Christmas events in the South East good for older kids

[Thematic]

I have a 10 and a 13 year old. They're still pretty good at the magic of Christmas and at least suspend their belief pretty well and we've always enjoyed going to see Santa. I know this is early but everything books up too quickly so I thought I'd get a start on it and find something for this year but now they're older I'm at a loss what to do and I'd love to find something for this year. We live in Surrey and we've already done the Polar Express, Chessington, Tulleys, and pretty much all the light festivals (Heaver, RHS Wakehurst, Tulleys, Leonardslee). I've missed the boat on Lapland UK already (and I don't think we can do Lapland itself after we've tried to go 3 times and had it cancelled 3 times due to illness and covid - we're just too emotionally exhausted by the prospect). So, any suggestions please? I would like Santa involved in some way so not just things like Winter Wonderland. Thanks

A pantomime (although no Santa probably)? Carols at the Royal Albert Hall?

I don’t think there are a lot of Santa activities for older kids because mostly they don’t believe in him anymore so I doubt there is demand.

Christmas markets in Europe could be lovely?

Mission Christmas at Chatham Dockyard has been going a few years and it’s brilliant. You might feel yours are a bit too old for it though.
I also highly recommend Christmas at Bewl Water

Bedgebury

ice skating rink?

I can't advise about places in the south east, but a pantomime, ice skating and a light trail have become out traditions as our dc have got older. It's still lovely and Christmassy!

As you are in Surrey do you know about Wintershall Nativity? The Christmas story combined with a tramp around a farm, ending up in the barn, telling the traditional story with animals - even Roman soldiers on horses. https://www.wintershall.org.uk/event/the-nativity-journey. My 10 year old GS, and his friends we went with, were enthralled.

The Bluebell Line has a Santa Express it gets booked up very quickly and I've not managed to go yet. The Lavender Line also does one again missed out.

We enjoyed Wakehurst light show but that's probably as DGC is older, she was 6 months old when we went to Bedgebury lights - they had a funfair when we went but that was 3 years ago so maybe has changed. We're only just getting into this due to DGC's age

The Nutcracker is a very Christmassy ballet, someone will have a production.

Not sure if your DC are too old for The Snowman, usually at the Peacock Theatre - again this is a ballet - sorry DD is a dancer.

Brighton usually has an skating rink

Ice skating at Brighton pavilion or Hampton court?

Thanks but I have two football playing boys and I think the idea of ballet would result in a lot of being sick noises!

London I know but ice skating at Somerset house is magical. We topped it off with china town and a look at the oxford street lights.

Thank you everyone. I'm not sure if I made myself clear enough however, I really want to go to santa in some way shape or form and that's what I'm looking for help with. They boys still want to go, the youngest especially is still very keen on a santa experience still this year. We do all the other stuff (ice skating, pantomime etc) anyway, but this is entirely about going to see santa - the santa express was still fun for them both (and for us adults) last year even though maybe they were a little old, it wasn't completely weird either. I was hoping to find other things like that. Thanks

I took the risk

Maybe Lego land then? I haven’t been to their Xmas events but they have Santa and will presumably also have lots of other stuff suitable for your children

We went to Legoland in Windsor a couple of years ago and booked a Santa visit. Santa was great you hand in some personal information beforehand when booking so it is more tailored to your children.

The rink in Brighton is lovely. It's set up in front of the Pavilion.

The Bluebell Railway also has Christmas events. https://www.bluebell-railway.com/special/steamlights/

@Thematic what was the best light show?

We have done steamlights, good for older dc but don't think there is a Santa.

Glow wild at Wakehurst was the best without a doubt- we’ve been 4 times now, it’s lovely. Hever was nice but not really a lights festival. Leonardslee was quite nice but didn’t have much by way of food. Tulleys was awful- really chavvy with loads of ‘Instagram points’ and really loud music. Not magical at all which is a shame as I usually like their events.

Thanks

I totally understand still wanting to do a Christmas activity featuring Father Christmas for your10 year old as they are still primary aged but these activities are just not aimed at teenagers and your 13yr old would probably find it excruciating to play along. Could you do it one on one with your youngest and do the other Christmas related things as a whole family?

Ballet is only for tough, strong blokes, certainly tougher than footballers. They should see a balle!
We've seen nutcracker and romeo & juliette.

Nutcracker is the ultimate Christmas ballet.

Other festive ballets are A Christmas Carol and The Snowman. I'm not sure if Peter Pan can be classed as festive but the production I saw was excellent

The Snowman is usually at the Peacock Theatre over the festive period

I don't think we will ever convince a lot of people just how strong and athletic male ballet dancers are. They can run rings around most athletes.

Agree. There's a reason why professional rugby players incorporate ballet exercises into their training regime.

Have you ever seen 'Le Corsaire'? (English translation: 'The Pirate')

in the end we’ve decided for one last year to go to Lapland. We’re going for one night to Rovaniemi - cheapish flights on sleazy jet, one night in an air b&b and it was actually not much more than going to Lapland UK!!