Looking for some amazing ideas for family days out in December? Whatever your age, or mood, there’s something for everyone this Christmas.
So, here are 10 ideas to inspire all the family this festive season.
1. Embrace the festive spirit with a day out in Chester
Visit Santa, sip on mulled wine, and spend the weekend celebrating all things festive in the beautiful city of Chester.
In Frodsham Square, you’ll find a Gingerbread Village where you can decorate your own gift bags and make custom wrapping paper for all your Christmas gifts.
With your gift wrap sorted, check out the decked-out trees at the Christmas Tree Festival in Chester Cathedral.
Nearby, head to the sights and sounds of the Christmas Market. Browse the stalls and then recover from the retail therapy with a delicious pork and apple bap and a mug of steaming mulled wine.
If you still have energy and time to spare, finish your magical day with an unforgettable night-time journey with a visit to The Lanterns at Chester Zoo.
See the zoo transformed into an enchanted kingdom, with extraordinary, life-sized animal sculptures with costumed performers drawing you along an illuminated trail into different worlds.
2. Soak up the magic of Christmas at Dunham Massey
Enjoy time together with friends and family as you discover sparkling tunnels of light and dancing lakeside reflections. Feel the magic as your wander under giant baubles and among glistening trees drenched in jewel-like colour.
For a moment of reflection, pause at the mesmerising flickering flames in the fire garden, or gaze at the larger-than-life illuminations – keep your eyes open and you might catch a glimpse of Father Christmas along the way.
A crew of talented street food vendors also have a tempting treats on offer. So, why not complete your walk with a festive spiced winter warmer, hot chocolate, or toasted marshmallows.
3. Tick off all your gift shopping while sipping mulled wine at Manchester’s Christmas market
Wrap up warm and head down to one of Europe’s biggest Christmas markets to experience a festive array of sights, smells, and sounds.
Sip tasty traditional German Glühwein while filling up on one of the many authentic food offerings, served from hundreds of decorated huts.
Spread across 10 locations around the city, the Christmas markets are sure to have something to suit everyone. From craft and clothing stalls to cheeses and confectionery, start soaking up the Christmas atmosphere in Albert Square with the famous lit-up Santa Claus.
For added fun, slide over to nearby Spinningfields to skate the outdoor ice-rink.
4. Go full steam ahead with an enchanting voyage through the Irwell Valley
This year, treat the whole family and climb aboard a special Santa journey with East Lancashire Railway. The steam train will carry you through the Irwell Valley with a host of happy elves and Father Christmas himself.
At the winter wonderland at Bury Bolton Street Station, you’ll meet Mrs Claus and the magical talking Christmas tree. Bring your best singing voice and join a chorus of singing polar bears.
You’ll then board your steam train for a journey to Rawtenstall Station and back again. The trip takes approximately 80-minutes, where you’ll meet your favourite Christmas characters and enjoy a merry old sing-along with the brass band.
And, of course, Santa will be on board. If you’ve been good, he’ll pop into your carriage for a chat, a Santa selfie, and possibly even a gift.
Grown-ups can tuck into mince pies and a festive tipple or soft drink and for the children there will be a Fruit Shoot, chocolate, and activity pack.
5. Drop in on Santa and help Mrs Claus in her toy workshop at Blakemere Village
Immerse yourself in a world of pure festive magic.
Find Father Christmas in his sorting office and receive a gift or build you own cuddly toy with Mrs Claus in her toy workshop in this unique outdoor experience set in the heart of magical Cheshire Woodlands.
6. Bring the whole family to the Hallé’s screening of “The Snowman”
Fancy waking up on Christmas morning still ‘Walking in the Air’? If so, book tickets to the screening of Raymond Briggs’ classic The Snowman.
At Manchester’s Bridgewater Hall, the score is played live by the Hallé, the city’s symphony orchestra.
For two nights only, you can catch the performance on Thursday 22 December or Friday 23 December.
If you miss out, the orchestra has plenty of other special performances throughout December, including an all-singing, all-dancing family concert, and traditional carols.
7. Experience an enchanted night-time adventure at Knowsley Safari Park
When the sun goes down, take a spectacular night-time safari in the Enchanted Wonderland at Knowsley Safari Park.
Wander the enchanting animal trail and forest lights, and feast on toasted marshmallows on the way for a complete festive experience.
Hungry for more? Enjoy a tempting range of tasty treats, and thrill-seeking rides (although perhaps not in that order!).
8. Sleep over with Santa at Alton Towers
Pack your pyjamas for a sleepover with Santa at Alton Towers on selected dates in late November and through December.
For the most magical, wonderful Christmassy escape, jump onto specially selected family rides or dive into the waterpark.
Plus, don’t miss out on the Lightopia Seasonal Wonderland, a magical and immersive light and lantern trail, before tucking into a delicious festive evening meal and snuggling down to dream about it all in your cosiest PJs.
9. Experience the magical atmosphere of a Nordic winter at Chatsworth
“A Nordic Christmas at Chatsworth” promises candlelight, lanterns, and traditional Nordic Christmas decorations crafted from wood and foliage.
Step into scenes straight from the pages of famous Nordic fairy tales and bring the folklore and traditions of the Arctic and Nordic regions to life with a visit to Chatsworth House.
Immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and scents of the natural world in wintertime as you wander through a series of roomscapes. Expect to encounter intricately sculpted ice walls, giant woodland hideaways, and sparkling pine forests in deep midwinter.
10. Make a weekend of it with a festive weekend in the capital
Feel a shiver down your spine as you watch “Frozen the Musical” at Theatre Royal Drury Lane. Elsa and Anna’s story is brought to the stage in a heart-melting theatrical production.
Skate in Hyde Park at the Winter Wonderland ice-rink, ride high on the giant wheel, or enter the ice kingdom – a frost-covered land of beautifully sculptured and crafted ice and snow.
Hitch a ride with Brigit’s Bakery and hop on the converted Routemaster bus for a Paddington Christmas Afternoon Tea tour.
Pile your plate with marmalade sandwiches, shortbread cookies, and freshly baked scones and lashings of clotted cream as you see the sights.
Alternatively, stay tucked up in the warm and countdown to Christmas without leaving home
If the weather isn’t quite right, stay tucked up and have a very merry countdown to Christmas without leaving home. Bake cookies with your children and let Santa call you!
Book a private family video call live from the North Pole, with Santa, Mrs. Claus, or one of Santa’s elves, and let Santa know your present requests.
And remember – he knows who’s been naughty or nice!
