Can you recommend any lovely Christmas events for little children in the South East? Pref under £25!

[CuppaMouldyBatBallsBrothJanice]

I'd love to take DS to a really magical Christmassy event this year. He's only two and a half, so it needn't be anything too fancy or expensive. I've heard several things mentioned, in here and rl, and wondered if anybody has been to any of them, would they recommend them and if anybody has any other suggestions? I want something that captures the magical-ness of Christmas that I felt as a child, if that makes sense?

Bluebell Railway Santa Train?
Knockhatch (something about riding a model train into the woods to meet Santa)?
The Hop Farm (might be more expensive)
Is there anything at Bedgebury?

The Father Christmas at Painshill Park in Cobham is fab. You walk through the grounds, across a bridge onto an island, then into the crystal grotto to meet FC. It was magical last year; we're doing it again this year. (DCs 6 and 3)

'Santa Fir' to choose a Christmas tree, see a reindeer and ride a train?

Otherwise, just go to lots of garden centres with good displays of lights/decorations or go for a walk after dark down a few roads where people really make an effort with their lights. All free!

very popular

Essex

Thanks, some good ideas here. Some a little far away on the other side of the south east (I'm in East Sussex)! One of our local villages puts on a great display of lights so we'll go to that. I hadn't thought of taking him to the garden centre so we'll have a look there too!

Any other ideas (esp Kent and Sussex)?

AFAIK Bedgebury has been host to the whole Lapland experience in the past few years, which makes it v expensive. Tho could be different this year

I thought the Lapland thing was at Bewl Water now? Anyway, although they've reduced their prices it's still about £40 a head and I don't really want to consider spending that much until he's old enough to understand and appreciate it!

My DC enjoyed the Bluebell Railway. When we did it Santa came to our carriage on the train, so it was quite relaxing, no queuing, and a nice gift.

Cuppa You could well be right, just seemed to remember it had been at Bedgebury one year and that it was fiendishly expensive!

The Hop Farm near Tonbridge do this but its a bit pricey.

Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch do a lovely Santa Express day where you go on a train ride then meet the big man, get pressies with mince pies and mulled wine for the parents AND real snow! We took our 1yo and 3yo last year - magical!