FESTIVE FUN FACTS

Fun Christmas Facts

Christmas is celebrated all over the world with varying traditions. Here are some weird, but true, facts surrounding it.

What’s in a Name?

What could be more Christmassy than the nice old man who brings us presents? In Britain we call him Santa Claus or Father Christmas as do Australians and New Zealanders, Americans also call him Kris Kringle.

Here are some of his names from around the world, the first few are translations of Father Christmas: He is Papai Noel in Brazil and Portugal, Papa Noel in Spain and France; Noel Baba in Turkey; Babbo Natale in Italy; Santa Kollosu in South Korea; Weihnachtsmann in Germany; Ded Moroz in Russia (pictured left); Mikulás in Hungry and Julienisse in Norway. As well as a name change, what children leave out for him differs from country to country. In Britain we tend to leave out mince pies; Americans leave cookies and milk; in France it’s biscuits; Sweden coffee; Chile sponge cake and Denmark rice pudding. It’s nice he has different things to enjoy, but he must be careful not to eat too much to get too big to fit in chimneys!

It seems he sometimes slips away from his sleigh. In France Saint Nicholas rides a donkey bearing gifts for children. In Australia he sometimes arrives by helicopter or boat. In Hawaii he arrives on an outrigger canoe.

Christmas Trees

Christmas trees are a well known feature of Christmas. There are more than 600 species of Christmas trees in the world and the pine needles on some of them are edible (but don’t try them!) At some zoos elephants munch on discarded Christmas trees after the holidays. Old Christmas trees can also be used to rebuild sand dunes after a hurricane.

98% of Christmas trees are grown on farms and it takes up to ten years to grow one.

The earliest Christmas trees dating back to 1510 were decorated with apples and paper roses. In medieval Germany apples, wafers and biscuits were used.

Before the invention of electric lights, people put lit candles on their tree. This was very dangerous and led to many home fires.

The first strand of electric Christmas lights were assembled by American Thomas Edison in 1880 and strung round the outside of his laboratory. In 1882 his friend and partner, Edward H. Johnson, hand-wired 80 red, white and blue light bulbs and wound them around his Christmas tree. It wasn’t until 1903 when General Electric in America began to offer preassembled kits of Christmas lights they became affordable.

There are various other ways to decorate trees. In Brazil families decorate pine trees with little pieces of cotton wool to represent falling snow.

In Ukraine trees are decorated with fake spiders and webs. It is a tradition in Germany to look for an ornament shaped like a pickle hidden in the tree on Christmas morning. The tree doesn’t have to be a fir, in India people decorate banana trees for Christmas.

People in Europe once hung their Christmas trees from the ceiling to keep them out of reach of children. Some people take their tree decorating to extremes. A hotel in Dubai displayed a Christmas tree covered in 181 pieces of jewelery valued at more than $11 million.

The star on top of the Christmas tree in Rockerfeller Centre in New York City has 25,000 crystals and weighs 550 pounds (249 kg). One of the world’s tallest Christmas trees, a 162 foot (49m) fir, is in Idaho in America. It is decorated with more than two miles (3.2km) of lights each year.

People can go to great lengths to stop others stealing their trees. A college in Minnesota in America sprays its evergreens on campus with skunk scent. Other parks have sprayed trees with fox urine and a chemical that smells like rotten eggs. I think I would rather lose the tree!

Reindeer

What would Santa do without his reindeer? The famous Rudolph was almost called Reginald, doesn’t have the same ring does it? Donner and Blitzen were originally called Dunder and Blixem.

Santa’s deer are always pictured with lovely antlers and despite the male sounding names, only female adult reindeer keep their antlers through December. So Santa’s reindeer are probably all girls.

Some interesting facts about reindeer: their hooves expand in the summer and shrink in winter. Their hairs are hollow and their antlers weigh more than a car tyre. Some reindeer herds have as many as 500,000 reindeer and migrate more than 600 miles (966km) every year. Did you know? If Santa travelled at the speed of light he could circle the globe seven times in one second.

If you would like to find out more, ‘Weird but True! Christmas’, published by National Geographic Kids, has 300 festive facts to light up the holidays.

Y our family what’s on when g u i d eRound About

We take great care to ensure all this information is correct at the time of going to press. However at this time things can change at short notice so it is important you check details before going anywhere.

Continuing

Until December 23

Cards for Good Causes

Charity Christmas Card Shop in Taunton Visitor Centre selling a wide range of cards to support more than 20 local and national charities. Open from 9.30am to 4.50pm.

Bristol’s Christmas Market

Bristol Shopping Quarter’s streets will play host to wooden chalets offering a selection of gifts as well as festive food and drink. With over 50 stalls as well as entertainment including visits from Santa and his reindeer. Open from 10am to 7pm (food and drink until 10pm).

The Christmas House

Stourhead House awaits you with beautiful handmade decorations adorning Christmas trees in every room. From a Regency dinner party, to the coming spring flowers, and even objects within the collection, each tree has its own theme showcasing the history of Stourhead. Free with normal admission.

Until December 24

Christmas at Crealy

Visit the theme Park lit up with

My Christmas Trails

These trails are a unique way of celebrating the festive season outdoors In historic and iconic venues. Choreographed to music, they showcase the natural and unique environment of each location. Independent street food vendors bring a delicious twist to tasty treats on offer. Join them at:

Killerton House, Broadclyst Until January 2

Visitors will be able to make memories as they discover sparkling tunnels of light, walk under giant baubles and beneath trees drenched in jewel-like colour. They can get into the festive feeling watching the flickering flames in the fire garden, gaze at the specially chosen illuminations and glimpse Father Christmas along the way.

