Merry days out

Get in the mood for the big day with these festive outings

Visit Santas Island, Alderford lake, Shropshire

This exciting adventure begins with a family boat ride across the lake to find Santa and his elves on their enchanted island. Once you arrive you’re greeted by the elves with yummy s’mores to enjoy around a campfire as you listen to stories, before heading off to make your loved one a toy at the elves’ factory. Enjoy lots of games while parents watch from the “elf bar” and sample some mulled wine before making a wish on the wishing bridge and heading off to Santa’s Grotto to meet the man himself.

Lights, action, Christmas! Nationwide

Enjoy dazzling light displays at 15 locations across the UK, turning a heritage property into a winter wonderland. Each venue has its own beautiful, illuminated path of lights through woodlands, parks and lakes. Walk under giant baubles, sparkling light tunnels, flickering flames, fire gardens, neon trees, and laser shows at many of the houses and gardens, all set to a fantastic musical soundtrack. Locations include Hatfield Park, Hertfordshire; Kew Gardens, London; Wimpole Hall, Royston; Blenheim Palace, Oxon; Leeds Castle, Kent; Gibside Estate, Tyne & Wear; Dunham Massey, Cheshire; Royal Botanic Gardens, Edinburgh; Kingston Lacy, Dorset; Hillsborough Castle, Belfast, and more.

Alternatively, head to Kenwood House in London’s Hampstead and enjoy food and drinks, an enchanted winter wonderland, and a fabulous atmosphere.

Old time celebrations: Beamish, County Durham

Travel back in time and experience an Edwardian Christmas at Beamish, the Living Museum of the North. Located in the Vale of Durham, Beamish transports visitors back to the 1820s, 1900s, 1940s and 1950s, with costumed folk bringing the eras to life. During the festive period, it is all decked out for Christmas. Throughout the day, visitors can meet Father Christmas, savour the aroma of delicious homemade goods cooking on the range, listen to merry music and more.

All aboard the Santa Express, Belfast, Northern Ireland

Embrace the holiday season by boarding the Santa Express, which will travel from Belfast’s Lanyon Place to Whitehead and back. Santa and his elves will make their way through the train to greet everyone, so settle in and enjoy the adorned carriages that will put you in the holiday spirit. Once all the passengers reach Whitehead, Santa’s helpers will be there to greet them with gifts. Guests will get the chance to take photos with Father Christmas on the platform, and they can also send Santa a festive message and pop it in his very own postbox.

A Christmas Carol, Royal Albert Hall, London,

O’ come all ye faithful and gather at the Royal Albert Hall for festive carol singing from 17-24 December. Join in and sing all the Christmas classics alongside the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Royal Choral Society and British Imperial Military Band, and celebrate the most wonderful time of the year. You’ll experience show-stopping performances of traditional and modern classic carols, all brought together through fabulous orchestral arrangements, which are absolutely guaranteed to get you in the Christmas spirit.

Words: Zoe Bishop