Forget the idea that theme parks are just summer destinations. In November, EUROPA-PARK (www.europa-park.co.uk) turns into Germany's biggest Winter Wonderland. There are snowflakes and the smell of freshly-baked gingerbread, 6,000 twinkling lights, 2,500 decorated pine trees and some 1,500 Christmas tree balls! From November 23 till January 6, 2014, the magic of the holiday season is just a short flight away in one of the world's leading theme parks.

The whole family is catered for, with 11 rollercoasters and more than 100 attractions and shows. EUROPA-PARK itself is divided into 13 areas, each themed on a different country or region of Europe. In Russia, take the kids on the Snowflake Sleigh Ride or the Euro-Mir roller coaster, where your spinning gondola reaches speeds of 50 mph. In France, Eurosat is a dark spacecraft coaster inside a giant silver ball. For something more gentle, slide down the slopes on a snow tube or rent skates and pirouette round the spacious ice rink. Just for kids are the children's skibobs and the children's ski school, run by expert teachers from the Thoma ski school in the Black Forest. And little ones love the new Grimm's Enchanted Forest, where they can "enter" their favourite fairy tales.

As darkness falls, ride the 55-metre/180-ft high Ferris wheel, specially installed every winter. From the top, the view is pure magic, with lights sparkling all over the park. And what could be more traditional than a Christmas show? No language skills are needed to enjoy the nightly parade of lights or shows starring the Gingerbread Man and the Ice Princess. There are also circus acts in the Big Top and the Luna Magica music and light show on the lake, where Santa and his reindeers take a bow! But the magic doesn't end there. At the end of the day, shop for gifts in the beautifully-decorated traditional German Christmas Market and relax with a hot mulled wine in the cosy Après Ski Bar.

Stay in one of the five 4-star themed hotels, all beautifully decorated for the holiday season. The Colosseo is inspired by ancient Rome; the Santa Isabel is like a Portuguese monastery; the El Andaluz is Mediterranean; the Castillo Alcazar is like a medieval Spanish castle; the Bell Rock is themed on New England, complete with a lighthouse. In fact, rumour has it that Santa has already booked in to the lighthouse! Or be adventurous, and stay in a heated log cabin at Camp Resort.

WINTER OPENING AND PRICES

November 23 to January 6, 2014

Open: daily 11 am to 7 pm; weekends till 8 pm. Closed Dec 24, 25.

Winter special: adults 33 €; children (4 - 11 years) and guests over 60: 28.50 €.

Entry after 4pm: adults 18 €; children (4 - 11 years), guests over 60: 14 €.

GETTING THERE: Nearby airports include Karlsruhe/Baden-Baden and Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg (1 hour), and Stuttgart (2 hours).  All have convenient shuttle buses direct to EUROPA-PARK (www.europapark.com/flight). By rail, Ringsheim station is 2.5 miles from the park.

MORE INFORMATION: www.europa-park.co.uk

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For press information please contact:
Isabel Bohny
Tel: +49 (0)7822/ 77 14260
Email: Isabel.Bohny@europapark.de