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Christmas

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Original poster

Christmas break on a budget?

26 replies

Bigheadache · 13/09/2018 20:52

Decided tonight that it would be nice for the three of us to go on a Christmas break, me Dp and 4 yr old dc however we have limited funds. Anyone managed to go away anywhere they would recommend?

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choccywokkydoodah · 13/09/2018 20:53

i am placemarking for ideas aswell if thats ok.

Sparklyfee · 13/09/2018 20:57

How about somewhere that has a Xmas market? Manchester, Leeds? Stay in a travelodge or similar and let DD choose a Xmas bauble, go ice skating, see a Xmas film at the cinema and visit santas grotto? All fairly cheap but very Christmassy

owlofathena · 13/09/2018 21:00

A few years ago we spent Christmas in Ghent. We stayed on a canal barge and visited the Christmas Market which was lovely. Accommodation was through Airbnb and very reasonably priced

Sparklyfee · 13/09/2018 21:25

This thread has made me decide we are going away for 3 nights before Xmas returning 23rd (DH will be at work for 4 days from 24th Sad)

Travelodge have good deals for family rooms in London (although we are in the north and the train is pricey but so be it). And I'm now looking at Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park!

MidnightRun · 13/09/2018 21:36

We go to Edinburgh for a couple of nights at Xmas most years. Christmas markets, dungeon and last year we did the zoo too. It was Baltic but so Christmassy!

spinabifidamom · 13/09/2018 21:59

I’ve been saving up since June. We’re planning on having a Christmas party lunch with some friends who live across the hall from us plus my partner’s sister, mom and dad.

I’m in charge of the menu for the actual day. What about a spot of Christmas shopping? Or you could always visit the cinema on Christmas Day (look at deals first). Are you going to be at a hotel or stay with relatives?

One year my mom rented a car and we decided to go for a Christmas drive to a market. This year we will play some games, eat, drink, watch films and have a adult conversation. In the morning we’ll open presents and have a snack for breakfast. I’m going to put up my annual Christmas wreath on my front door and decorate my Christmas tree too.

Sparklyfee · 13/09/2018 22:39

Back to what I just suggested...I've now been told that winter wonderland is not worth it. Busy etc. So I'm withdrawing that recommendation!

Original poster
Bigheadache · 13/09/2018 22:56

I've been to the winter wonderland in Hyde park and thought it was a bit meh. Some good ideas though thanks.

I'd love to take DC to eurodisney or center parcs but my budget won't stretch that far!

Also our Christmas tends to be fairly quiet with it being the 3 of us for most of it so would be nice to do something... Trying to decide if new year would be a good time

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Original poster
Bigheadache · 13/09/2018 22:58

sparklyfee it will be nice for you to get away and make it special

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Mossend · 14/09/2018 07:44

I'd second Edinburgh, lots to do and it doesn't have to work out that expensive as even just walking around will give you the Christmassy feel

Courtney555 · 14/09/2018 11:02

This is our Christmas to New year itinerary... All of which DS will find out on Christmas day (so excited for this!!)

First off, this is not a stealth boast. I'm aware it's quite a lot, but what I do is research the arse out of everything to get the best deal, hotels, experience etc so if anything appeals, please ask and I'll let you know where I got tickets and prices, it's not actually that much....

Day 1. Arrive early in Wembley for Walking with Dinosaurs arena tour. This looks amazing.

Lunch, then tube in to Kew Gardens, where they have their winter light festival, have booked dinner in the botanical. This is instead of Winter Wonderland, which is hugely overrated.

Stay in Wembley.

Day 2. Drive to Hogwarts in the Snow at Harry Potter studios

Back to London for the afternoon, I've found a walking tour to see all the best Christmas lights and sights, ending at Covent Gardens

Back to sleep at Wembley

Day 3. Fly out to DLP, and spend new years eve, New year's day and Jan 2nd there. Staying on site but at the hotel that's like a huge log cabin not in the big castle, as we thought it would be more seasonal and Princess theming will be lost on DS.

Also, last year, we did the underground Christmas markets set in the Valkenburg caves, which again was really not that dear, and something really different.

