ideas of things to go and do for Xmas

Deals_2

apart from a panto what suggestions do you have. any great places to visit or be in the uk or abroad for xmas/new year? any tips for all age groups?

bestpud

I don't know what it is like as I think it's the first year they have done it but we have booked to go to Lapland UK (I can't remember the address but you can google it). It was mentioned on here a while ago but on the travel thread I believe.

Abroad there is always Disneyland Paris but would be expensive? Supposed to be lovely though if you're into that kind of thing - I know I am!

I also like the look of Wookey Hole caves - again I haven't been there though so can't comment on how good they are. We have been to a much smaller version in the Forest of Dean and they are always lovely at christmas time.

Hmmm, can't think of anything else right now!

Never_Enough_Money

Have you thought of London? We went there the year before last with friends, we stayed at the Hilton Metropole, very cheaply, around 70 pounds for a family room and breakfast, it was lovely. If I remember correctly we went on boxing day, there was a big funfair at one of the parks nearby (can't remember the name) so we went there in the evening, the shops in Oxford street were open, it was a really lovely time, we had loads of fun, and quite cheaply too for London. We booked directly with Hilton in November time. At that time the room cost was the same for all over christmas and new year's eve.

Deals_2

so the thought of spending it in london for me is a bit dreary but am sure would please others. lapland uk sounds good.
went to disneyland paris - though only the outside bit where all the cafes/restaurants/nightclub were . it was lovely with the xmas market. as we had a camper we stayed in their car park the night but this was very expensive. the food at the restaurant was not all that and very pricey but Disneyland is still lovely to see at this time of year. by the way i would recommend a trip to Bruges in the winter - we went for new year and it was so picturesque. we did it as a cheap one day day trip on ferry but i would recommend staying at least 1 night to really enjoy it. what about xmas markets in the uk or in germany?

Never_Enough_Money wrote: »

Have you thought of London? We went there the year before last with friends, we stayed at the Hilton Metropole, very cheaply, around 70 pounds for a family room and breakfast, it was lovely. If I remember correctly we went on boxing day, there was a big funfair at one of the parks nearby (can't remember the name) so we went there in the evening, the shops in Oxford street were open, it was a really lovely time, we had loads of fun, and quite cheaply too for London. We booked directly with Hilton in November time. At that time the room cost was the same for all over christmas and new year's eve.

seashore321

I lived abroad for a while and went to all the xmas fairs near, Germany, Austria etc and they are fantastic but most of them are held in November, some are the first week in december they are fantastic though and you can buy all your xmas pressies as everything is so different.!!

Sallys_Savings

ohhh I love the christmas markets in Austria ....lots of mulled wine to try

Lizalu

For New Year's last year my friend took her children 8 & 10 to Bruges on a ferry trip from Hull. Extremely cheap (about £40 per person return including 2 nights on ferry) and they extended their stay for 2 nights stay in a hotel (extra £10 + price of hotel). The kids loved it - so much entertainment on board the ship and a real christmassy feel in Bruges. Thinking about taking my OH's kids this year.

Deals_2

as it really does get cold. also you could visit the ice show - where they carve things in ice and it is about -25 in the place but you can buy a hot drink at the end!

Lizalu wrote: »

For New Year's last year my friend took her children 8 & 10 to Bruges on a ferry trip from Hull. Extremely cheap (about £40 per person return including 2 nights on ferry) and they extended their stay for 2 nights stay in a hotel (extra £10 + price of hotel). The kids loved it - so much entertainment on board the ship and a real christmassy feel in Bruges. Thinking about taking my OH's kids this year.

Lillibet_2

Other things to do around Christmas time :

Ice skating : we live near Hampton Court Palace & they have a Xmas ice rink, very Christmassy with the back drop. I know there is a temporary ice rink on the Thames each year & no doubt others across the UK.

A walk in the woods, so much better if it's frosty or icy, take a camera & get a nice family photo to include in Xmas cards. If you have kids collect leaves, pine cones etc & let them make a wreath or table decorations.

Instead of a panto, or if it isn't your thing, there are lots of other shows & theatre options. Last year we saw Slavas Snowshow & it was magical & I highly recommend it (we are going back this year & taking S & B-i-L as their pressie). I can't wait until my son is old enough to take him to the Snowman ballet in London ( Somewhere does it every year, I think Saddlers Wells?). There are pleanty of other ballets like the Nutcraker or similar, for several years the National theatre put on wind in the willows which was great for kids, or just an old fashioned musical? It doesn't have to be expensive, get supporting your local am-dram society for a fun cheap evening out.

Don't know if it is an annual thing but last year we stumbled across a wonderful German (? Or maybe Austrian?) Christmas market in Birmingham town centre. We were only there for the weekend for a concert & found it quite by accident & we loved wandering around drinking boozy hot chocolate & eating cinnamon waffles & looking (and buying a few) wooden christmas decorations.

For the traditionally minded, churches have lots of carol concerts, nativity services, childrens services, the Christingle service the week before Xmas etc. Even if you aren't religious they promote a feeling of goodwill torwards men & it is, after all, the reason behind the celebration!

Instead of a shop-bought advent calender try some home made goodies in boxes or indviually wrapped, have a baking session one morning at the end of November. Finish the day with eating the extras (of course you make far more than you need!) whilst watching a Christmas film.

For children & adults have a Christmas story night once a week during December. Read them a Christmas book or watch a Christmas film. I am 32 and without fail I re-read A Christmas Carol every December!

Bake mince pies or mulled wine (lots of testing required!) & suprise your neighbours with it when you hand deliver their Christmas card & wish them well. You're bound to get invited in for a Christmas drink & a gossip.

HTH & Merry Christmas:santa2:

dianadors

Some really lovely ideas - Thanks

mollymunchkin

How about a trip on a Santa steam train special? Depends if you've got kids though and how old they are.