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. This year, there'll be festive silent disco for all in the grotto queue - you'll be able to choose between Elf FM and traditional Christmas songs, and you'll get to meet Father Christmas' reindeer.
All of Chessington theme park was beautifully decorated for the festive season when we visited last year, 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. This year, there'll be 17 rides in operation, including World of Jumanji, The Gruffalo River Ride Adventure, Blue Barnacle, Room on the Broom - A Magical Journey. We enjoyed being able to experience 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. This year's pants is Robin Hood, and there'll also be Christmas carols at Adventure Point, where voices will fill the air with festive tunes under a 40ft Christmas tree. For little ones, there'll be a Cocomelon singalong. And, at Chessington's SEA LIFE, there'll be an interactive learning trail with Snowy's Conservation Crew about incredible arctic animals. We highly recommend Winter's Tail at Chessington World of Adventures as a great family day out, and 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. Visitors on the Kent and East Sussex Railway Santa Specials will 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
7. Duck Pond
Catching a show can be the perfect rainy day activity. This hilariously fun reimagining of Swan Lake comes to London this Christmas, as trailblazing Australian contemporary circus company Circa presents Duck Pond. Feathers will fly in this exhilarating tale of swans, a hapless prince, and a cheeky flipper-wearing duck army. This daring extravaganza blends spectacular circus and world-class performances.
Expect eye-popping stunts, jaw-dropping aerials and rib-tickling comedy. If you're looking for a show that reaches across the ages from kids to parents and grandparents, this could be the perfect festive outing for you. Most suitable for children aged 8+.
Where: The Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre, Belvedere Rd, London, SE1 8XX
When: 19 - 30 Dec
Price: Tickets from £20. Find out more here
8. LEGOLAND at Christmas
Rock around the Duplo Christmas tree, catch Santa's sleigh ride parade, with a troupe of dancers, through the park, and let your little elves explore Miniland, where festive scenes will be hidden amongst iconic landmarks. A delightful Duplo puppet show is sure to get all the family in the Christmas spirit, and join Ollie the Dragon as he helps the eves send all the LEGOLAND letters to the North Pole. We visited LEGOLAND at Christmas, and while we were able to go on plenty rides, what we enjoyed most was experiencing the theme park in a different way. It was quieter and we were able to spend more time enjoying Miniland, which my eldest son, Odhran, is always keen to explore, but we're usually rushing around trying to squeeze in as many rides as possible. Visiting theme parks in winter allows you to experience them in a more relaxed way.
LEGOLAND often features in lists of best places to pay a visit to Santa, as it's the perfect place to build memories to last a lifetime. The visit to Santa books up fast. It comes at an additional cost of £25 per child, but they do get a great Lego gift.
Where: LEGOLAND Windsor Resort, Winkfield Rd, Windsor, SL4 4AY
When: Selected dates from 23 Nov
Price: Tickets from £29. Find out more here
9. Christmas at Cadbury World
Santa's Stage Show is returning to Cadbury World this Christmas. Guests can join Santa for his live show and experience a sleigh-full of chocolatey cheer. We've visited Cadbury World a couple of times around Easter and highly recommend it as a great day out with kids. It's a self-guided tour with different zones exploring the history and making of Cadbury chocolate. Kids can meet Freddo and other Cadbury characters, take part in the Have a Go zone (where they can doodle with chocolate), enjoy a 4D Chocolate Adventure cinema experience, and board the new Cadbury Chocolate Quest ride, which opened earlier in the year to replace the Cadabra ride. The new ride uses 3D sets and virtual screens, and the ride is brought to life with sounds, lights, smells and heat, to make it a truly immersive experience. Also, this Christmas, visitors can experience the 15-minute long Santa show for free, as part of the standard entry ticket cost. And, should you wish to book Cadbury World's famous Character Afternoon Tea, it'll be transformed with a festive twist. Enjoy decadent delights including Christmas tree mini muffins, brownies, magical mince pies and turkey and stuffing sandwiches, alongside a meet and greet with the popular Cadbury characters. And if you're after some last minute gifts, the Cadbury World shop has plenty of festive chocolatey offerings, including handcrafted miniature chocolate Christmas trees, exclusive to Cadbury World.
