During a time of uncertainty as to what the government guidelines state can and cannot be open and the risk to people’s health being in busy areas but there are still events being held across the country that can still go ahead whilst following government rules and maintaining social distancing.
North West
The Lanterns at Chester Zoo
“From Friday 15th November until Wednesday 23rd December on selected dates (price varies by date), Chester Zoo will be coming to life at night. We’ve been a couple of years back and loved this magical event. This year things will be a little different. Unfortunately they will not be handing out lanterns for you to carry but you can take your own so why not make one to take with you. You’ll walk through 11 different illuminated wonderlands, filled with beautiful illuminations. Great for children with visual impairments who’s sight works well in darkened conditions with bright lights.”
Christmas at Dunham Massey
“Now in its fourth year, surround yourself with sparkle as the after dark trail lights up for 2020. You’ll find new moments to share with friends and family – brand new bright lights for winter nights. Enter beside giant glittering deer into a world festooned with seasonal cheer enhanced by a soundtrack of festive classics. Wander beneath stunning tree canopies drenched in Christmas colour. Immerse yourself within bouncing lines of light and discover giant luminescent sculptures rising high into the night sky.”
East Lancashire railway Santa specials
“It’s been a strange sort of year, and like most of you we are desperate to return to some kind of normality. That’s why we’re thrilled to announce that, as it has for over 30 years, the East Lancashire Railway is once again becoming the home of Christmas magic with the return of our legendary Santa Specials!”
Cockfield’s Christmas experience
“Meet Santa in his grotto, collect a gold coin to spend n the teddy bear emporium, journey through to the North Pole Marketplace, visit the elves sweet shop for a yummy treat, make yourself some magical reindeer dust and ride the fairground carousel. Explore the North Pole Farmyard, head to the gingerbread kitchen and make your own gingerbread man and meet the reindeers in the stables.”
Winter funland
“Indoor winter wonderland at Eventcity Manchester is back for 2020 and this year includes an outdoor funfair too. Features Manchester’s largest real ice ice-skating rink, a magical festival circus, indoor funfair, Santa’s grotto and outdoor funfair. ALL RIDES AND ATTRACTIONS ARE INCLUDED IN THE ENTRANCE COST AND UNDER 3’S GO FREE!! It really is amazing value for money. Dates for this year Winter Funland are the 3rd Dec 2020 – 3rd January 2021.”
Lightopia Festival Manchester
“Lightopia aims to explore the senses with it’s unique and immersive lights, lanterns, installations and an incredible water-screen projection at Manchester’s Heaton Park this winter. Open from 20th November – 3rd January.”
Enchanted at Knowsley Safari park
“Enjoy the safari park after dark with – Enchanted 2020. The paths will be illuminated by magical lights including amazing animal illuminations. For an extra fee, you can also meet Santa from a safe distance.”
North East
Bamburgh Castle – Father Christmas Experience
“The magic of Christmas is coming to Bamburgh Castle this year. Each child will sit with Father Christmas for a personalised magical experience and will receive a special gift which is exclusive to Bamburgh Castle. Entry to the special workshop is only valid with a ticket and up to 2 accompanying adults ONLY this is to ensure social distancing is adhered to as we need to keep everyone safe.”
Belsay Hall Castle and Gardens, Christmas Adventure Quest
“Join our festively fun adventure quest which will allow you and your family to explore and discover fun facts and untold stories in the places where history happened! Hunt for clues and QR codes which reveal quirky tales or treat yourself to a hot chocolate or mulled wine in beautiful surroundings. It’s a great way for the whole family to get out and about in Christmas week.”
Walworth Castle, Santa Breakfast or Supper
“Make Christmas magical with the whole family here at Walworth Castle Hotel by enjoying a delicious tea time feast with Santa Claus himself. Each child will receive a gift and a letter from Santa. Supper is a selection of cordials and orange juice, pizzas with a variety of toppings, chicken nuggets, pork sausages, homemade castle chips and baked beans.”
West Midlands
Brockhampton Estate, Peter Rabbit Winter Activity Trail
“It’s lovely to see National Trust properties starting to announce details of some little events taking place for Christmas. At Brockhampton, there will be a self-led Peter Rabbit Winter Activity Trail. Visitors can pick up a trail pack from reception to discover how British wildlife prepares for winter. Meet several Beatrix Potter characters along the route. Packs contain an activity sheet, pencil, certificate and a wooden badge. The trail costs £2 per child and normal admission fees apply. They advise booking tickets to visit Brockhampton in advance.”
Blists Hill Victorian Town – Victorian Christmas
“There are two events taking place this year at Blists Hill. One is called A Victorian Christmas and the other is Victorian Christmas Weekends. For both events, the museum will be decorated with Victorian decorations. A real ice rink is available for pre-booking and festive refreshments are on offer. Annual pass holders can visit this event with no additional charges but there is no Santa’s grotto or festive entertainment.”
