October 2018 - In winter, Europa-Park is transformed into a wonderland, with 3,000 Christmas trees covered in snow, baubles and twinkling lights. Add in the Christmas market and the Christmas shows, and the park rated “the world’s best” for the past four years is the perfect holiday season destination for all the family.

With more than 100 rides, including a dozen roller coasters, the park is like Europe in miniature, from France and Norway to Spain and Merry Old England. And each of the 15 areas reflects the buildings and architecture of the 15 countries. For the Christmas season, the Winter Starlight Parade brings beautifully-decorated floats and costumed characters. Special events for little ones? Of course. In Italy, Ed Euromaus opens the ‘doors’ in the Advent Calendar every evening. And he, along with friends, lights the Christmas tree at Luxembourg Square – with Santa’s help!

Also special for the season is the outdoor ice rink in the Scandinavian area, along with a ski school, where kids can have their first-ever ski lesson. Thrill-seekers head for the world-class rides. New is the Eurosat - CanCan Coaster, designed and built in co-operation with the Moulin Rouge cabaret in Paris, complete with iconic red windmill. With fabulous views over the park at night, the Big Wheel Bellevue towers above the Portuguese area. Blankets in each gondola keep everyone warm aboard this 55-m/180-ft-high Ferris wheel that rotates slowly, opening up magical views of thousands of twinkling lights below. Indoors, the Voletarium, Europe's largest Flying Theatre, offers the virtual reality of flying: swoop low and close to Europe’s iconic sights, from the Eiffel Tower and Venice to rugged Alpine peaks. Then there is the live entertainment, such as the Circus Revue, just one of many shows featuring more than 400 international artists.

Christmas isn’t Christmas without treats from all over Europe: mulled wine, eggnog and spicy grilled sausages; crepes and runny raclette on French bread. Temptations are everywhere, especially in the traditional Christmas market, with festively-decorated stalls selling handmade wooden toys and tree decorations. There is even a medieval market with traditional crafts, such as book binding, wood carving and goldsmithing.

Stay the night                                                                           

One day is never long enough, so stay overnight in one of the park’s carefully themed 4-star hotels: the New England-style Bell Rock; the Portuguese-inspired Santa Isabel; El Andaluz, like a Spanish finca. The Castillo Alcazar whisks you back to the Middle Ages, while the Hotel Colosseo reflects Italy. And if you miss the pre-Christmas excitement, you can always sneak over early in the New Year to kick off 2019 in style!

Getting there

Fred. Holidays (0800 988 3369; fredholidays.co.uk) offers Europa-Park breaks including return flights from the UK, private overseas transfers, two nights 4* accommodation, breakfast and 2-day park tickets.  From £499 pp. Price is based on two adults sharing a room departing London Stansted on 3rd December 2018. Daily departures available.

Europa-Park is near Rust, which is easy to reach via direct flights from the UK. Fly to Karlsruhe/Baden-Baden (40 miles/64 km), Stuttgart (110 miles/175 km) or EuroAirport Basel (60 miles/90 km). Then take the regular shuttle buses.

Opening times: Nov 24 - Jan 6; Jan 12-13; closed Dec 24-25

For further information call: +49 7822 77 66 88 or visit www.europapark.com and follow @EuropaParkUK.