Christmassy things to do in the North West

[DesperatelySeekingSedatives]

Saw a thread already about christmassy things to do in the North East but as I live over on The Wirral doesn't apply to me so thought I'd start this one

Took DCs to Chavasse Park last christmas to see Santa and it was a bit... shit tbh. The year before was pretty good and there was lots of expensive stuff to do, rides etc but last year there was only the grotto, ice skating and a hill thing to slide down on while sitting in giant rubber rings. the queues for all 3 were horrendous and it was all very overpriced. Both toys they got from Santa were shit and there was tears all round when one had to be binned because it broke within an hour

So! anyway was hoping people could share any alternatives? Want to do one or 2 (whatever we can afford!) with DCs. Dont have any family round here really so having to forge our own christmassy family traditions- most of mine from being a little girl involved extended family.

TIA

Ness Botanical Gardens in Neston, Wirral has a free open day on the 14th of Sept 13 from 10-4pm.
Go along and check it out as it's free entry this weekend.

Their Christmas weekend is 14 - 15 December from 10-4pm.

www.nessgardens.org.uk/whats-on/calendar/#tabs-dec13

www.visitwirral.com/whats-on/christmas-in-wirral

Ooh I am intrigued by the Chester Winter Wonderland! Thank you for the links jamtoast and raisah

Chester is normally lame at Xmas tho I am optimistic about the winter wonderland thing this year. I can also second the theatre clywd panto. We have tickets for 23/12 already. They sell out fast so best book ASAP. :)

Really want to take DD to a panto this year but need to guarantee someone could have DS. he'll be 2 and a half and just dont see him sitting still for that long. he wont/cant sit through a movie at home for longer than about half and hour. until DP and his parents decide whats being done about christmas visits this year its all up in the air definately taking them both to one next year though!

btw anyone know what the one at the floral pavillion in new brighton is normally like? will remember the Clwyd one tho. that looks fun!

Lantern magic at chester zoo is really nice.

Desperate my dd is 2.5. We took her to theatre clywd last yr, got seat at the end of the row so she could stand up and dance on the steps and she LOVED it!

It's not a 'sit back and watch' performance at TC, it's a stand up, sing, join in and have a brilliant time show :)

Drawing attention to the heritage open weekend 14 - 15 September at the recently refurbished Liverpool Central Library.

There is a brilliant new childrens library on the ground floorwith lots of activities for kids particularly over the holidays.

www.heritageopendays.org.uk/directory/liverpool-central-library2%20%20

Just to update you on the efforts in Chester. The Winter Wonderland at the racecourse is daylight robbery with violence. You pay for everything - including parking! I have friends who have been and were appalled by it - and just read the Trip Advisor remarks!