There's no excuse not to get into the festive spirit this year at one of many family events taking place over the Christmas period. All across England you will find plenty of fun days out and attractions suitable for the whole family. From museums and castles to walking trails and train adventures, indulge yourself in true British style by soaking up the Christmas season with family and friends while enjoying some seasonal food and mulled wine along the way.
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Here's our pick of some of the best events taking place around the UK that will help ensure your little ones have some Christmas magic this year; whatever you are interested in we've got it all wrapped up! And don't forget to look out for Santa on your travels – he's likely to pop up along the way…
Book yourself in for a black-tie Christmas banquet at the Royal Pavilion in Brighton (December 22) and dine in regal fashion. Step into the past and enjoy a drinks and canapé reception followed by a three-course dinner with wine and coffee in the palace’s magnificent banqueting room.
Step into the magical setting of Hinton Ampner in Hampshire where the historic house has been transformed into a world of fairy tales. With spinning wheels whirring, glass slippers lost and gingerbread crumbs left behind, children will have a brilliant day out.
Longleat's Christmas Festival of Light in Wiltshire offers visitors an exciting walk within a fairy tale setting on the Wiltshire estate. Kids will love the different attractions on the themes of Cinderella, Snow White, Little Red Riding Hood and Rapunzel, which are all lit up by the beautiful lanterns.
See Norwich Castle come alive this Christmas as the backdrop to a nightly series of projections. Three commissioned original film projections, each with a distinct Christmas story set to music, will be broadcast every night between 4.30pm and 9pm. Helped along by interactive lights from robots, the projections are not to be missed.
Families hoping for a memorable Christmas should look no further than the North Yorkshire Moors Railway’s annual Santa Special Services. Departing from both Pickering and Grosmont stations, this event gives children the chance to meet Santa in his festive grotto on board the train. Children will also receive some treats from the railway, including a Christmas Activity Bag and a gift from Santa.
Wedgwood's 2017 Christmas Story, 'A Magical Wedgwood Christmas', is taking place at the World of Wedgwood in Stoke-on-Trent. The flagship store has been transformed into a series of enchanting displays depicting fairyland adventures. Children can also have a go at painting their own pottery.
Blists Hill Victorian Town in Shropshire has been transformed into a daily Christmas party. Enjoy festive food and seasonal entertainment, including Christmas songs and Punch and Judy, and let the kids enjoy some gingerbread baking. Carol singers will be performing throughout the Christmas period and you won’t go short of a glass of mulled wine.
Christmas at Kew Gardens in London is celebrated in style. Follow a sparkling trail of over one million twinkling lights, illuminating heritage trees and buildings through the Gardens. The theme here is fairy tale meets fantasy in a world of singing trees, larger-than-life flora, ribbons of light, giant baubles, and a flickering fire garden.