Where: Cadbury World, 69 Linden Rd, Birmingham, B30 1JR
When: Santa's Stage Show will take place on weekends from Saturday 23 Nov until Sunday 22 Dec, and also on 23 and 24 Dec.
Price: Adults, from £25, children (2-15) from £20, under 2s go free. Find out more here
10. Christmas at Warwick Castle
Explore the magnificently decorated castle grounds and seasonally adorned halls and charming Princess Tower at Warwick Castle this Christmas. Then head to the festive markets for a delicious winter treat. Guests can enhance their visit with the popular Stories with Santa sessions - little ones' eyes will light up as they listen to Santa's tales in the beautifully decorated rooms of the Castle. For those who want to bring sparkle to their Christmas, Warwick Castle's Light Trail invites guests to wander through a mesmerising path of twinkling lights and festive displays, with new additions for 2024 to captivate imaginations. This is a standalone experience, and does not require a castle entry ticket.
Continue the frosty fun at the open-air ice rink. This is also a separate experience that doesn't require a castle entry ticket. And for the ultimate Christmas experience, book the Santa Sleepover package, where you can enjoy an overnight stay, complete with one-day Castle entry, a Christmas panto, and a Stories with Santa session.
Where: Warwick Castle, Warwick, Warwickshire, CV34 6AH
When: 23 Nov - 5 Jan
Price: Castle entry only tickets start from £22. Under 2s go free. Castle and Stories with Santa tickets start from £33. Under 2s from £14.50. Find out more here
11. Hogwarts in the Snow
A magical Christmas day out awaits visitors to Warner Bros. Studio Tour London - The Making of Harry Potter, with the return of the popular Hogwarts in the Snow. I took my son Odhran, 9, along to this, and it is one of the most fun and unique experiences we've ever enjoyed in the run up to Christmas. The magnificent Great Hall is adorned with festive scenes from Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, and for the first time ever, Studio Tour fans can witness a demonstration of the animatronic head of Hagrid used in the Harry Potter film series, and experience the charming snowy scene where Hagrid drags an enormous Christmas tree through the grounds of Hogwarts.
Brand new to the feature is a frozen Hogwarts fountain - as seen in the Clock Tower Courtyard in the Harry Potter film series. The Hogwarts castle model is covered in a snow, and fan-favourite sets are dressed in their festive finery. Visitors can find hidden miniature snowmen and discover the filmmaking secrets behind creating flames that don't burn and ice that never melts. Harry Potter fans will be spellbound by this unique experience.
Where: Warner Bros. Studio Tour London, Studio Tour Drive, Leavesden, WD25 7LR
When: Now until 19 Jan
Price: You're looking about £180 for a family ticket for two adults and two children (5 to 15 years). Children aged four and under go free but you need to add their free ticket to the booking. Find out more here
12. The Grinchmas Afternoon Tea Bus Tour
For a festive afternoon tea that the kids will love, hop on board The Grinchmas Afternoon Tea Bus Tour. Indulge in a delicious array of Grinch-inspired savoury and sweet treats, including a green scone! This is all while enjoying a delightful sightseeing experience, as the Routemaster bus (which has been given an eye-catching Grinch makeover) takes in some of the best views of Central London, passing landmarks such as Big Ben, The Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, Hyde Park, Nelson's Column, Downing Street and Piccadilly Circus. There's also an entertainer to delight with Grinch-themed pranks and amusement.
Brigit's Bakery is one of the best places for afternoon tea in London, and Grinchmas is only one of the incredible themed bus tours they offer. This Christmas you could also delight the kids with the Paddington Christmas Lights Bus Tour or the Peppa Pig Christmas experience tour. If you're visiting London at Christmas, any one of these festive themed Brigit's Bakery bus tours is a fun way to elevate lunch and enjoy some sightseeing, especially with kids. But, Londoners will love it too! I took my son Reuben, 6, on the Peppa Pig bus tour, and although we're more than familiar with sights, we had a really enjoyable time. The food was delicious, the staff were friendly, the tour was engaging, and all the kiddos on board were smiling and having a great time.
