Room Review: “Christmas” at Extremescape!

Ever since we opened Claus for Concern at Lucardo in Rawtenstall, we have been having a fantastic time enjoying other local Christmas-themed escape rooms hosted by our friends. Back in December, we played and reviewed A Christmas Advent-ure over at The Escaporium in Halifax and, a few weeks back, I went to play Christmas at Extremescape in Disley, Stockport. Want to find out more about this merry and magical experience? Read on!

The Room

Christmas is the fourth game to open at the picturesque Disney venue, following behind the highly-lauded Lost Tomb, Pirates, and Vikings experiences.

If you’ve played at Extremescape before, you’ll know the incredibly impressive calibre of puzzles, games, and surprises you can expect within their rooms. There’s always ingenious puzzle engineering, showstopping sets, and added humour along the way that keeps guests coming back again and again, and that’s why we were so thrilled to hear of the new room opening for the Christmas season.

The Story

The story of Christmas is as follows: Santa has been sunning it up on holiday in Barbados, and has left his return trip home before Christmas eve a tad too late! Not only this, but the jolly fellow has been rather forgetful recently, meaning Mrs Claus has had to hide his workshop key herself, and has created a treasure hunt to help him gain entry into the all-important space. Who knew she was such a puzzle master?

Anyway, Santa’s flight is due to arrive back in town in an hour, so it’s your job to help him gain entry into his workshop in plenty of time to complete his festive duties. Looks like we’re headed to Santa’s cabin!

The Experience

We must say, that everything about this room is as enchanting as Christmas itself. Puzzles are inspired by seasonal favourites including Christmas characters, carols, and commodities, each contributing to the cosy, charming, festivity of the room. It makes a fantastic game to enjoy as a family, with children as young as eight welcomed to play, but also with enough to do for even the most seasoned of escape room enthusiasts to feel satisfied with the challenge!

So yes, this room is very Christmassy. However, not too much so that you’ll only want to play it in December. Which is a good job, as this room is open for bookings year-round! That’s right, we may be in January, but why not prolong that holiday cheer and enjoy a festive day out?

The Review

Christmas is the third game I have enjoyed at Extremescape, and has been my favourite one yet! It’s so full of wonder and magic, and made for the most entertaining festive day out with friends, that we still can’t stop talking about today.

The last thing I will add here is that I have never, ever, seen a finale as special and spectacular as in this room. It’s days later and I’m still smiling about the experience. The entire game was fun and engaging, but that last five minutes was just pure joy, and definitely something you’d have to see to believe. I won’t spoil it for you, though – you’ll have to play for yourself to uncover these surprises!

The Details

So, seriously, go play the Christmas Room at Extremescape - you won’t regret it one bit.

Extremescape’s Christmas room is open year-round, and is bookable by phoning the centre. Be sure to tell them we sent you, and let us know how you get on when you’re next passing through Rawtenstall!

Written by Madeleine