Special Christmas treat for family - suggestions?

thatlemming

Do disneyland! I've done disney at xmas (admittedly florida not paris, but I'm sure it's the same) and it was honestly one of my best childhood memories.

We all loved it so much we went back a few years later. Still loved it as a 16 year old.

Aubergine_2

Well done and what a lovely idea!

If Dsineyland Paris is out of your price range maybe a visit to somewhere like the xmas markets at Bruges? With a trip on Eurostar?

Alternatively you could do lots of things over the holiday locally. Tulleys Farm and Bluebell Railway usually have xmas events on.

psychopathbabble

I don't know if it's what you are looking for, but just to say... the european christmas markets aren't that expensive. I've booked flights for me and OH and hotel for one night (there were cheaper ones) for £200 all in to Dusseldorf. I'm not sure it's going to be that much fun for kids though.

I'd definitely research disneyland paris... it's a train ride away (I still love going on a train even now!) and they will have an amazing time!

rachel90

Haven't read all the responses but wanted to say a massive well done for giving up smoking and saving such a substantial amount!! :T

A couple of years ago, my parents took me and my sister for a day trip to Disney land Paris by coach. I was 20 at the time and my sister 17 but we still loved it! We used Buzzlines which are based in Hythe I think, this is the link http://www.buzzlinestravel.co.uk/itineraries/668-disneyland-paris-at-christmas?tourid2=1448&currentpage=2&areafilter=

Ginger_Poodle

Just a thank you to the OP and also to those who suggested Disneyland Paris. We have had a rough old time in the last three months, and my family really needed something to look forward to. I was inspired by the thread and now we are off there 21st to 24th December! Thanks again. Something fun to plan!

PoorCharleyBear

JodyBPM wrote: »

Unfortunely I think Lapland comes in at around £2-2.5K for a day trip!!!!! Admittedly that's just from initial googling and I'm sure as a good MSEr that I could get it cheaper, but unlikely to get it within a £1K budget.

I do like the idea of a Christmas market, either in the UK or abroad. We live in the South East, near Gatwick airport, so travel is fairly easy. Wondering if the children are old enough yet to get something out of a city break abroad?

How about Lapland UK?
It is far cheaper than the real one, but we went last year and thought it was fab for kids who believe in Santa.
It was at Bewl water (Lamberhurst) so not too far from you, or you could have a hotel nearby the night before... (I think there was talk of it moving but not sure it has done so yet)

optimistic-mummy

http://www.disneylandparisoffers.com/Dynamic/ViewFlights.aspx

this is the price range for the beginning of january. for 2 nights at the top hotel. obv if you have another hotel it would be cheaper and you would need spending money
hope this helps

balletshoes

there is a dedicated Disneyland Paris thread on the Overseas holidays forum if thats where you are interested in going -

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/527819

marisco_2

Im not sure which part of the country you are in but a weekend break to London could be fab. Maybe take in a show like 'Oliver' or see a pantomime. Enjoy the Xmas lights along Oxford Street. A few years back they had a Winter Wonderland attraction in Hyde Park which had an ice skating rink. There are so many free things to do like a trip to the Natural History Museum. The Science Museum is right next door and is a fabulous experience for young kids. They have the hop on/off tourist buses which would be a fun way for kids to see all the sights without getting worn out walking around. Wrap up warm and go on a river cruise. Of course there is the fabulous Hamleys to wander round, extra special at xmas time. The xmas windows in the stores up there are brilliant.

Savvy_Sue

Carrie80 wrote: »

Just another suggestion for your list (although if it was me I'd love to go to Disneyland Paris at Xmas!) - there is a Lapland UK which is being held in Swinley Forest in Bracknell this year.

I don't think much has been advertised yet as they've only just started recruiting round here which is why I know about it, it runs from the end of November until Xmas Eve and having read previous reviews on where it used to be in Kent it sounds fab for a family day out, the whole day is acted out as if they've gone to lapland with toy making, elves and obviously a visit to santas grotto.

PoorCharleyBear wrote: »

How about Lapland UK?
It is far cheaper than the real one, but we went last year and thought it was fab for kids who believe in Santa.
It was at Bewl water (Lamberhurst) so not too far from you, or you could have a hotel nearby the night before... (I think there was talk of it moving but not sure it has done so yet)

Just make sure it's not the truly disastrous one which caused so much aggro last year, can't remember what it was called but there was a long thread on MSE about getting money back and how pants it was! I can't remember what it was called or where it was, so this might be completely different.