Christmassy Day Out / Santa Visit

[lavendarwillow]

Does anyone have any recommendations for a Christmassy Day out with children? They will be 10 and 5. We are in London but don’t mind travelling. It doesn’t necessarily have to have a Santa visit included as we could book a small grotto separately if need be. Just a recommendation that felt authentic, not rushed and pleasant.

One of our favourite days out has been the Living Nativity at Wintershall.
Blenheim Palace does a spectacular and musical light display.
Last year Longleat had themed zones with sound, an icy mirror maze and a Christmas tree show. Your youngest would enjoy the Santa train.
Mission Elf at Chatham Dockyards was excellent but your 10yo might be at the upper end of the age bracket.

Oh thank you, we’ve not been to any of these before! Going to take a look now!

My kids are adults now but we used to like the Severn Valley steam train trip to visit Father Christmas. There used to be a brass band playing carols at Kidderminster station and we used to time it so we arrived as it was getting dark.

London Open Top Bus Tour is good fun
(Ours used to like the Duck Tours but they don't run them now)

IIRC we got our bus just behind the London Eye (so went into the Aquarium Building for a quick cup of coffee and toilet break)
We got seats on the top deck , wrap up warm you'll see the lights and hear the history

There will be a Christmas Market along the river which has some nice stalls .
Walk along the Millennium Bridge if they like Harry Potter ?

DS is 26 in December but remembers going to see The Snowman at the Peacock Theatre / Sadlers Wells , when he was 5yo .

London is so lovely at Christmas but busy

Kew Gardens does a light trail.