Hawkstone Park Follies, Santa Safari
“Visitors will arrive at Hawkstone Park Hotel to check in. Enjoy a hot drink before getting into a Land Rover to journey across the park, through a Wishing Arch then up hill to Santa’s caves. Stroll through the caves until you reach Santa’s grotto to meet him. Children will receive a gift. Tickets will be sold by the vehicle for up to six people in the same household or social bubble. Face coverings must be worn in waiting areas and inside the vehicle.”
Alton Towers – Santa’s sleepover
“A sleepover at Alton Towers ticks every box for a magical Christmas. Stay in your choice of themed hotels and visit Santa with a gift for every child. All visitors will get entry tickets for both the water park and theme park. Explore the new garden lantern trail. Only certain rides in the theme park are open, but this will include the CBeebies land attractions. Enjoy a festive evening meal and breakfast. Evening entertainment will include a farewell from Santa. From the 4th to 6th and 11th to 23rd December 2020.”
Drayton Manor, Tamworth – Drayton’s Magical Christmas
“Whilst rides in the main theme park close for the Winter, 25 rides and attractions in Thomas Land open on selected dates for a festive day out. Favourite characters perform in singing and dancing shows and Father Christmas himself will be waiting in the Castle of Dreams to meet children with his elves and give them a gift. Stroll around the zoo, shop in themed gift shops and experience magical snowfall in Thomas Land. Each day ends with a little fireworks display by the lake. Selected dates between 4th and 31st December.”
Snowdome, Tamworth – Santa’s Winter Wonderland
“2020 will be Santa’s 16th year at the SnowDome in Tamworth and he’s back with a brand new Winter Wonderland stage show. Visitors can also explore the real snow trail with slides, an enchanted forest and snow tubes for sledging down ramps. Animals are waiting to meet you beside Santa’s House in the Christmas village. This year, there’s a traditional carousel and you can post your letter to Santa in his talking post box.”
Warwick Castle, Warwickshire – Christmas at the castle
“A Christmas light trail and ice rink lead the festivities at Warwick Castle this year. The whole castle will be lit up by thousands of lights, a 20 foot high Christmas tree is up in the Great Hall and Santa will be spreading festive cheer at story time. A festive market next to the ice rink sells food and drink and look out for the Winter birds of prey show and a Christmas Horrible Histories scavenger hunt. All tickets need to be booked in advance. There is an additional charge for stories with Santa which must also be booked online. For the ultimate Warwick Castle Christmas experience, stay over in a wooden lodge at the Knight’s Village and wake up to the sound of sleigh bells as Santa visits with a special gift for little ones. Then you can join him and the elves for breakfast.”
East Midlands
Belton House Christmas Trail 2020
“Following last year’s success, surround yourself with sparkle this Christmas as the after dark trail lights up for 2020. You’ll find new moments to share with friends and family – brand new bright lights for winter nights. Enter a world festooned with seasonal cheer enhanced by a soundtrack of festive classics and wander beneath unique tree canopies drenched in Christmas colour.”
Belvoir Castle Santa’s Grotto
“Twinkling lights, festive decoration and the smell of Christmas trees in the air! You can expect all that and much more when you meet Father Christmas at Belvoir Castle this year. In a new location for 2020, to ensure more space and a socially distanced experience, we introduce you to The Old Kitchen. A fantastic space which will be transformed into our winter wonderland, imagine a room lined with spectacular trees, snow sprinkled paths, and the most beautiful decorations.
An immersive experience at Belvoir Castle this Christmas, allows you to walk in the footsteps of past Dukes and Duchesses and meet the main man of Christmas. Create special memories wander round such a unique place and letting the little ones experience a true Christmas fairytale!”
Bluebells Dairy ice-cream, Santa’s Sleigh School
Learn to pass your Sleigh Ride Proficiency Test this year with the help of our Elves, Mother Christmas, Betsy Bakewell and Father Christmas! Take your Sleigh Ride Licence with you on your 2 hour journey and make sure you collect the stamps along the way from those very important North Pole helpers! At the end of your journey, you will have completed your Sleigh Proficiency Test and be rewarded with a present from Santa through our Magical Chimney!
Ecclesbourne Valley railway, Magical Christmas Experience
“Immersive new Christmas theatrical production on board our steam train, a new performance designed in 2020 to meet the Coronavirus Government guidelines. Steam train ride from Wirksworth to ‘Santa’s Station’ (approx. 5 miles) and back, with a heritage diesel locomotive on the other end. Private compartment for your family seating up to 6 passengers.”
