Fully Inclusive Festive Breaks at Hopton-on-Sea and Five Lakes are underway. And how exciting it was to welcome in this wonderful season to be jolly!
We experienced our opening Festive Breaks first-hand, providing you with a glimpse of the magic that only Potters delivers.
Of course, there’s delicious food, plentiful activities, refreshing beverages, stunning entertainment and so much more. But on every break until the end of 2024, we’ll be sprinkling that festive magic over your stay, making Potters the perfect choice for embracing the Christmas spirit with friends, family, and loved ones.
A Warm and Cosy Welcome
As soon as you arrive at Potters, whether it’s Hopton-on-Sea or Five Lakes, the festive spirit is apparent. The delicious and unmistakable aroma of mulled wine greets you as you step inside, complemented by a freshly baked, crumbly mince pie. With that first bite and first sip, you’re instantly transported into seasonal bliss, which remains as your joyful break unfolds.
The warmth of welcome is friendly and familiar, and most certainly festive! Donning their finest festive knits, antlers and smiles, the team will make you feel at home right from the get-go. But the holiday magic isn’t just for show. Everyone at Potters is fully in the spirit, ready for you to experience a joyful break like no other.
A Festive Wonderland
As you stroll around, you’ll notice the meticulous attention to detail that has gone into decorating the vast spaces. Each resort is adorned with tastefully decorated trees, twinkling lights, and shimmering ornaments that capture the magic of the holiday season.
From cosy bar areas and dining spaces to a welcoming reception, festive touches are everywhere. This truly creates an atmosphere that feels both homely and inviting.
With wreaths, garlands, and holiday hangings decking the halls and setting a magical tone, you’ll embrace the joy of the season with every step you take.
Garden Party
One of the highlights of your stay will undoubtedly be the Festive Garden Party. In the warmth of The Garden Bar, a vibrant gathering kicks off, filled with live music, games, a quiz and other seasonal delights that bring joy and laughter immediately, perfectly setting the tone for the days ahead. It’s the ideal way to instantly unwind, meet new friends, and soak in the festive ambience.
A range of new seasonal coffees are available this festive seasonIt’s also a chance to enjoy that unique taste of Christmas, right away. With new spiced lattes, festive hot chocolates, hot toddies and even a Rocking Rudolph ale, your taste buds will join you in the festivities, both at the Garden Party, and throughout your stay.
Yuletide fun throughout
That fully inclusive freedom you can expect at Potters brings with it a growing festive feeling. Christmas quizzes, crafts and activities fill your programme with Yuletide cheer. Whether you’re getting your mind racing, enjoying live music as you catch up with friends new and old, or simply kicking back in a cosy, comfy corner, every moment is a chance to let the atmosphere (and Christmas spirit!) soak in.
We chat with guests who are loving all the festivities and go along to some bell ringing, hosted by the wonderful Dan at Five Lakes. There’s laughter throughout, and a joyful sense of achievement by the end.
Friendly craft sessions carry a festive twist, from bauble-making to festive pottery. It’s a chance to create something special to take home, an annual reminder of your magical time at Potters.
Enjoy a variety of Christmas crafts this festive seasonAll that festive fun is added to an already-packed programme featuring games, activities, sports and relaxing leisure facilities. Your Fully Inclusive Festive Break can be as active or relaxed as you like.
A feast for the taste buds
It wouldn’t be a Potters break without a delicious and plentiful choice of seasonal food, four times a day.
But over the festive season, a memorable night complete with a Roast Turkey Christmas Dinner and all the trimmings awaits. With seasonal vegetables and pigs in blankets, it’s a festive feast that will only heighten your Christmas spirit.
And we sat down in the Eden Restaurant at Five Lakes to see that very first turkey being carved!
While the festive songs play, tasty Christmas puddings topped with custard are served. And throughout, the sound of crackers being pulled is heard, with their jokes providing joyful laughter and some good-spirited groans.
But all through the night, excitement grows. Because your delicious Christmas dinner is just a precursor to what lies ahead in the theatre.
The stage is set for Step Into Christmas at Potters ResortsStep Into Christmas – a stylish production fit for the season
The highly-anticipated annual Christmas show sees the theatre fill quickly, and the buzz is palpable when Step Into Christmas is introduced. The opening scenes are breathless as the PTC sets the tone for an amazing night under the lights.
You can feel the holiday spirit in every note of every song. And every inch of the stage is covered by dancers in an incredibly lively opening sequence. From the fantasy lands of Pure Imagination to The Rockin’ Robin Bar hosting classic rock ‘n’ roll hits from the 50s and 60s, you know you’re in for something special.
The fast-paced opening sections of Step Into Christmas will have you tapping and singing on the edge of your seat!This year’s setlist is a step away from those playful Christmas No.1s, and the sets provide a visual spectacle across a variety of musical eras. As the snow falls and the show unfolds, there’s an appreciation from guests of the heart and soul in this year’s production.
Traditional hits are given that unique Potters Theatre Company twist. Each section receives a rousing audience reaction. Our personal highlight is Hot Chocolate, and a brilliant trip on The Polar Express.
The show has something for everyone, including some songs delivered with a touch of festive humour. From start to finish, it’s a vibrant, uplifting performance from the Potters Theatre Company, ending with the beautiful Ave Maria and Hallelujah.
As the final notes ring out and the hairs on your neck stand tall, a standing ovation ensues. It’s immediately apparent that Step Into Christmas has delivered pure Christmas magic.
Hallelujah performed by the Potters Theatre Company is a fitting end to a brilliant showAs one guest puts it: “A fantastic show, great vocals, choreography and costumes. All so talented and simply outstanding”.
Meanwhile, another says: “The PTC have done it again. They are one of the reasons I absolutely LOVE Potters.”
But the night remains young
If there’s any trace of a festive hole unfilled, the traditional Christmas Countdown featuring PTC vocalists is a lively encore. There’s a true party atmosphere, hats, poppers, and a selection of No.1s we know and love to sing along to. Merry Christmas Everyone, Fairytale of New York, Don’t Let the Bells End are particular highlights, while Elton John’s Step Into Christmas (a notable absentee from the headline show of the same name) brings a smile to everyone’s face.
And as you count down to your very own Christmas celebration, you’d be forgiven for mistaking this special night for your actual Christmas Eve. The dance floor is full, hugs are shared and hands are shaken, before Late Night LIVE provides a perfect night cap or chance to toast a memorable night.
A fond farewell
"Thank you. A wonderful, marvellous, fantastic long weekend. Very special, how do you do it?"
As you tuck into your last breakfast, all the talk is of a brilliant night. Guests smiling, laughing, and sharing their favourite moments.
And when that time comes to leave, you’ll do so with a heart full of magical memories, and a true sense of holiday spirit. The beautiful decorations, stunning entertainment, delicious food, and heartwarming interactions that make Potters such a special place to enjoy your Festive Break, all leave a lasting impression.
A Festive Break at Potters is not just any other getaway. It’s an invitation to step into the joy of the season, reconnect with loved ones, and embrace all that makes Christmas special.
The festive season awaits you, at Potters ResortsAdd a Fully Inclusive Festive Break to your list this year. With late getaways still available in 2024, and 2025 already on sale, you’ll be sure to make memories to cherish for years to come.
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