Where to stay this Christmas?
Somewhere with a lion next door
If you're wondering where to stay this Christmas, here's a festive idea that beats another night on the sofa: wake up to a lion's roar, spot a tiger strolling past your window, then wander a glowing light trail as the stars come out. Welcome to Christmas at Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve in Kent.
Set across 600 acres of Kent countryside and home to more than 900 rare and endangered animals, Port Lympne is a safari staycation dressed up in fairy lights. This year there are three brilliant ways to join the fun: a full Christmas Package Stay, a twinkly Nightlights Stay, and NEW FOR 2026 - the Elfwood family sleepover.
One word of warning before you put the kettle on: festive dates here go faster than mince pies at a carol concert. Several Christmas lodges have already sold out, so if one of these takes your fancy, don't wait!
Christmas Package Stays:
Christmas Eve to Boxing Day, all wrapped up
For the ultimate festive break in Kent, the two-night Christmas package takes care of everything from Christmas Eve to Boxing Day. Think sparkling welcome drinks, winter safaris and feasting in the Garden Room - no sprouts to peel, no washing-up to dodge.
Christmas Eve
Arrive to a warm welcome and a glass of something sparkling, then wander Port Lympne Illuminated as night falls. There's a winter truck safari across the Kentish Savannah, a live choir in the mansion and a special visit from a certain someone from the North Pole for younger guests.
Christmas Day
The Reserve is closed to the public, so it's exclusively yours. Tuck into a seasonal feast in the Garden Room with curated wine pairings, then settle in by the log fire with hot chocolate, festive films and the King's Speech. A Christmas buffet dinner and a starlit stroll round off the day.
Boxing Day
A full English breakfast with views across Romney Marsh, followed by an up-close encounter with an animal of your choice.
Pick your festive hideaway (and be quick)
| Accommodation | 2-night Christmas package | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Lion Lodge | £7,195 | Only 1 left |
| Tiger Lodge | £6,299 | Only 1 left |
| Treehouses | £3,999 | Available |
| Leopard Creek Wigwams | £3,199 | SOLD OUT |
| Leopard Creek Cabins | £2,899 | Available |
| Leopard Creek Cubs | £2,799 | Available |
| Port Lympne Hotel Junior Suite | £2,799 | Only 1 left |
| Port Lympne Hotel Twin/Double | £2,699 | Only 3 left |
Lion Lodge
Book Lion Lodge Christmas Package
Tiger Lodge
Book Tiger Lodge Christmas Package
Treehouses
Book Treehouse Christmas Package
Leopard Creek Cabins
Book Leopard Creek Cabin Christmas Package
Leopard Creek Cubs
Book Leopard Creek Cub Christmas Package
Hotel Junior Suite
Book Hotel Junior Suite Christmas Package
Hotel Double Room
Book Hotel Double Room Christmas Package
Hotel Twin Room
Book Hotel Twin Room Christmas PackageNightlights Stays:
Sleep over at Port Lympne Illuminated
Can't make Christmas itself? A Nightlights Stay lets you soak up the season on dates that suit you. By day you've got the run of the 600-acre Reserve; after sunset you're invited into the secret after-dark world of Port Lympne Illuminated, which returns this year with all-new installations.
There are 14 different places to stay, from family glamping to luxury lodges beside the animals. A few festive favourites:
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What every Nightlights Stay includes
- An overnight stay in your chosen accommodation
- Access to Port Lympne Reserve and a seat on the truck safari
- Access to Howletts Wild Animal Park
- Access to the Port Lympne Illuminated festive light trail
- Free parking and WiFi
Arrival is from 9:30am and departure by 2pm. Santa's Grotto isn't included and needs booking separately - and those slots are worth grabbing early too.
New for 2026:
Elfwood, the family Christmas sleepover
The elves have been busy. This year they've sprinkled their winter magic over Pinewood and turned its cosy timber glamping pods into Elfwood - an enchanted little village tucked among the pine trees, just across from the lion enclosure.
The lights are twinkling, elves are hiding in the treetops and extra marshmallows have mysteriously appeared around the fire pit.
Gather the family in the Christmas Clubhouse for festive films, explore the Reserve while the sun shines, then step out into Port Lympne Illuminated as darkness falls. With the light trail right on your doorstep, there's no long drive home with sleepy little ones.
Your Elfwood package includes
- Access to Port Lympne Illuminated
- Exclusive access to Port Lympne's safari and walking routes before 2pm, when the Reserve is closed to the public
- Access to Howletts Wild Animal Park
- A cosy Christmas Clubhouse with seasonal films
- An outdoor fire pit for marshmallow toasting
- Festive family activities
- Free parking and WiFi
All of this starts from £369 for up to four guests. Want to make it extra magical? You can add a visit to Santa's Grotto for an additional fee.
If your family is dreaming of a woodland Christmas with elves (and lions) for neighbours, book your Elfwood pod while dates are still available.
Two wildlife parks and a light trail, all in one stay
Here's the bit that makes festive bargain-hunters grin: Nightlights and Elfwood stays don't just include a bed for the night. Admission to two of Kent's most popular wildlife parks - Port Lympne Reserve and Howletts Wild Animal Park - is included in the cost of your stay, along with entry to Port Lympne Illuminated.
That means one booking covers:
Port Lympne Reserve
600 acres, a truck safari and more than 900 rare and endangered animals.
Howletts Wild Animal Park
A second day out, just a 30 minute drive away near Canterbury, included in your stay.
Port Lympne Illuminated
The festive light trail, back for its second year with all-new installations.
With Elfwood starting from £369 for up to four guests, that's a family sleepover, two wildlife parks and an evening of Christmas sparkle in one festive parcel. No separate tickets, no queuing at the gate, and no rushing off before the lights come on.
Choosing the full Christmas Package instead? Port Lympne Illuminated is part of your Christmas Eve, and on Christmas Day the whole Reserve is reserved exclusively for overnight guests - a treat money can't usually buy.
Get Christmas wrapped up - book now
Our Christmas packages are selling fast with some accommodations already sold out. Elfwood is brand new and families have been waiting all year to try it. In short, the elves aren't the only ones moving fast!
Book a Christmas Package Book a Nightlights Stay Book Elfwood
This year, give the gift of a wild Christmas and a story the whole family will still be telling next December.
Christmas stays at Port Lympne: FAQs
What's included in a Nightlights Stay?
An overnight stay, access to Port Lympne Reserve and its truck safari, access to Howletts Wild Animal Park, entry to Port Lympne Illuminated, plus free parking and WiFi.
How much does Elfwood cost?
Elfwood stays start from £369 for up to four guests.
Is Santa's Grotto included?
No. Santa's Grotto is booked separately with Nightlights and Elfwood stays, for an additional fee or call 01303 234112 to add Santa's Grotto to your existing booking.
Is Port Lympne open to the public on Christmas Day?
No. On Christmas Day the Reserve is exclusive to overnight guests.
How long is the Christmas package?
Two nights, from Christmas Eve to Boxing Day.