The trips to lap land are fantastic too. DS went aged 4 and a half, he remembers bugger all from being 4,but can recite that day from start to finish, it was incredible, and we flew out and back in a day. Reindeers pull you through a lantern lit forest to Father Christmas' grotto, and in the most raw and beautiful setting not cheesy or commercial, it takes your breath away, you go on husky drawn safaris, you ride skidoos, and they provide all warm clothing. We also got to see the northern lights as they were visible the day we went. If you can, this is the one to do.

Didiusfalco · 14/09/2018 11:09

Courtney that sounds amazing. How old is your ds? I think mine would be knackered by that itinerary, but yours is probably older?

Have you ever been to longleat at Christmas? Wondering how good that is?

Courtney555 · 14/09/2018 11:15

Thank you, I'm hoping it's good!

DS is now 10, and it's his first year of being a non believer, so we've tried to base activities on being fun and festive as opposed to Father Christmas orientated.

By longleat, do you mean center parcs?

Didiusfalco · 14/09/2018 13:23

No, I was actually wondering about Longleat itself. Would avoid the Centre Parcs there, have seen too many stories on here Wink

Original poster
Bigheadache · 14/09/2018 14:34

Omg that's sounds lovely Courtney555 though DC not interested in dinosaurs or Harry Potter (though I would be!)

How much was the Lapland trip and where did you book it? Sounds amazing and probably the right level... Will save for DLP for next year!

I've been to Longleat center parcs in winter though not Christmas and it was lovely... Though it was a girls weekend Wink

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SleepyPaws · 14/09/2018 14:40

Another vote for Edinburgh, we go every year, kids love it!

Courtney555 · 14/09/2018 18:58

Can't help with Longleat, we've never been, and I've not looked into it...

Lapland was with Newmarket Holidays, they run the day trip from numerous airports. It gets dark at lunch time, and all the lights make it feel like you're in some kind of magic fairy world, it's probably one of the best things we've done. Never seen icicles like it either.

I think it was £399 each with under two's go free, from memory.

Original poster
Bigheadache · 15/09/2018 08:27

Having looked into it DLP and Lapland are beyond our budget for this year unfortunately but gives me something to save for and plan next year so thank you Smile

I have come across several theme park places doing an overnight event for new year though so may do that this year as I think DC would love it!

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Courtney555 · 15/09/2018 12:27

Check that the parks are actually open. We looked at staying at lego land for nye, and in the small print, none of the rides are open! So essentially, they wanted an arm and a leg to stay in the hotel and watch fireworks, which sort of defeats the reason you'd stay at lego land.

Buttercupsandaisies · 16/09/2018 12:57

Re Lapland

I suggest going for a few days as the cost isn't much more and it's nice to just enjoy the time there. We filled a whole day just sledging! We paid £2200 for four days inc B&b, activities, Xmas lunch in Santas house, a big Xmas gala meal with fireworks, clothing etc, it was amazing! Best holiday we've ever had. Booked with TUI to Saariselka.

Buttercupsandaisies · 16/09/2018 12:58

That was for family of four

Buttercupsandaisies · 16/09/2018 13:00

Courtney - seen you've allocated the morning to Hogwarts - just make sure you've left time to enjoy it as we spent 6-7 hours at Hogwarts and in now way rushed it - the four hours they suggest isn't long enough ime esp as it'll be busy and you can queue for a good half hour for the photo opportunities

Courtney555 · 16/09/2018 14:53

Thank you buttercup, we're getting there early, about 10.30 I think, so we could spend all day, as our afternoon activity is just a wander around the London lights.

Anything in particular you would recommend heading to first, any must dos/must try?

TheMotherChip · 17/09/2018 06:17

We’ve stayed at Alton Towers between Christmas and new year a few times and it was lovely, especially because those few days can sometimes seem a bit flat. You usually get entrance included on one of the days for their indoor water park and also entrance to the theme park which is open with a small selection or rides (not the big rollercoasters, mainly younger children’s rides). There is also a small sea life centre in the park which was open.
The two hotels (which are linked indoors so you can easily walk between both) have children’s entertainers and singers. They are beautifully decorated for Christmas.
If you live nearby you could just go for one night, getting there early the first day and leaving late on the second day to make the most of it.

Original poster
Bigheadache · 17/09/2018 09:37

I was looking at Alton towers and considering new year's eve... Yes it's a very flat period for us because we don't do much with family even though we both have large families. Thank you.

I'm going to save for Lapland and hopefully do that or DLP next year - thank you for all your suggestions Smile

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