Help - Christmassy days out with teens/older kids

[I8toys]

I am struggling to find anything Christmassy with my two boys - 12 and 14. Its so hard now they are older and don't do grotto's anymore.

Loving the idea of the Santa Bus around London. My dh hates panto.

What do you do with your teens? or do you just give up at this age?

Ice skating
We often do painting (Although that is at home)
Carol service
Walks in woods - more autumnal but you could do at night with head torches.
Mainly ice skating though!

I second ice skating and panto!

My dh won't touch panto after waiting Priscilla Presley and Warwick Davis in Snow White. It was painful!!

Go without your dh

Depending on where you are based but something like a day out to see a West End show and the Christmas lights could be good. (Not panto!)

Ice skating - Hampton Court or Winter Wonderland or Somerset House

A trip to choose a new tree ornament and lunch somewhere with Christmassy atmosphere.

A show, rather than panto. Or leave your DH behind

Somewhere with illuminations like Kew Gardens or Longleat.

Country or beach walk and pub lunch by an open fire.

Great ideas thank you. We are in Harrogate but would travel to London, Manchester, Birmingham etc and stay for the night. We were thinking of Young Frankenstein or the faulty towers dinner show thing.

We're going to see scrooge in Leicester just before Christmas, also had a look at Christmas markets today, the one in Stratford looks lovely.
My 2 are 16 & 12. They love a lot of stuff at home, making decorations, mince pies. So much more leisurely and fun with older dc!

We are all booked up to go to Harry Potter Studios when DS(14) breaks up.

We went last year and it was lovely, with the Great Hall all dressed up for Christmas, and the castle covered in snow. It rekindled his interest in Harry Potter, and he is looking forward to going again (me too!)

Love the idea of Harry Potter but we've been already and ds2 went with school earlier this year - is it very different at Christmas?

Trying to persuade DH to consider Scrooge in Leicester!!

Christmas markets! Edinburgh, London did a winter wonderland thing a few year ago, York...

Yes York looks like they are having some sort of Festival.

Definitely not giving up! We go to the Christmas market and ice rink, but they've largely lost interest in the skating now, I think we might try a different city this year. WE are thinking of doing the London Christmas bus tour and they still like going to the Christmas tree farm to pick a tree and drink hot chocolate. I send them out together to deliver all the local Christmas cards on Christmas Eve, they like doing that.

Make it 3 days instead of one and book a couple of nights at DLP. It's charming at Christmas and even teens can't fail to get in the spirit.

Tower of London ice skating, when it's dark was great last year. Wander along south bank beforehand.

Last year with dd (14) we did Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park, Erin and Anton's Christmas concert at the RAH and just generally wandered round London for 3 days. We came across pop up carol singing in Trafalgar Square etc etc.
It was fabulous and we're doing it again this year. Can't wait.

The faulty towers dining experience is amazing. I would love to go again but I was brought up on Basil Fawlty and Fools and Horses!

@l8toys

Have you considered a visit to Newcastle over Christmas? Fenwicks window is a big hit, along with the Christmas market at Grey's monument and ice-skating at The Centre for Life. You could combine your visit with a show at The Sage, Gateshead (we have booked to see Royal Northern Symphonia play 'Home Alone') or a carol concert at St Nicholas' Cathedral (or even venture out to Durham cathedral)? Lots to do in the city centre, but if you're happy to drive out there are many gorgeous national trust properties nearby, as well as big tourist attractions like Alnwick Castle and Gardens, or Beamish - both offer themed Christmas events which I'm sure can be enjoyed by people of all ages x

If you are planning an overnight stay have you thought about Edinburgh?
Loads to do for teens and adults alike

Oooh I came on to say Winter Wonderland or Harry Potter studios whilst it's Christmassy.
What about a trip to another city that has Christmas markets on? I always like Birminghams
A family Christmas movie night, lots of candles lit, popcorn made in the microwave, duvets on the sofa, hot chocolate and marshmallows
A trip to see the Christmas lights turned on in your local area?

Bath Christmas markets. Bath is so beautiful, especially at Christmas.

Making Christmas presents, you can attempt some ambitious projects.

Christmas wreath making and flower arranging.

Make scented candles to burn on Christmas Eve.m, cooking and crafting.

Christmas fun run

We hold a charity Christmas party every year for the foodbank it's fantastic!

Booked something - Lion, Witch and the Wardrobe at West Yorkshire Playhouse followed by tea at Bill's - their favourite Restaurant.

Not sure whether to go into London between Christmas and New Year!

Makes it harder that we have loads of gigs around Christmas do have just two weekends free!

York us having a lights thing at the museum gardens that looks good.

Thanks Northern Lurker going to go. Its the family weekend 2/3rd December at the Christmas festival so will tie it in.