Christmas is around the corner and the kids are getting restless, but if you’re struggling to think of ways to keep them entertained at one of the most special times of the year, fear not….help is at hand!
We have compiled a list of things to do in the magical weeks running up to Christmas, so you can get them in the festive mood by taking advantage of the many seasonal activities available.
Visit the Enchanted Woodland
Are your children adventurous? Do they love mystery? Then why not wrap them up and treat them to a visit to the enchanted woodlands. Their imaginations can run wild as thousands of lights illuminate their journey through beautiful gardens. As the mystery unfolds your children will be astounded by the events they witness and so will you!
The Syons Park Enchanted Woodland in Brentwood is open every Friday, Saturday and Sunday until December 6th this Christmas.
Ice-skating
This festive activity will definitely get them in the mood for Christmas. Outdoor Ice-skating rinks appear everywhere during winter time and whether they are good at it or not, your children will soon be falling over in fits of laughter. Take advantage of the fresh air and exercise that comes with a fun family day out!
'Take advantage of the fresh air and exercise that comes with a fun family day out!'
So get your skates on and visit www.ticketmaster.co.uk/feature/get_your_skates_on.html to find a local skating rink now!
Go see the reindeers
Christmas markets are a sure-fire way to get into the festive mood but this year, one is really standing out by bringing Santa Claus’ reindeers Rudolph, Dasher and Dancer to your doorstep! Go and visit Rudolph, Dasher and Dancer at the Covent Garden Piazza this December.
'Go visit Rudolph, Dasher and Dancer!'
The kids will be delighted to be so close to these gentle animals that help Santa deliver all their presents on time. You will enjoy petting the reindeers at London's Covent Garden Christmas Market and can also get involved in all the other festive workshops available, including demonstrations of how to make your own Christmas costumes and decorations to creating puppets and decorating your own Christmas cupcakes!
Visit Covent Garden’s West Piazza every Saturday between 12-5pm from the 28th November (excl 19th Dec) this Christmas. For more information and workshop times go to www.coventgardenlondonuk.com
Watch a Pantomime
Panto-season is officially here, so why not take full advantage and treat your kids to the many festive plays available nationwide and capture the real spirit of Christmas! There is great opportunity for audience participation where the kids get to shout ‘He’s behind you!’ when they see the baddies, and traditionally panto is also an excellent opportunity to spot celebs in silly costumes!
Don't miss out on Baywatch legend Pamela Anderson starring as the genie in Aladdin or I’m A Celeb star Joe Swash playing Prince Charming alongside Kara Tointon this year!
Visit www.firstfamilyentertainment.co.uk to purchase tickets for your local pantomime.
Watch a festive film
There are great festive films available to watch this Christmas, so why not take a family trip to the cinema armed with your popcorn or snuggle up on the sofa and watch their little faces light up? Watching festive films brings families closer together during the yuletide season as it is a great opportunity to relax together during an otherwise busy and chaotic few days.
Our personal favourite is The Grinch, starring the hilarious Jim Carey as the green, mean, thieving creature that sets out to ruin the festive spirits by stealing presents and decorations, but then learns about the true meaning of Christmas!
The new Family Edition of The Grinch is out on Blue-Ray and DVD on Universal Pictures now!
Go for a wintery walk
Encourage you children to get outdoors and enjoy the nature around them with one of the winter walks organised by The Ramblers Festival of Winter Walks with Nature Valley. Experience the beautiful wintery landscapes on one of the 700 walks taking place around the UK between Boxing Day and January 3rd, 2010!
All walks are lead by experienced leaders and are completely free, so find one near you for the whole family to take part in!
Go to www.ramblers.org.uk/winterwalks for more information
Hit the slopes near home** **
You don’t have to travel far to enjoy the ski slopes this year. Chill Factore is Manchester’s indoor real snow centre and one of the coolest attractions in the North West for all the family this Christmas.
The winter wonderland, with its snow tubes, slides and snow play area, caters for all ages and abilities, so there’s no excuse not to join in. It also boasts the UK’s longest indoor real snow slope, so what are you waiting for?
For more info visit www.chillfactore.com or call 0161 749 2222
By Toyin Owoseje