/Alton Towers hosts a wintery wonderland...

ALTON Towers Resort has transformed into a winter wonderland to host sleepovers with Santa this Christmas.

The Staffordshire-based resort is hosting Santa sleepovers from the end of November, with a chance to meet Father Christmas in a range of festive settings.

There will be fairytale grottos, featuring a host of playful and charismatic elves, a roaring fireplace and gifts.

This year for the first time, families can also opt to experience a magical tipi, where children will be greeted with a hot chocolate, and grown-ups with mulled wine, before singing carols with Mrs Claus, making Christmas decorations with the elves and enjoy story-time with Santa.

Mrs Claus will also be cooking breakfast, there will be stories of Sir Algenon’s adventures to the North Pole and songs from Santa’s elves; culminating with an extra special visit from Father Christmas himself.

The Resort’s Rollercoaster Restaurant meanwhile, will also be serving up Christmas dinner with a twist.

Dinner arrives at the table via a 12mph roller coaster, which includes two loops.

The festivities will also include family pantomime, Jack and the Beanstalk.

Guests will also be able to enjoy the Alton Towers Waterpark, with exclusive access to the resort’s rides and attractions, including Go Jetters Vroomster Zoom, Postman Pat’s Special Delivery Service, In the Night Garden Magic Boat Ride and Heave Ho, within CBeebies Land and Mutiny Bay.

Evening entertainment including character meet and greets, live shows, a Christmas cinema and a farewell from Santa Claus will also be part of the experience.

Santa Sleepovers will take place on Sunday, November 26, Sunday, December 3, Friday, December 15 and Saturday, December 23.

Prices start from £270 based on a family of four sharing and include Christmas dinner, bed and breakfast; meet and greet with Father Christmas, one day access to the waterpark, pantomime and selected rides. For more information see altontowers.com/christmas.