Why experiences make the best Christmas gifts for families and friends
When the holiday season rolls around, the pressure to find the perfect gift begins. We wander through shops or scroll endlessly online, hoping to stumble upon something that feels meaningful. But often, those socks, gadgets, or candles end up forgotten in the back of a drawer by the time next Christmas comes around.
That’s why more people are choosing to give experiences instead of things, and for good reason. If you’re thinking of gifting an experience this Christmas but don’t know where to start - Zip World has a host of Christmas events that are perfect for all ages.
Memories last longer
Over time toys can break, clothes fade, and the latest technology is last year’s news, but the memories made on a day out last a lifetime. Experiences can give you stories to share and over time those memories become more valuable than a physical gift ever could.
Imagine seeing your little one’s face light up at the sight of Santa Claus himself in his grotto! Our Zipmas Christmas event at Zip World Llechwedd in North Wales gives you a genuine feeling of Christmas magic as your make your way underground to see Santa and his team of elves hard at work. The experience offers the ultimate grotto experience for families who want to immerse themselves in Christmas memories that will last a lifetime. With a lantern in hand, watch your little one’s eyes widen as you enter our light maze before heading through to Santa’s workshop and finish by meeting the big man himself.
As a parent or guardian, you will remember the look on their face when they tell Santa their Christmas wish, or as a child you will forever remember the joy and excitement you felt experiencing an underground Christmas for the first time!
Less clutter
Let’s face it, every year we dread having to think of where the next set of Christmas present are going to live. Well with an experience, you don’t have to worry about it cluttering up your home – they will enrich your life instead and not be gathering dust in a drawer.
Tower Grotto at Zip World is a warm and magical Christmas experience nestled in the Cegin Glo Bar & Bistro at Zip World Tower in South Wales. As you arrive, you’re treated to a cosy welcome with mulled wine (for adults) or hot chocolate and a mince pie, setting the festive mood. Then you head up to the mezzanine where Santa and his elves are waiting in their grotto. Children can write letters, decorate their own Welsh slate bauble, and receive a special gift.
This is the perfect gift to get the whole family in the Christmas spirit before the big day!
One size fits all
Buying gifts can be a hassle when you have to consider sizes, colours and personal taste, whereas experiences can suit a wide range of people from grandparents to best friends. And above all else, Christmas isn’t just for the kids – it can be for the adults too.
Why not choose to gift our Festive Forest experience to a loved one before the big day! Enjoy the Christmas magic all December long with an adventure under the stars surrounded by festive atmosphere. Festive Forest is the perfect themed experience for anyone who just wants to feel the joys of Christmas with twinkling lights, cosy mulled wine, and mince pies. This is a fun and unique way to experience woodland adventures while getting into the Christmas spirit.
Not to mention your ticket includes 3 magical rides on our Polar Coaster Express and access to our Snowtop Nets for the evening! What better way to celebrate another year than with unique adventures with the people you love?
Extended anticipation
One underrated perk of experiences is the joy of looking forward to them. The excitement builds for weeks or months, creating happiness long before the experience itself even happens. Why not book your Christmas fun today and have something to look forward to this Christmas time?
Looking for inspiration? Why not give the family something to look forward to at Zip World Manchester. This December we are hosting a family-friendly Christmas experience, The Grumpy Grotto. The Grump is trying to steal Christmas, but we need your help to outsmart him and bring back the festive magic. Kids will look forward to chasing down the Grump on our treetop bouncy nets whilst sneaking into the Grump’s Grotto to steal back Christmas. All this festive adventure will really get the kids in the Christmas spirit!
Experiences all year round…
Still want to gift an experience to a loved one on Christmas Day? Zip World vouchers offer something far more memorable than the usual presents - you’re giving the thrill of adventure, the joy of making memories, and the freedom to choose when you take part in your unforgettable experience. With vouchers valid for 12 months, your loved ones can pick the perfect time to enjoy their adventure – whether that’s soaring through the skies in summer sunshine or taking on an exhilarating challenge in the crisp winter air. It’s the ultimate gift of excitement, choice, and lasting memories, ready to be unwrapped this Christmas.
