Are you still planning to visit Father Christmas this year?

[Mumtumwobble]

As the title says really - are you still planning to take your dc to visit Father Christmas this year? I’d usually be booking our visit around now, but there doesn’t seem many options out there yet. My kids will be 8 and 5 so this could be the last year that our eldest might want to do this. Also concerned about Covid/social distancing so not even sure if we should be booking anything? In the past we’ve booked Father Christmas in a woodland setting, Father Christmas train ride and Father Christmas at National Trust places. I’ve seen Harvester are doing breakfast with Father Christmas, but not sure if this would just be a bit naff. I’m near Liverpool if anyone has any recommendations. Thanks everyone.

Nope

We've only ever seen the same one. He remembers them and knows their names - it's absolutely lovely. It's a booked slot with very strict arrival times, so It's only ever you and father christmas there anyway. If it's being run, we will be going. I'm not sure it will be though, because father christmas is a lovely old man, who may not want to risk being around lots of different children. Christmas is already looking very odd this year; currently, every single thing we normally do is likely to be impossible.

We usually do the East Lancs railway it looks like it will be running this year but the rest of the family don’t seem keen. I’ve seen a breakfast with Santa which includes a grotto visit.
It might end up cancelled but I would like something booked. Already sad at no panto.

We normally go to a Santa in the woods at around 5 on Christmas Eve so the woods are all lit up. We all love it and I was sad when it was inevitably cancelled - I can't see how they could run it without cutting numbers and then they wouldn't make enough money so it's understandable.

We've found an alternative - a light show with a storytelling session with Santa. Based on their FAQs, there is space for social distancing a!d they will restrict the number of adults allowed in if necessary. . If the Santa session is cancelled, hopefully the light show will be okay.

Does anyone think lapland uk will be cancelled? Or Centre parcs Santa?

If you're local enough to Chester zoo then would Lightopia at Heaton Park be an option?

I love doing loads of visits - there’s only a few years you get to do it! I’m gutted - looks like hardly anywhere is going to do it!

I’d love to but I just don’t think it will happen

I saved for nearly 2 years and we are due to go to lapland on 2nd Dec for 2 nights.... Finland currently have very tight restrictions on entry and 2 weeks quarantine once in so would not be possible at the moment, although there are indications they may be switching to allowing entry with a negative test from the end of Nov.
Company we have booked with have said it will be constantly monitored in the lead up and cancelled/refunded if not able to travel, I feel like we're going to be waiting until the week before. Luckily the kids are not aware as it was going to be a big surprise.

ohidoliketobe fingers crossed for you. I hope you get to go.

I'd love to do it in a couple of years, when my youngest is old enough to really enjoy it and before my oldest is in high school.

I'm not sure how it would work. My children have sen and get a bit scared of Santa. The only one they would comfortable visit is the one at their school Christmas fayre. Realistically the Christmas fayre will not be happening this year.

I'm planning to make Christmas more special in other ways tbh. Mainly at home but thinking we will spend weekend evenings touring around towns looking at Christmas lights from the car and maybe a stop or two!! Other than that I don't know 😭

First time in 16 years there will be no santa visit for us. I just don't imagine they will be going ahead, but the kids will understand that santa has to self isolate so he is well enough to deliver the presents.
I've book bedgebury light trail but took out the cancellation insurance (something I never do!) And fully expect it to be cancelled.

@aToadOnTheWhole would you recommend lightopia? Looks good online

[quote wizzbangfizz]@aToadOnTheWhole would you recommend lightopia? Looks good online [/quote]
I didn't go last year but family members did (for more than one visit!) And thoroughly enjoyed it so I've got my fingers crossed! There's seems to be a bit more there this year than there was last too, a laser show or something. Im hoping that because it's outside and there's the ability to social distance that it won't be cancelled, but I have paid for cancellation insurance just in case!

Thank you!

Yep already booked. Planning on doing everything as normal until advised otherwise.

No way. I don’t see how it can safely happen! Any that do go ahead will probably be super stressful, so I’m not bothering.

I’ve booked Peppa pig world magical Christmas . You don’t get to see Santa personally but he does a story time and song time and park is illuminated etc . I’ve not been before but my 9 year old son with autism loves Peppa pig .

Tamworth snow dome are doing a good event also and Panto wise Liverpool m and s arena are doing a socially distanced jack and the beanstalk