Every year, more and more parents are leaning towards experience-based gifts at Christmas rather than simple toys. This shift reflects the growing desire to live life and create lasting memories rather than accumulate more stuff. AttractionTickets.com has rounded up the ticket gifts our customers love most, with a little something for every member of the family, and every budget.
Looking for even more ideas? Browse the full range of Christmas gift experiences and experience days at AttractionTickets.com.
Which experience gift is right for your family?
Experience gift | Perfect for | Where | Budget | When to go |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Disney fans of all ages | Paris, France | ££ | All year round, with Disney Enchanted Christmas until 6 January 2027 | |
Thrill-seekers and little Bluey fans | Staffordshire, UK | £ | Spring to autumn 2027 | |
A once-in-a-lifetime family holiday | Orlando, Florida | £££ | All year round | |
Film fans, gamers and coaster lovers | Orlando, Florida | £££ | All year round | |
Families, teens and couples | London | £ | All year round | |
Couples, families and animal lovers | Orlando, Florida | ££ | All year round | |
Grown-ups who love a sing-along | London | £ | All year round | |
Theatre lovers and Disney fans | New York | ££ | All year round | |
Harry Potter fans | Leavesden, near London | ££ | All year round | |
Music lovers, parents and couples | London | ££ | Booking until 28 June 2027 |
£ = a fantastic day out, ££ = a special treat, £££ = the holiday of a lifetime
The 10 most popular experience gifts for Christmas 2026
1. Disneyland® Paris Tickets
When it comes to Christmas gifts for children and families, there's nothing quite as magical as surprising your little ones with Disneyland® Paris tickets. Imagine the joy on their faces when they discover they're about to embark on the trip of a lifetime!
Just a short journey from the UK, Disneyland® Paris is the perfect choice for a family-friendly short break filled with wonder and excitement. Its two Disney Parks are packed with thrilling, world-class attractions like Big Thunder Mountain and Phantom Manor in Disneyland® Park and The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror™ in Disney Adventure World, plus beloved Disney Characters and spectacular live entertainment. There's something for everyone to enjoy!
New this year: Disney Adventure World is now home to World of Frozen, and for the very first time, Christmas has arrived in Arendelle! Disney Enchanted Christmas runs until 6 January 2027, with Nordic-inspired decorations, festive songs with Anna, Elsa and Olaf, and Kristoff joining the celebrations for the first time.
To make the big reveal extra special, you can get creative! Gift them a plush toy of their favourite Disney Character, set up a scavenger hunt, or decorate the room with Disney-themed balloons. The possibilities are endless, and the memories last forever.
Our gifting tip: Disneyland® Paris tickets are for set dates, so choose a ticket that includes both Disney Parks to enjoy Disneyland® Park and World of Frozen on the same trip. Our guide to which Disneyland® Paris ticket to choose can help.
2. Alton Towers Tickets
If you'd prefer to stay closer to home, why not treat your family to a thrilling trip to Alton Towers in Staffordshire? Known for its cutting-edge rollercoasters like Oblivion, TH13TEEN and the Wicker Man, it's the perfect place to get your adrenaline pumping!
Don't fret if intense rides aren't ideal for your little ones - Alton Towers also has plenty to offer younger visitors too! CBeebies Land is packed with exciting attractions designed just for kids, including the Octonauts Rollercoaster and other fun-filled rides inspired by their favourite shows.
Calling all Bluey fans! CBeebies Land is home to Bluey the Ride: Here Come the Grannies!, the world's first Bluey rollercoaster, which opened in March 2026. Little riders can join Bluey and Bingo, dressed up as their mischievous Grannies Janet and Rita, for a backyard adventure full of gentle dips and twists. As an added bonus, younger guests can meet Bluey and her family in an exclusive meet-and-greet experience in the Big Fun Showtime area.
Not to mention, Alton Towers Resort is home to the UK's first Rollercoaster Restaurant! Here, your food travels along rollercoaster tracks, defying gravity with exciting twists, turns and even loop-the-loops before landing at your table!
With something for everyone, Alton Towers promises a magical day of family fun without the hassle of travel!
Our gifting tip: Alton Towers Theme Park takes a winter break after its 2026 season, which makes tickets a brilliant gift to count down to. 2027 tickets are already on sale, so choose a date in spring or summer. Searching for Alton Towers gift vouchers? Our mobile tickets are ready to print and pop in a Christmas card!
