Christmas family shows and days out 2011

From Secret Santa's grotto to Christmas carols and Victorian fair rides, the National Trust has a range of fantastic festive events for all the family this Christmas...

By askamum

child decorating tree

The Gruffalo
Where: The Lyric Theatre Shaftesbury Avenue, London, W1D 7ES

When: From 23rd November 2011 to 15th January 2012
Details: A lively and humourous adaptation of a classic book. Join Mouse on an adventurous journey through the deep dark wood in this magical, musical adaptation of the award winning picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler

Cost: From £14.00
Tickets Website: http://www.london-theatreland.co.uk/theatres/lyric-theatre/the-gruffalo.php

The Sooty Christmas Show
Where: Garrick Theatre, London
When: From December 13th
Details: The all new Sooty Christmas Show, features TV host Richard Cadell and the inexhaustible trio of Sooty, Sweep and Soo.
Cost: £12.50 / £15.00
Website: Nimax Theatres website

Santa’s Lunches and Sleepovers
Where: Alton Towers Resort
When: Dates vary per activity, see website (below) for exact dates
Details: Visit Santa, his excitable elves and his fantastic reindeer in their Winter Wonderland and enjoy an amazing combination of rides and activities to keep all the family entertained this Christmas. Lunches and weekends available
Cost: from £21.50
Website: Alton Towers

Narnia in North Devon: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
Where: Arlington Court and the National Trust Carriage Museum, Devon
When: 5-6, 12-13, 19-20 and 26-27 November 2011; 3-4, 10-11 and 17-18 December 2011; 11am – 3pm
Details:  Walk through the wardrobe, vanquish the White Witch, find Aslan and be crowned king or queen of Narnia. Suitable for all ages.
Cost: Normal admission charges apply, plus £1 per trail. Booking is not required. Call 01271 850296 for more information.

Standen 'lit up' at Christmas
Where: Standen, West Sussex
When: 26-27 November 2011, 3-4, 10-11, 17-21 December 2011; 11am– 2.30pm
Details: Designed in traditional arts and crafts style, this historic house is a real treasure trove.
Costs: Normal admission charges apply. Booking is not required. Call 01342 323029 for more information.      

Secret Santa’s Grotto
Where: Cragside, Northumberland
When:  3-4 and 10-11 December 2011; 11am - 3pm
Details: Meet Santa in his magical forest grotto and set off on a secret trail.
Costs: Normal admission charges apply, plus £10 per child. Booking for Santa’s grotto is essential. Call 01669 620 333 for more information. 

Christmas music and lights at Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden
Where: North Yorkshire
When:  3-4, 10-11, 17-18 December 2011; 3.30pm – 5pm
Details: Listen to seasonal music and see trees twinkling with lovely little lights.
Costs: Normal admission charges apply. Booking is not required for this event. Call 01765 608888 for more information.      

Edwardian Christmas at Ickworth
Where: Ickworth, Suffolk
When: 3-4, 10-11, 17-18 December 2011; 11am – 4pm
Details: Enjoy fun activities like arts and crafts, lantern making, carol singing, stories with Santa and a load of other games.
Costs: Adult member £4, adult non-member £5, child member £5, child non-member £6. Booking is not required. Call 01284 736127 for more information.      

Christmas carols and a Victorian fair ride
Where: Scotney Castle, Kent
When: 3-4 December; 12 - 3pm
Details: Gather around the Christmas tree and sing with the local choir. There’ll be children’s craft activities and a shop for all those last minute Christmas gifts.
Cost: Free event, with a small additional charge for fairground rides. Booking is not required. Call 01892 893820 for more information.

Naughty but nice Christmas weekend at Sizergh Castle
Where: Cumbria
When: 3-4 December 2011
Details: Enjoy gliding around Sizergh’s temporary ice rink before meeting Santa in his magical grotto. There’s also be face painting and festive family games.
Cost: Free entry and small additional charge for the ice rink, face painting and games. Booking is not required. Call 01539 560951 for more information. 

Father Christmas weekends
Where: Tyntesfield, North Somerset
When: 3-4, 10-11, 17-18 December 2011; 10am – 4pm (last tickets issued at 3.15pm)
Details: Meet Father Christmas in his magical grotto!
Cost: Normal garden admission charges apply for adults and £4 per child to see Father Christmas. Booking is not required.

Visit Father Christmas at the Servants’ Christmas Ball
Where: Upton House and Gardens, Warwickshire
When: 3-4, 10-11, 17-18 December 2011; 12pm – 3pm
Details: Visit Santa’s grotto and receive a Christmas gift!
Cost: Normal admission charges apply, plus £3 per child to visit Father Christmas. Timed tickets available on the day on a first come, first served basis. Call 01295 670266 for more information.

Christmas at Wimpole
Where: Wimpole Estate, Cambridgeshire
When: 3-4 and 10-11 December 2011; 11am – 4pm   
Details: Step back in time to discover the sights and sounds of Christmas, with traditional brass bands and wagon rides.  
Costs: Adult £8.90, child £4.90 (non-members). Booking is not required. Call 01223 206000 for more information.      

Lantern Walk
Where: Trengwainton Garden, Cornwall
When: 9 December 2011; 6.30pm – 8.30pm
Details: Wander through the lantern-lit walled gardens and visit Santa’s grotto.
Cost: Adult £3.25, child £1.60, plus £2 per child to visit Santa. Booking is not required. Call 01736 363148 for more information.

Drogo’s Christmas
Where: Castle Drogo, Devon
When: 10-11, 17-23 December 2011; 11am – 4pm
Details: Traditionally decorated and returning to the 1930s, visit Santa's grotto and receive a special present.
Cost: Normal admission charges apply, plus £2 per child visiting Father Christmas. Booking is not required. Call 01647 433306 for more information.

Christmas craft and gift show
Where: Calke Abbey, Derbyshire
When: 10-11 December 2011; 11am – 6pm
Details: Calke are hosting this original craft and gift show in their riding school.
Cost: Normal park admission applies. Booking is not required. Call 01332 863822 for more information.      

Magical Christmas at Florence Court
Where: County Fermanagh
When: 10-18 December 2011; Sat-Sun: 2 - 7pm and Mon-Fri: 4 - 7pm
Details: Meet Santa and Mrs Claus in the basement in their charming Christmas. There’ll be Christmas craft activities for the children, a visit to the elves workshop and gifts. 
Cost: Adult £5, child £10 (including members). Booking is essential. Call 028 6634 8249 for more information.

Guildhall Art Gallery celebrates Victorian Christmas
Where: London
When: 3 December 2011; 10am-5pm
Deatails: Fun-packed day of free, Victorian-themed events including Christmas card and bauble making workshops inspired by the moon. Adults can indulge in the ‘dress-up and pose’ Victorian-themed photography studio.
Cost: Free entry
Website: The Guildhall Art Gallery