treetop Adventure rides. When the weather became too much, they sought shelter in the pirate-themed Mutiny Bay's amusement arcade, finding simple joy (and a challenge to leave) the classic 2p push machines.
The Alton Towers Hotel itself was a major attraction for the children. From the grand flying machine in the lobby to the arctic explorer-themed rooms, the immersive design captivated them at every turn. A charming touch involved children posting letters to Santa in the reception postbox, only to find personalised replies from Father Christmas slipped under their hotel room door the next morning.
Dinner was a traditional festive feast complete with crackers, and the following morning's visit to the indoor waterpark at Splash Landings Hotel was a definite highlight. The Master Blaster and Rush 'N' Rampage slides offered thrilling wake-up calls, while the Lazy River provided a more relaxed option.
The Santa Sleepover package successfully bundles festive magic, family entertainment, and theme park fun into one convenient, value-for-money break. For one eight-year-old, the memory of laughing uncontrollably at a panto joke will likely last long after the Christmas decorations come down.
