As the Christmas season approaches, there's no better place to immerse yourself in the festive spirit than at Bluestone's Christmasland Chronicles event.

Bluestone National Park Resort is a 5* self-catering luxury holiday destination based in Narberth, Pembrokeshire and from the 6th of November 2023 to the 4th of January 2024, Bluestone holiday park in Wales transforms into a winter wonderland, offering a magical experience for families and visitors of all ages.

Having been fortunate enough to visit Bluestone annually with my family since my children were small, I can attest to the magical atmosphere and the joy it brings to everyone who visits. Bluestone has been a part of our family tradition, watching our children grow and celebrating various seasons throughout the years. This year, our visit was different as it marked the first time we returned without my Dad, who loved Bluestone dearly and always booked for us to go. Thanks to a collaboration with Bluestone, our experience was filled with beautiful moments and new memories, making it a joyful and reflective time for us.

The cabins at Bluestone are not just accommodations; they are spacious, clean, warm, and comfortable homes nestled in the midst of the stunning 500-acre Bluestone National Park. Arriving in November allowed us to witness the transition from Autumn to Winter. The park had the perfect mix of warm autumn hues and festive winter decorations. As squirrels munched on acorns and robins sat on trees with red berries it is this natural beauty surrounding the cabins that makes the stay at Bluestone truly special.

Upon arrival, we received Christmasland Passports for the children, setting the tone for the festive fun during our stay. The Polar Postal envelope, ready for a letter to Santa with their Christmas wish list, added an extra touch of magic. One massive highlight for us was Santa's Polar Postal. Santa travels around the resort twice a week with his merry elves collecting letters from the children. The rental golf buggies, that visitors had so wonderfully decorated joined in a Christmas convoy, where the festive buggies followed Santa around the resort with Christmas music playing, which was a sight to behold and a giggle a minute!

For my boys, a visit to the Elf Lagoon was a must. The Blue Lagoon Water Park transformed into a Christmas paradise with one of the slides transformed into a giant candy cane and festive decorations throughout. We did a couple of daytime swims but I also recommend attending around 4.30pm an hour or so before it closes as with the nights drawing in you get to swim the lazy river that takes you outside and you can look up at the stars above which was super magical.

At the Snow Globe, you’ll be transported into a world of winter wonderment and magic! The Serendome will have you feeling as though you’ve stepped into a gigantic snow globe. I recommend going in the day time for a post swim waffle or crepe. There's a bar with a wide variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, a really special gift shop and a great play park for the children. Also you can jump aboard Santa’s Magical VR Sleigh Ride. Powered by magic, belief, and a sprinkle of Christmas cheer, venture to the North Pole and take in the sights from every angle. You can also indulge in amazing festive street food at the Christmas mini-market. The Serendome Snow Globe is a must for a night time visit too as it's so magical all lit up. The decorations are our of this world and they have several Christmas themed drinks at the bar to enjoy.

The reindeer village is wonderful day or night. Enjoy the best coffee on the resort at Ty Coffi, which also have freshly baked pastries and cakes which include lots of vegan options. They have a couple of restaurants in the village too, but our favourite is the Farmhouse Grill. We've had many incredible meals here over the years and has become our favourite place to eat. There's also a brilliant outdoor park for the children right in the centre of the village. Using his reindeer magic, Rudolph has decorated the village with garlands, wreaths, baubles, and magical lights which makes it an exciting place to spend time on your visit.

Looking for a place where your kids can release some pent-up energy? The Hive, also known as the Toy Factory, is the ultimate destination (especially for football mad kids like mine!). With an abundance of toys, a football pitch, and endless fun, it's a space where imagination knows no bounds. Step into this fun atmosphere with cheerful music and delightful decorations. Watch as the children laugh and play on the decorated play towers, while the grown-ups can unwind and recharge at the NRG lab. Don't forget to explore the gift shop for some fabulous Christmas gift ideas and stocking stuffers!

Speaking of the Toy Factory, it's where we encountered the extraordinary Santa's Workshop experience. This sparkling adventure is designed for the entire family to enjoy. Go on a festive journey, uncovering the secrets of Santa's magical workplace, and come face-to-face with the twinkly-eyed man himself. The first stop is the Jolly Ginger Bakery, where, alongside Jolly and Marshall Mallow, you can engage in cheerful challenges and festive fun before decorating your own delicious shortbread. After crafting your treats, proceed to our second stop to meet the mastermind behind all the magic – Santa Claus. Welcoming everyone into his special workshop, he invites you to get comfortable as he shares the tale of Claus. Believers are then presented with their very own Santa plush to take home. Our boys were absolutely enchanted by this experience, making it a highlight of our visit.

While there are numerous paid activities available, the resort also boasts a plethora of free daily activities that cater to all ages. From crafting Christmas cards with the cheerful elves to being captivated by enchanting shows, there's a continuous stream of festive happenings around the clock, ensuring that every moment is filled with holiday spirit.

One highlight not to be missed is the Jingle Jive Show, hosted at the Cloud Theatre in the Serendome which is a 400-seat amphitheatre,. This end-of-break celebration features Bluestone's new Christmasland characters and promises a delightful party for the whole family. The show includes festive games, disco dancing, singalongs, and ends in a giant snowball fight that had my kids squealing with excitement. A heartfelt acknowledgment goes to the dedicated staff orchestrating these events, as they work tirelessly to preserve the magic of the season for our children - They did such a wonderful job.

Our time at Bluestone was filled with so many special moments, but even within our Monday-to-Friday stay, the resort held more wonders than we could uncover in one visit, leaving us with a longing to return for more magical experiences. Bluestone truly is a haven of lovely moments waiting to be explored, making it the ideal destination for those seeking to create long lasting memories. The accommodation options, ranging from cosy lodges to spacious cottages and apartments, cater to various group sizes and budgets, ensuring a perfect family getaway. Notably, Bluestone has recently introduced 80 new Platinum lodges in the Merlin’s Crest area, raising the bar for luxury with features like sunrooms, private entrances, 'cwtch' rooms, and 20% more space enticing elements that make a return visit even more tempting - These looked so incredible when we drove past them on Santa's convoy!

A heartfelt thank you to Bluestones for this incredible opportunity to create memories that will last a lifetime.

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Bluestone Resorts Ltd

Canaston Wood

Narberth

Pembrokeshire

SA67 8DE

General enquiries: reservations@bluestonewales.com OR 01834 862 400