Europa-Park launched its 2025/26 winter season in spectacular style on 28 November 2025, as the resort hosted Germany’s largest Santa Claus gathering.

Thousands of red coats, white beards and jingling bells filled the pathways of Germany’s biggest theme park, transforming it into a sea of festive cheer on the eve of its winter opening.

The santas travelled from Germany, France and Switzerland to take part in the celebrations, joining together amongst 3,500 snow-covered fir trees, glowing decorations and mountains of wrapped presents.

A Festive Opening Ceremony

The special day began at Europa-Park’s open-air stage, where the Santas were treated to a lively entertainment programme performed by the park’s resident artists. In keeping with the spirit of giving, the Santas even received a few surprises of their own.

In his welcome address, Nicolas Mack, Director of Marketing & Communications, shared his excitement:

“We are delighted that so many people wearing red coats and hats have come to Europa-Park today. This marks the start of our winter season in a particularly festive atmosphere.”

Santas on Coasters

Following the ceremony, the Santas swapped sleighs for steel as they enjoyed exclusive rides on some of Europa-Park’s signature attractions. The group dashed through Iceland’s volcanic cliffs aboard the blue fire Megacoaster, conquered the high-speed thrills of Silver Star in France, and raced past roaring waterfalls aboard Austria’s classic Enzian Alpine Express.
These high-spirited coaster rides set the tone for the winter season ahead—full of energy, atmosphere and surprises.

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Europa-Park Winter Season 2025/26

Europa-Park’s winter season runs from 29 November 2025 to 18 January 2026 (closed 24–25 December), offering more than 100 attractions and shows, dazzling decorations and new experiences crafted especially for the park’s anniversary year.

A New Winterland Themed Area

Debuting for 2025/26, Winterland expands Europa-Park’s seasonal offerings with:

• “Monte-Carlo Circus Festival meets Europa-Park” – a spectacular winter circus revue featuring award-winning artists, breathtaking acrobatics and live music inside an enlarged circus tent.

• “Ice Sculpture Dome – A Trip Back in Time to 1975” – a breathtaking exhibition created using 80 tonnes of ice, showcasing iconic attractions from the park’s opening year.

• WinterWunderWelt – an indoor family playground with 18 interactive games.

• A new children’s carousel, additional dining options, and a cosy Winterland Bar.

Festive Attractions & Experiences

• The 55-metre-tall Bellevue Ferris wheel returns to the Portugal themed area, featuring heated gondolas and panoramic winter views.

• A magical Christmas market surrounds the Europa Fountain and stretches into the historic Balthasar Castle Park, joined by a traditional market in Ireland – Children’s World.

• Heaven’s Gate Post Office in England offers children the chance to meet Santa and send their Christmas wishes.

• Snow sports return with the Alpine Children’s Ski School, snow tubing, and Skitty World Nordic cross-country skiing trails.

• The Scandinavia ice rink, Ice Bar in Spain, and festive culinary treats ensure a warm welcome throughout the park.

Winter Shows & Nighttime Magic

Europa-Park’s winter line-up features some of the season’s most-loved entertainment:

• Surpr’Ice presents A Christmas Dream – a world-class ice skating spectacular.

• The Legend of Zorro horse show in the Spanish Arena.

• Firework of Memories – Winter Magic on Europa Lake.

• Miraculeaux – a mesmerizing 3D mapping show on the Eurosat – CanCan Coaster façade.

• Ed’s Starlight Parade, which illuminates the park each evening.

Cinemagoers can enjoy the brand-new GRAND PRIX 4D, following the cinema release of GRAND PRIX OF EUROPE.

Beyond the Park: Rulantica & the Resort

The fun continues at Rulantica, Europa-Park's year-round water world, featuring:

• Europe's largest racing slide, Vikingløp

• The Nordic outdoor pool Svømmepøl

• The serene Hyggedal sauna and wellness retreat

Guests can also indulge in a multisensory dining adventure at Eatrenalin, now offering an all-new seasonal menu, or extend their stay at one of the park’s six winter-themed 4★ superior hotels or in Silver Lake City.