A visit to meet Father Christmas
There is really nothing more magical than a trip to Lapland UK at Whitmoor Forest in Ascot, Berkshire. Upon arrival, the little folk will be issued with an Elven passport allowing them to travel the secret pathways to Lapland. Along the way, they will pass through snow-covered trees leading them into a toy-making factory where they have the chance to help the elves, and then on to meet Mrs Claus and decorate gingerbread men. Then it’s on to Elf village, which truly is a winter wonderland! Here you have the chance to ice skate, say hello to the very friendly huskies, grab a hot chocolate or the big folk can treat themselves to a cheeky mulled wine. This wonderful four-hour visit ends when you meet Santa himself, and we can promise it’s worth the journey! And as it’s Christmas, all the children are given a gift to take home.
• Lapland is open from 13 November until 24 December 2021. Tickets start at £69 each and, to book, visit Laplanduk.co.uk
Disney on ice is back!
The fantastic ice spectacular show, Find Your Hero, promises to be bigger and better than ever before. Discover what it truly means to be a hero as Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, and various friends from around the Disney Kingdom come together to take you on a journey through timeless tales, featuring more than 50 Disney characters. There is something for everyone, from modern stories to eternal classics! The new show brings many of your favourite characters to life through cutting-edge figure-skating, eye-catching costumes, innovative lighting, thrilling special effects, high-flying jumps, and breathtaking skating. You’ll see fun, familiar characters from Moana, Frozen, The Little Mermaid, and Beauty And The Beast. You won’t be disappointed.
• Tickets start from £18. To book your place and for the complete list of tour dates, head to Disneyonice.co.uk
Lights fantastic
What could be more magical than surrounding yourself with sparkle after dark at Bedgebury in Kent as it lights up its one-mile magical winter trail? Wander beneath the unique tree canopies, with lights rising high into the sky, enhanced by a soundtrack of festive classics. There will be giant colour-changing lilies, fields of light, burnished lantern trees filled with flickering flames, neon strings stretched between towering trees, larger-than-life colourful flora, and plenty of fantastic selfie moments. Complete your walk under the stars with toasted marshmallows and a spiced winter warmer, and don’t forget to look out for Father Christmas along the way!
• The event will run from 19 November until 2 January 2022. Adult tickets cost from £20, child £13.50, and a family ticket costs £64 if booked in advance. To book your visit and to discover other festive trails, visit Christmasatbedgebury.co.uk
Winter wonderland
This year Bournemouth will be offering a Christmas festival from 19 November to 2 January 2022 – and it’s free! The Christmas tree trail will feature a 60ft walk-through musical feature tree, with more than 100 festive-themed illuminations spread across the town. There will be something for everyone to enjoy, from a giant Santa at Commercial Road to a walk-through bauble at Old Christchurch Road and the tree of light at Westover Road. Then there’s a giant reindeer, a curtain of light, waterfalls, polar bears, and illuminations at Smugglers Cove at the seafront. Along the Lower Gardens you will be able to take part in a spot of ice-skating at Skate and enjoy a tipple at the Moguls Alpine Bar. The traditional Alpine market returns to the square, selling handmade gifts and sweet treats from 10am till late, and the Alpine Bar opens daily from 11am till late, selling mulled wine, spiced cider, hot chocolates, and more.
• The ice-skating is a pre-book, paid activity and is bookable through Iceskatebournemouth.co.uk
Travel on a vintage steam train
Enjoy a Champagne breakfast aboard a Pullman-style steam train to really get you in the festive mood. Hop off and stroll around the streets of Bath, making sure to stop by their Christmas market. On the train, choose from standard or premium dining, with prices starting from £119 per person. All passengers travelling in Pullman Dining will be served complimentary mulled wine and mince pies.
New for 2021 are the Santa Steam Express trips, giving families the chance to meet Santa and his helpers. First class tickets are £40 per child, £55 per adult or £149 for a family ticket (two adults and two children, or one adult and three children). Standard class tickets are £20 per child, £35 per adult or £99 for a family ticket.
• To book both trips, visit Steamdreams.co.uk
Please check Gov.uk/guidance/travel-advice-novel-coronavirus for travelling advice following the outbreak of the coronavirus
Words: Carly Honeyfield