Christmas at Crealy – a hint at the magic to come
Our favourite Devon Christmas day out is back, and it’s bound to be better than ever! We’ve been invited to previews of the Crealy Christmas Spectacular in previous years and have always found it to be a full on, festive day out.
While we have been guests all opinions and images are my own.
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Here’s the kids enjoying the ice show in 2019 – don’t they look tiny!
Included in this year’s Christmas at Crealy event will be:
- a live Christmas on ice show
- winter light displays around the park
- rides after dark
- a Christmas Sooty Show
- Santa’s Post Office
More activities are still to be announced.
Contents - jump to what you'd like to know
Crealy’s Christmas ice show
The theme of this year’s Christmas show at Crealy is yet to be announced but expect plenty of festive fun.
From experience we know there will be ice skating, acrobatics and lots of gasp-worthy surprises throughout the show.
Santa’s Toy Shop
The toy shop is a highlight for kids. Last time, we discovered it at the end of a winding path, complete with photo opportunities.
Here children can pick their own present from a large room full of unwrapped gifts.
It’s not a traditional grotto, but it is incredibly exciting for children to be told they can choose anything they like.
You can upgrade your ticket to include a Santa meet and greet which is more like a grotto experience. See more details below.
More Christmas fun at Crealy, Devon
Of course, if you buy tickets for a full day at Crealy you can also have a go on all of the rides and attractions that are open during the winter season as well as seeing the Christmas shows.
Find more Devon Christmas days out ideas.
When is Crealy Christmas Spectacular?
Dates for this year’s event are still to be confirmed.
Tickets for Christmas at Crealy
Ticket prices for entry to the Crealy Christmas event are based on height. Guests under 92cm are usually free.
Tickets for Santa’s Meet and Greet are based on age with a charge for all under 16s. Adults don’t need to buy a ticket for this.
The Santa Meet and Greet experience takes 45 minutes so is more than a brief audience with the man in red. You must book a time slot when you buy your tickets.
Visit the Crealy website to sign up for updates.
The Crealy Christmas event – handy things to know
- Tickets must be booked online in advance.
- If you want to do the Santa Meet and Greet experience you must book a time slot at the time you purchase your tickets.
- The post office, Santa’s toy workshop and Christmas crafts are open all the time so you just walk up.
- Arrive at the Big Top Arena 15 minutes before the show you want to see. We’d advise getting there a bit earlier to get good seats.
- As well as the Christmas activities there are usually around 15 Crealy rides open, plus indoor play.
Here’s a video from our last visit to Crealy’s Christmas Spectacular in 2019:
Crealy’s location
Crealy Theme Park & Resort is located on Sidmouth Road in Clyst St Mary near Exeter.
Where to stay
If you’re planning to make a festive weekend of your Christmas day out at Crealy, check out these local places to stay:
- Toby Carvery Exeter is just a few minute’s drive from Crealy Adventure Park and has family rooms with a double bed and sofa bed
- Another hotel super close to Crealy is the Devon Hotel. This has family rooms with a double bed and sofa bed
- If you want a bit more space the Courtyard by Marriott at Exeter has interconnecting rooms
- You can also book a lodge at the Crealy Meadows holiday park next to the theme park.
Read my review of the Crealy Meadows campsite.
Take a look at my round up of more Christmas events in Devon.
What rides are usually open at Christmas? Thinking of going this year, but would hate my kids favourite rides to be closed.