1. Winter's Tail at Chessington World of Adventures
Last year, we had the most wonderful build up to Christmas at Chessington World of Adventures' Winter's Tail event, and the festive wonderland is back again with a brand new Christmas Village, promising a sleigh-full of fun. My young sons, Odhran and Reuben, loved being led by an elf through a mini forest to meet Santa and collect their Golden Ticket. They were in wonder on a trail, where actors, dressed as animal residents, took them on a fun journey towards the Toy Workshop to trade in their Golden Ticket for a lovely gift. The sets were cosy, twinkly and atmospheric, and the boys enjoyed collecting sweeties along the way, and writing letters to Santa.
All of Chessington theme park was beautifully decorated for the festive season, and Christmas tunes played softly in the background. Another wonderful thing about visiting Chessington at this time of year was that it felt more relaxed than during the height of summer.
Only select rides are in operation during Winter's Tail. But we were able to enjoy the popular World of Jumanji section of the theme park without any queues! Also, without the time pressure of having to queue up for rides and squeeze in as many as possible, we found that we were able to explore other parts of the attraction that we've overlooked during summer visits, such as the great indoor soft play area and the outdoor high nets playground Canopy Capers. The atmosphere was more laid-back, and we were able to have relaxed fun. We loved the cosy feeling of sitting with a hot chocolate, as we enjoyed the Christmas Panto, and riding Elmer's Flying Jumbos after dark was a fun experience. We highly recommend Winter's Tail at Chessington World of Adventures for an experience that'll get kiddos and parents alike in the mood for Christmas.
Where: Chessington World of Adventures, Leatherhead Road, Chessington, Surrey, KT9 2NE
When: Selected dates 23 Nov - 31 Dec
Price: From £29pp, under 90cms go free. Find out more here
2. Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
A visit to Hyde Park Winter Wonderland is an annual tradition for my family, and Odhran and Reuben are already talking about the rides they want to experience again this year, such as the multi-level funhouse, and Snow Jet (a sleigh ride that shifts gear from gentle to super fast, and sprays out foam 'snow').
Older thriller seekers can brave lots of exciting rides such as The Hangover (at 85m it's the tallest transportable drop-tower in the world) and Blizzard, where you'll spin 360° in the air. New for 2024, visitors can scale the heights of the most iconic Winter Wonderland rides with the Five Peaks Pass. If you book this, you can access five big thrill rides including: Munich Looping; The Hangover; Aeronaut Starflyer; Airborne and Blizzard. The Five Peaks Pass will qualify you for free entry to Winter Wonderland and a free fast-track upgrade on all five rides (worth £10).
One of my favourite rides is Wilde Maus XXL, which is back after a year-long hiatus. For little ones, the Santaland Unlimited Ride Pass is back. This gives unlimited access to enjoy more than 12 rides in Santaland as many times as your child's heart desires, plus it unlocks free entry to Winter Wonderland when booked in advance. Children can also visit the man himself at this section of the attraction.
While the rides are a huge part of Winter Wonderland, the attraction has lots more on offer including: an ice-rink; Zippos Christmas Circus and Cirque Berserk (with more adrenaline-fuelled stunts for ages 12+); The Magical Ice Kingdom (venture down the rabbit hole with the story of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland told through incredible ice-sculptures); a real ice slide, and The Giant Wheel.
Following sell-out performances in 2023, children's TV star Justin Fletcher returns for Justin's Christmas Singalong (a show filled with singing, dancing and festive fun). Winder Wonderland is a family day out filled with rides, shows and other attractions, alongside live music, stalls for any last minute Christmas gifts, and lots of food and drink options to be enjoyed. Last year, we rounded off a perfect festive day out with Bratwurst for the kids and beer for myself and my husband, as we all got cosy round a fire pit in an open-air bar, and listened to live 50s style festive tunes. Winter Wonderland is a great Christmas day out for all ages.
Where: Winter Wonderland, Hyde Park, London
When: 21 Nov - 5 Jan
Price: The event offers three types of entry tickets - off-peak (free), standard (£5), and peak (£7.50). But any entry fee is waived when guests spend £25 or more pre-booking activities and rides online ahead of their visit. Find out more here
3. Tulleys Farm Christmas Santa Experience
Sleigh bells are ringing out at Tulleys Farm, where you can expect a day out packed with fun festive activities. Climb aboard Santa's Tractor Sleigh Ride and journey through the forest to visit Santa in his log Cabin, where he will delight you with a story, and as your chosen gift, you can build your own bear. Your little one can choose which one they want to bring to life from a range of fluffy friends.
Kids will be able to write a letter to Santa and post it in Santa's Post House, where a post master will take very good care of it and make sure it goes straight to Father Christmas. And if they've been a very good little boy or girl, they might just get a reply under their pillow to open! Meanwhile, Mrs Claus is out of time to decorate all the gingerbread biscuits before Christmas, and needs the children's help.