Where: The Grinchmas Afternoon Tea Bus Tour must be booked online in advance and departs from Victoria Coach Station. Other themed tours will have different departure points.
When: Now until 31 Jan. (The Peppa Pig Christmas Tour and the Paddington Christmas Lights Tour finish on 5 Jan)
Price: Prices from £45 per adult and from £35 per child. To find out more and to book, visit here
13. Christmas on your doorstep
Instead of venturing out in the cold for festive fun, why not bring the magic to your front door, with a Magical Elf Visit from Elf Express Ltd? A couple of years ago, my eldest son Odhran was on the cusp of no longer believing in Santa. But, in the run up to Christmas, we heard the jingle of bells outside our home. The doorbell rang, and when Odhran and his younger brother Reuben answered, their jaws nearly hit the floor. There in front of their eyes, was one of Santa's magical elves who introduced herself as Sprout. The boys jumped up and down and their eyes were wide with excitement. Having an elf drop by their home was such an unexpected and thrilling experiences for the boys.
Elf Express Ltd are a team of professional, fun and energetic performers, in fantastic costumes. Your elf makes sure they know all there is to know about your child before they visit, and after Sprout left, Odhran was in no doubt that Santa really did exist. The experience lasted 30 minutes and included tales from the North Pole, a Christmas sing-a-long, and magic Reindeer food making. The boys were also each presented with a lovely Nice List Certificate. It's a wonderful way to keep the magic alive, and it's an experience your child will never forget.
Where: London and surrounding area
When: Now until Christmas Eve
Price: Packages start from £65 for one child and £10 per additional child (maximum 8 kids). Packages are also subject to Sleigh Travel. Find out more here
14. Polar Express at The Vale of Rheidol Railway
Aberystwyth is hosting Wales first ever Polar Express Train Ride! Rail Events Inc, the team behind the hugely Polar Express Train Rides that run from a few venues across the country, is bringing a truly magical live show to The Vale of Rheidol Railway. This fully immersive theatre experience recreates the famous Christmas movie as it celebrates its 20th Anniversary. The POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride will be bringing the characters to life as it captures the joyful festive tale as well as giving families the opportunity to travel by steam train on the spectacular Vale of Rheidol Railway in the heart of Wales.
There will be singing and dancing from all your favourite characters, iconic scenes straight from the movie and a special visit from Father Christmas himself. While you enjoy a delicious hot chocolate and cookie, courtesy of dancing chefs, the Christmas magic and seasonal wonder will put you right in the holiday spirit! Each guest will take home a keepsake sleigh bell and souvenir golden ticket in addition to the wonderful memories made on this magical trip. Just like the movie, families are encouraged to wear their pyjamas for the ride.
Where: Vale of Rheidol Railway, Park Avenue, Aberystwyth, Ceredigion, SY23 1PG
When: Now until 24 Dec
Price: Offpeak from £37.95, Standard from £44.95, and Peak from £49.95. Find out more here
15. Mission Christmas at The Historic Dockyard Chatham
It's 'All Elves on Deck' for the exciting Mission Christmas Elf Academy at The Historic Dockyard Chatham. Discover the secret that elves and sub-statin workers have been guarding for generations as you going in the fun at the magical 'Elf Academy'. Learn all the tricks of the trade, from making toys to wrapping presents, and helping with the all-important deliveries.
After graduation from 'Elf Academy', you'll become a real Elf Apprentice, ready to make Christmas extra special for children all around the world. Are you ready to unlock the magic of the elves and become Father Christmas’ newest helper? As a reward for graduating from ‘Elf Academy’ each family will have the chance to experience a personal visit with Father Christmas himself, who will bestow upon your children a special gift to treasure and take home.
Where: The Historic Dockyard, Chatham, Kent, ME4 4TY
When: Selected dates between now and 24 Dec
Price: Adults and aged 16+ £16, Children aged 4-15 £23, Children age 3 and under £7. Find out more here