Winter thrills

Adda twist to your festive weekend escape at one of these exciting European theme parks.

- Rhonda Carrier

Few things are more conducive to a festive mood than a winter break at a theme park. The best amusement parks tend to involve a variety of rides and attractions, paired with fewer people and shorter queues.

Add in that extra Christmas sparkle from the festive markets that some of them host, and you've got yourself the ultimate theme park experience.

We've rounded up three European parks tailor-made for winter fun, each in its own inimitable style.

For epic family-friendly adventures

The festive season feels extra-special at France's most-visited attraction this year, with Disneyland Paris's Enchanted Christmas (from 12 November to 8 January) celebrating the park's 30th anniversary.

The latest attractions at the park include the Avengers Campus zone, with two Marvel-themed rides, and the Disney Hotel New York, hosting the world's largest collection of original artworks from the superhero franchise.