Step through the twinkling Elves' Magical Forest. Find the names of Tulleys elves in a hunt around the farm, and once you've found them all, you can collect your prize. And tempt Rudolph and his pals to your front door by making your own special reindeer food. There's also a 3D Cinema, a Christmas circus, and a couple of fun fairground rides, and a little collection of stalls, selling Christmas gifts, handcrafted goods, home decor and decorations and more. Plus, at an additional charge, you can book to go ice-skating.
Where: Tulleys Farm, Turners Hill Rd, Crawley, West Sussex, RH10 4PE
When: 23 Nov - 24 Dec
Price: Adult £29.95 to £39.95, child £46.95 to £69.95, under 1s £15.95 to £19.95. Find out more here
4. Kent & East Sussex Railway Santa Specials
Sit back, relax, and enjoy a 75-minute return steam train journey in festively decorated carriages, while Santa makes his way to your seat to deliver an age-appropriate gift to your child, addressed with their name for a personal touch. Enjoy a complimentary refreshment pack containing a mince pie for each adult, a chocolate bar for each child, and soft drinks for all.
A magician will provide on-board entertainment, and there'll be unlimited free rides on vintage gallopers at Tenterden station. Receive a free family photo, and visit the station's Winter Wonderland, where there'll be a complimentary mulled wine or hot drink for adults. There are three tiers of bookings to choose from - Bronze, Silver, and Gold. Silver includes a trolley service with a choice or alcoholic or non-alcoholic drinks for adults only, included in the cost, and Gold passengers can enjoy unlimited Prosecco, beer or non-alcoholic beverages, and a selection of festive cakes and mince pies.
Passengers in Silver and Gold will also meet Jingle and Sparkle, Santa's head elves, as they search for the next generation of spirit elves to uphold the magic of Christmas. Will your group pass the spirit of Christmas detector test? Each successful guest will be crowned with their very own elf hat and awarded the prestigious 'Diploma of Elfship'.
Where: Kent & East Sussex Railway, Tenterden Station, Kent, TN30 6HE
When: 30 Nov - 24 Dec
Price: Bronze - £100 for two people, £110 for three people, £120 for four people. Silver - £300 for first class tables for up to six people, £250 for a private family compartment for up to four people, £330 for a private family compartment for up to six people, £400 for a private family compartment for up to eight people. Gold - £375 for premium first class tables for up to six people. Find out more here
5. Ffestive Fforest and Zipmas at Zip World
The outdoor activity centre and adventure park, Zip World, has some exciting Christmas experiences taking place at a couple of its sites in Wales. A festive adventure awaits families visiting Ffestive Fforest at Zip World Betws-y-Coed, where you can catch three rides on the Polar Coaster Express (the UK’s only alpine coaster of its kind), and an hour on the bouncy Snowtop Nets. Finish your trip with festive music, food and drinks.
Meanwhile, Zipmas is back at Zip World Llechwedd, with brand new adventures this year. Board the cable railway and venture underground, passing thorough a light maze and Santa's workshop. Meet Santa at the end, comfy in his Grotto, where children will receive a gift and a bauble to decorate at the dedicated Bauble Decorating Station. Little ones will also have a chance to post their letter to Santa.
Visitors can pay a bit more to elevate the experience by adding the Grotto Golf package, enjoying an 18-hole round in the world's first underground adventure golf set in a cave! For a unique Christmas experience, Zip World has something memorable to offer.
Where: Zip World Betws-y-Coed, LL24 0HX and Zip World Llechwedd, Blaenau Ffestiniog, Gwynedd, LL41 3NB
When: Ffestive Fforest runs from 30 Nov to 24 Dec, and Zipmas runs from 22 Nov to 24 Dec
Price: Ffestive Fforest - priced from £36. Tickets include three rides on the Polar Coaster Express, an hour on the bouncy Snowtop Nets, a burger/hot dog, hot chocolate/mince pie. Find out more here
Zipmas - priced from £20 for adults, £23 for children (of walking ability). Tickets include hot chocolate/mulled wine, mince pie, Santa and his elves meet and greet, gift from Santa, bauble crafting experience, post a letter to Santa. Find out more here
6. Horrible Histories presents Horrible Christmas
If you're looking for a great alternative to the traditional Christmas Panto then Horrible Histories presents Horrible Christmas brings holiday cheer with a twist. It's a show that tells the story of how Christmas came to be what it is today - in Horrible Histories gruesomely funny style! Did you know that William the Conqueror was crowed on Christmas Day but when the guards outside heard a huge cheer, they thought a rebellion had started, and burnt all the houses in the area? Blending fact and fun, Horrible Histories Live on Stage never fails to entertain audiences of all ages, from five years old upwards.
If you've ever wondered why you put up a Christmas tree, or send a Christmas card, or eat a turkey, then this terrific tale of Christmas takes you on a journey to discover the answers in what promises to be a unique way to celebrate the festive season. Expect sing-a-longs, 'behind you!' moments, and plenty of laughter. The show takes place at Alexandra Palace Theatre, a Victorian gem in North London, and is part of a wider festive season at the historic venue that includes a Santa's grotto and much more.
Where: Alexandra Palace Theatre, Alexandra Palace Way, London, N22 7AY
When: 12 Dec - 4 Jan
Price: Tickets from £17.50. Find out more here