Wollaton Hall, Illuminated Trail
“Light up Christmas at Wollaton Hall as the park is transformed into an enchanting light spectacle new for 2020! Experience a trail of discovery through four magical lands, specially designed to fit into the natural landscape of the Hall and Gardens.
Visitors of all ages will be captivated by this brand new, visually stunning multi sensory experience of light, fire and sound. A seasonal classic with a contemporary twist.”
South West
AVON VALLEY CHRISTMAS TRAIL
“Visit on an evening and immerse yourself in the magical atmosphere as the park lights up! The decking area will take on an apres ski vibe and you can enjoy festive drinks and snacks before heading home.
We suggest allowing 1-2 hours for the event and play but if you’re in a rush you could do it in 30 minutes. To adhere with social distancing guidance we will be operating a one-way system around the park.”
“Visit the Dean Forest Railway this Christmas for your chance to ride behind a real steam engine and visit with Santa and his elves! With presents for the children and a miniature for the adults (plus mince pies for everyone!)”
Hope Nature Centre, Magical Christmas event
“Get ready for our special new event, A VERY MAGICAL CHRISTMAST AT HOPE NATURE CENTRE. Hop aboard the Snowflake Express, and enjoy a ride around our Animal Park, before stepping through the doors of the Toy Workshop. Here you will have your very own ‘meet and greet’ with Santa or Mrs Claus. All children will get a present, and after your visit, you can enjoy the rest of the Animal Park. Adult tickets also include a hot chocolate and mince pie.”
Socially Distanced Christmas at Perrygrove
“What a year! Despite the ups and downs Father Christmas has just confirmed he will be dropping into Perrygrove throughout December once again – but it will be a little different! Twilight Trains is the perfect family adventure through the illuminated woods. Meet Father Christmas at his Snowy station and collect your wooden Christmas tree decoration.”
Roves Farm Christmas Experience
“Go on a journey to meet Father Christmas in his grotto then choose your special gift from the Elves’ Toyshop. Join the Elves who will help you make your own Reindeer Food ready for Christmas Eve. Meet our donkeys, alpacas, sheep and goats in our ‘Walk Through Nativity Scene’ and don’t forget to make time to take part in all our usual daily activities and enjoy the outdoor play areas and animal paddocks.”
South East
4 Kingdoms Adventure & Farm Park
“The largest indoor immersive Christmas Experience in the UK. It’s a 2-hour storytelling journey that creates incredible enchanting memories and excitement for every child. What is Four Kingdoms secret to creating memories? It is obviously a seventy-foot ray gun, visible from space, which zaps you full of joy as soon as you enter.”
Bletchley Park 1940’s Vintage Grotto
“To celebrate the festive season here at Bletchley Park, we welcome children and their families to visit our Vintage 1940s Christmas Grotto to meet Father Christmas! Your family will have a magical meeting with Father Christmas in our beautifully decorated Mansion, where children can spend time telling him their Christmas wishes and take photos surrounded by vintage toys, Christmas trees, 1940’s greeting cards and decorations. All children will receive a lovely Christmas gift to take home.”
Funland Hayling Island
“Hayling Winter Wonderland is back at Funland, and this year it’s bigger and better than ever! The elves at Funland have been busy creating a spectacular wonderland experience and we invite you to come along. To start your journey you will be met by Santa’s elves, who will take you on your visit to Santa, with a breath-taking walk through Wonderland, where you will meet Santa Claus himself and the children will receive an early Christmas present!”
Green Dragon Eco Farm
Meet Farmer Christmas!
“You will be guided by a Green Dragon Elf through Farmer Christmas Land – an exciting enchanted place full of festive fun and activities. Children can search for gold tokens in Santa’s Snowpits, walk through the Enchanted Forest, meet Christmas animals, make special reindeer food to take home for Christmas Eve, make a star for the Wishing Tree, and even feed real Reindeer. And of course, meet Farmer Christmas too – sit up on his tractor and receive a Christmas gift.”
Fishers Adventure Farm Park
Magical Christmas Show!
It wouldn’t be Christmas at Fishers Farm without a bit of knee-slapping theatre. So, come and keep warm and cosy in our Ploughman’s Barn, where we will keep you and all the family entertained with our spectacular Magic of Christmas show. Oh, yes we will!
Meet No.1 elf, Jeffy and his friends, and help them solve the mystery of who their Very Important Visitor might be. Do they manage to get ready, get smart and get tidy before their Very Important Visitor arrives? Will the Fairy Godmother wave her magic wand and save the day?
At time of publishing all of the event information was up to date. There may be come cancellations of events due to changes in government guidelines in relation to the COVID pandemic. We have tried to keep the information in this post as accurate as possible, but it is very important that you check the event website. All of these events are subject to being pre-booked.
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