3. Walt Disney World Resort Tickets
Walt Disney World Resort in Florida is often hailed as the ultimate holiday destination, and for good reason! Located in the state famously known as the theme park capital of the world, this iconic resort offers endless magic with its thrilling rides, spectacular shows, and countless beloved Disney Characters ready to greet you. What makes it truly special is that every visit feels unique, offering new adventures each time!
There are four theme parks: Magic Kingdom Park, EPCOT, Disney's Hollywood Studios and Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park, as well as two water parks: Disney's Typhoon Lagoon Water Park and Disney's Blizzard Beach Water Park. You can immerse yourself in enchanting worlds and timeless fairy tales.
Explore the galaxy far, far away in Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, stand in front of Cinderella Castle as dazzling fireworks illuminate the night sky, and witness Tinker Bell soaring above in a breath-taking display of magic. Bring your family together for this incredible adventure and help everyone rediscover their inner child!
Our gifting tip: The Disney 14-Day Magic Ticket is one of our best sellers, with 14 days of park fun to enjoy within an 18-day window, Park Hopper access and Memory Maker included with adult tickets. You choose your start date when you book, and your first two changes are free if your plans move. Fancy adding Universal to the adventure? The Disney & Universal Combo Ticket bundles both resorts together.
4. Universal Orlando Resort Tickets
Universal Orlando Resort is the ultimate family getaway, offering something magical for everyone. Step into your favourite worlds, from Harry Potter and Jurassic Park to The Simpsons and Jaws, and immerse yourself in unforgettable stories brought to life.
The resort now has three amazing theme parks and the Universal Volcano Bay water theme park, as well as the brand-new Universal Epic Universe. Epic Universe opened in May 2025 and is the biggest change to the resort in years, with five immersive worlds to explore, including SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™, How to Train Your Dragon - Isle of Berk and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ - Ministry of Magic™.
It's packed with heart-pounding rides, stunning shows and interactive experiences suitable for all ages. Brave the jaw-dropping Jurassic World VelociCoaster, then hop aboard the Hogwarts™ Express to travel between Diagon Alley™ and Hogsmeade™. Find your perfect wand at Ollivanders™ in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™, or meet favourites like Shrek and Donkey, SpongeBob SquarePants and the Minions for a memorable encounter.
Our gifting tip: The Universal Orlando All Parks Ticket covers all four theme parks, while the Universal Orlando Three Park Adventure Ticket is a great-value pick for arrivals between 20 October 2026 and 31 March 2027, including Epic Universe. Planning a 2027 holiday? Your tickets are ready to download from your AttractionTickets.com customer account as soon as they're paid in full.
5. Madame Tussauds London & The London Eye Tickets
Treat the family to an unforgettable day out in the capital with the Madame Tussauds London & The London Eye Combo Ticket, one of AttractionTickets.com's most popular London gifts! Get up close to more than 150 lifelike wax figures of film stars, music legends, sporting heroes and royals at Madame Tussauds London, then soar above the city on the London Eye for breath-taking views of Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament and the River Thames.
Snap a selfie with your favourite celebrity, then spot famous landmarks from the top. It's a brilliant mix of fun and sightseeing that the whole family will love!
Our gifting tip: Two of London's favourite attractions in one ticket makes this a great-value gift for families, teens and couples. Pop a mini red double-decker bus in the gift box to hint at the adventure ahead!
6. Discovery Cove® Tickets
Looking for a luxurious gift that's a little bit different? The Discovery Cove® Ultimate Package is an all-inclusive day in a tropical island paradise in Orlando, and it's a once-in-a-lifetime treat for couples, families and animal lovers.
Swim and play with a beautiful Atlantic bottlenose dolphin, snorkel among tropical fish in The Grand Reef, hand-feed colourful birds in the Explorer's Aviary and float along the Wind-Away River. Breakfast, lunch, snacks and drinks are all included, so all that's left to do is relax on the white-sand beaches!
The Ultimate Package also includes unlimited admission to SeaWorld® Orlando, Aquatica® and Busch Gardens® for up to 14 consecutive days, with free parking at all the parks.
Our gifting tip: Discovery Cove is a reservation-only experience, so you'll choose your visit date when you book. Dolphin swimmers need to be at least 6 years old and 42 inches tall, and there's a Non-Dolphin Swim option too, so everyone can join in the fun.
