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GHOSTS OF CHRISTMAS PAST SANTA CLAUS IS COMING TO TOWN

GRIMM’S FAIRY TALES, SHROPSHIRE SANTA ON A STEAM TRAIN, NORTH YORKSHIRE

Sunnycroft is a suburban villa with original wallpaper, which will be transformed into a storytelling centre for the darkly captivating Grimm’s fairy tales. Children will be entranced as they discover favourites such as The Elves and the Shoemaker. Twilight visits to Father Christmas are available too (£15 per child).

Dec 3-23, normal admission; nationaltrust.org.uk

CHRISTMAS AROUND THE WORLD, DORSET

Did you know that Icelandic children leave their shoes by the window, hoping Santa will fill them with sweets (as opposed to rotting potatoes)? Festive folklore from other countries will be celebrated at Kingston Lacy’s manor house, with visitors invited to share their own traditions, too.

Nov 26-Jan 1, normal admission; nationaltrust.org.uk

MASQUERADE BALL, BERKSHIRE

The stage is set for a winter’s ball at Basildon Park’s mansion, which will be decorated with peacock feathers, floral arrangements and embellished bird cages. Visitors create their own masquerade masks before taking a spin around a champagne glass tower. For children there is an outdoor activity trail through trees strung with fairy lights.

Nov 19-Jan 6, normal admission; nationaltrust.org.uk

CANDLELIT WANDER, NORFOLK

Explore Holkham Hall’s state rooms by flickering candlelight and you’ll find chandeliers at their sparkliest and shadows adding drama to special sets and themed corners. Trees covered in lights are placed either side of the grand staircase in the marble hall, while festive scents add to the atmosphere.

Dec 4-29, adult £28 (child £14); holkham.co.uk

A TUDOR CHRISTMAS, LIVERPOOL

Transport yourself to Christmas as it once was and marvel at the intricate timber beams on the exterior of Speke Hall, as well as the mantelpieces laden with boughs and ribbons within. Costumed guides recount historic tales, and there is a performance of Elizabethan carols on December 10.

Weekends Nov 25-Dec 11, normal admission; nationaltrust.org.uk

ELVEN CRAFTS, DEVON

Children with busy hands can join elves in crafting activities at the Knightshayes country house. Then it’s off to see Father Christmas, who appears dressed in traditional green attire, telling stories about the North Pole and handing out gifts.

Various dates in Dec, normal admission plus £10 per child; nationaltrust.org.uk

PANTOMIME FUN, MIDDLESBROUGH

Before you say “oh no it isn’t”, oh yes it is sensible to bring a sense of humour to Ormesby Hall, which takes its seasonal inspiration from pantomimes. Alongside winter foliage, visitors will spot decorative tributes to Peter Pan and Snow White. Look out for the garden fire pit – it’s behind you!

Nov 25-Dec 22, normal admission; nationaltrust.org.uk

The film The Polar Express gave vintage railways up and down the country a new lease of life at Christmas. Santa and his helpers will board the North Yorkshire Moors Santa Special, running from Pickering or Grosmont Station, so join them for a magical, festive journey. Children will also receive a gift from the legendary man himself . Various dates in Dec, tickets £30; nymr.co.uk

FESTIVE CAVING, SOMERSET

Children can search for Santa below ground at Wookey Hole, where the caves are filled with over 100,000 lights. You can spot reindeer and a sleigh overhead in the “cathedral” cavern, though Santa’s grotto is actually above ground, near the elf-inspired circus show. Find out if Ellie the naughty elf can make it onto Santa’s nice list in time for Christmas!

Nov 26-Jan 1, £19.95 adult (child £16.45); wookey.co.uk

GINGERBREAD DECORATING, TUNBRIDGE WELLS

As well as meeting the great man in his toy workshop, children can get crafty with Jinx and Jovie the elves and decorate gingerbread at Groombridge Place’s winter wonderland, and also ensure Santa’s animals don’t go hungry by learning how to make reindeer food. Families can drop Christmas wishes into a well and enjoy festive songs and shows, including birds of prey flights.

Dec 10-24, tickets £20; groombridgeplace.com

ELF SCHOOL, LONDON

Children love being put to task, so enrol them in Elf School for the day at KidZania, in Westfield shopping centre. Working with family members, they can design toys, sing Christmas songs and join in a Nutcracker parade. Dec 3-31, £31 adult (£45 child); kidzania.co.uk

AN AUDIENCE WITH FATHER CHRISTMAS, VARIOUS LOCATIONS

Step back in time at English Heritage properties, where Father Christmas will regale youngsters with festive stories and hand out small gifts. The five historic buildings taking part are Bolsover Castle, Belsay Hall, Brodsworth Hall, Kenwood and Kenilworth Castle.

Nov 26-Dec 18, admission plus £8 child; english-heritage.org.uk

THE CHRISTMASAURUS TRAIN, LOUGHBOROUGH

Winter Wonderlights trains rumble through the Charnwood countryside from Loughborough Central station, ablaze with festive lights. This year, they have been inspired by Tom Fletcher’s The Christmasaurus! book and will feature its songs to join in with. Santa Specials trains run too. Nov 30-Dec 29, from £3; gcrailway.co.uk

DAYS OUT

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2022-11-26T08:00:00.0000000Z

2022-11-26T08:00:00.0000000Z

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Daily Telegraph