7. "Here We Go Again" London Afternoon Tea Bus Tickets
For a gift that's part festive treat, part sightseeing adventure, hop aboard the "Here We Go Again" London Afternoon Tea Bus, one of AttractionTickets.com's best sellers! Tuck into a delicious afternoon tea of savoury and sweet treats as you take in London's famous landmarks, all while singing along to ABBA classics.
It's a fun and unusual present for mums, best friends and anyone who loves a good sing-along. Thank you for the music!
Our gifting tip: Make it a full day of ABBA magic by pairing it with ABBA Voyage tickets for the ultimate night out in London.
8. The Lion King on Broadway Tickets
Looking for a roar-some experience for the whole family to enjoy? If you're a huge fan of the Disney classic, The Lion King, make sure to catch a stunning performance of The Lion King on Broadway in New York. It's a blend of music, storytelling and stunning stage design that's perfect for fans of all ages.
With its iconic songs, breath-taking costumes and heartfelt story (enough to make a grown man cry), this award-winning production is a gift that immerses you in the magic of the Serengeti. It's a truly unforgettable experience for theatre lovers and Disney fans alike!
Our gifting tip: Broadway tickets are for a set date and performance, so match them to your New York travel dates before you book. Want to make a whole trip of it? Add a New York CityPASS or Go City pass to explore even more of the Big Apple's top sights!
9. Warner Bros. Studio Tour London - The Making of Harry Potter Tickets
Wands at the ready! Warner Bros. Studio Tour London takes Harry Potter fans behind the scenes of the films, with the original sets, props and costumes from the films to explore. It's a dream come true for anyone who's ever hoped for their Hogwarts letter.
AttractionTickets.com's Warner Bros. Studio Tour London tickets include return transport from London Victoria, so the whole day is hassle-free.
Our gifting tip: Make a magical weekend of it by pairing the Studio Tour with the Madame Tussauds London & The London Eye Combo Ticket for even more fun in the capital!
10. ABBA Voyage Tickets
Mamma mia, what a gift! ABBA Voyage is a revolutionary concert experience in London, where ABBA perform their greatest hits as digital avatars alongside a live 10-piece band, with shows booking until 28 June 2027. It's a fantastic present for music lovers, parents and couples.
Our gifting tip: Pop a pair of sparkly sunglasses or a feather boa in the gift box for an extra dose of disco glamour!
How to give attraction tickets as a Christmas present
Giving attraction tickets as a Christmas present is easy with AttractionTickets.com. Here's how to make your gift extra special:
- Get your tickets fast. AttractionTickets.com tickets are available to download from your customer account as soon as they're paid in full, so there's no need to worry about Christmas post deadlines.
- Print and wrap. Print your tickets or booking confirmation and tuck them into a Christmas card, a gift box or the last envelope of a scavenger hunt.
- Add a themed treat. A plush toy, a wizard's wand or a pair of mouse ears gives little ones something to unwrap on Christmas morning.
- Choose the right dates. Most theme park tickets are for a set date or start date, so check your family's diary before you book. Many tickets can be amended if your plans change.
- Spread the cost. Bigger gifts, like an Orlando or Disneyland® Paris holiday, can be secured with a deposit and paid off in instalments.
Before you wrap it up - handy checks for a perfect surprise
A little planning keeps the magic going all the way from Christmas morning to the big day:
- Travel documents: For trips to Orlando or Paris, check that everyone's passports are valid and that you have any travel authorisations you need, such as an ESTA for the United States. UK passport holders will also need an approved ETIAS to visit France and the rest of the Schengen Area in 2027.
- What's included: Theme park tickets cover park admission. For a complete getaway, AttractionTickets.com Hotel + Ticket packages for Orlando and Disneyland® Paris bring your stay and tickets together.
- Height and age guidance: Check ride height requirements on the official park websites and age guidance for shows, so everyone knows which experiences they can enjoy.
- Accessibility: Theme parks and theatres offer a range of accessibility services, from accessible seating to ride access support. Check the official websites for details, and the AttractionTickets.com team is always happy to help you plan.
Make this Christmas one to remember
Those are our top ticket experiences for children and families this Christmas season! Experience gifts give your loved ones something magical to look forward to, and memories they'll treasure long after the decorations come down.
For even more inspiration and unforgettable memories to make, explore the full collection of Christmas gift experiences at AttractionTickets.com.