Stourhead, Mere Until January 2

Follow the magical after dark illuminated trail. Wander beneath unique tree canopies drenched in Christmas colour surrounded by giant baubles, glowing flowers, glittering snowflakes, and clusters of trees wrapped in ever-changing ribbons of colour. Don’t forget to glimpse Father Christmas along the way.

Kingston Lacy December 3 - January 2

The grounds of the elegant country mansion will be transformed into a winter wonderland where you will discover sparkling tunnels of light, walk under giant baubles and beneath trees drenched in jewel-like colour. Christmas at the Bishop’s Palace, Wells, various dates in December .

decorations and enjoy the festive attractions including the Elves and the Toymaker Ice Show; Santa’s Toy Shop, with a free gift for every child; Santa’s Farewell Parade and Buddy and Blossom’s Christmas Bash, a party on the Piazza Stage. Must be booked online in advance.

Until December 31

Giant Top Trumps

Giant Cards feature Noah’s Ark’s own animals creating an exciting trail for you to follow around the zoo to find out who is the fastest, who is the rarest and who is the smelliest. Pick up a limited-edition Top Trumps Card and a trail sheet when you visit. There are 6 limited edition cards to be collected, this month they are Reindeer cards.

Shoephoria!

An exhibition in the Fashion Museum Bath showcasing 350 pairs of boots and shoes, drawn from the museum’s collection alongside ‘star’ shoes borrowed for the exhibition. It includes shoes worn by iconic figures from British cultural life, From the oldest shoes in the collection – a pair of red velvet mules from the 1690s – to sneakers and trainers from the 2000s.

Until January 2

Christmas at Killerton

Festive spirit will fill the house with traditionally decorated rooms and sumptuous garlands - just as the Acland family may have done when it was a family home. Enjoy a stroll around the winter garden and moment of peace in the chapel with its decorated Christmas trees. There is also the new after-dark illuminated trail to follow (see box).

Weston Festive Fayre

An array of stalls filled with festive ideas and Christmas spirit for all the family. In the Town Square and Italian Gardens in Weston-super-Mare.

12 Tales of a Georgian Christmas

This new immersive experience will bring the traditional Georgian Christmas to life through 12 tales in No 1 Royal Crescent in Bath.

Christmas Adventure Quest

Explore Stonehenge with the family-friendly quest. Follow the trail to find clues dotted around the site, and discover fun facts and festive folklore along the way. From 9.30am to 5pm.

Until January 3

Christmas at Longleat

Longleat will be transformed into a magical land. Journey through a mesmerising tunnel of light and sound, leading you to the front of Longleat House. See the magnificent musical display and over 100 warmly lit Christmas trees. Then explore the Wonderland Walk through Jungle Kingdom and Monkey Temple, a trail of illuminated sculptured flowers dotted alongside the snowy paths. Wander through the Hedge Maze adorned by thousands of twinkling lights and listen to carols in the Park’s Main Square. Don’t miss the 20 metre Enchanted Christmas Tree in the Stable Yard. Visit the Longhouse to enjoy storytelling and the Flight Before Christmas with tawny, barn and eagle owls. Must be booked.

Until Feb 26

The Art of Brian Rice

Exhibition of 30 colourful abstract artworks by painter-printmaker Brian Rice. After a childhood spent

Round About

in south Somerset Brian Rice became part of the London art scene in the 1960s, where he moved in the same circles as David Hockney and Peter Blake. In the Museum of Somerset, Taunton.

Until February 27

Myths and Monsters

Family-friendly exhibition in Victoria Art Gallery in Bath. It links the world of literature, art and myth with some of the very best (and worst) you could expect to meet. Star contributors range from Axel Scheffler to Michael Foreman, and from Cressida Cowell to Victoria Topping. Plus:

Bronwyn Williams-Ellis: Mythical Beasts Past & Present

The lively and colourful beasts painted onto ceramic dishes featured in this show by the Bathbased artist have been conceived as partners to the adjoining Myths & Monsters exhibition.

A Better World is Edible

How does the food we eat affect the planet, and what can we do about it? Go to the kitchen at We the Curious to cook up some sustainable snacks, chat about the food we eat and changes we can make. Two activities alternate: The Big Green Grill-Off and The Missing Ingredient. For 7 year olds and above.

Songlines: Tracking the Seven Sisters

Colourful and vibrant exhibition of Aboriginal Australian Art for all ages in the Box Museum in Plymouth. With over 300 paintings and objects by more than 100 artists. The centre piece of the exhibition is a digital dome experience which immerses audiences in the rich landscapes and culture of Australia. Audiences are invited to lie on the ground and look up at the ceiling of the dome and star gaze where a circular film of the Australian skies, landscapes, it’s art and its history is projected.

December

Wednesday 1 - Sunday 19

Christmas Tree Corner

Celebrate the festive season at Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm with a walkthrough of decorated trees. Meet the festive friends, learn all about the reindeer herd and the history of Christmas and listen to musical surprises.

Wednesday 1 - Friday 24

Porlock Village Advent Windows

On Saturday 1st Advent pictures will start appearing along Porlock High Street and a new picture will be added each day on the theme of Christmas Carols and songs. Who will have Window 1 and who will complete the calendar on December 24th?

Wednesday 1 - Jan 1

Hansel and Gretel

Follow Hansel and Gretel through the magical illuminated woodlands of Arnos Vale Cemetery as Insane Root Theatre transform it into the setting of a magical illuminated walking production of the iconic Brothers’ Grimm folk tale. Family friendly, fully immersive performances every 30 minutes from 4pm. Tickets £12 to £22.

Thurs 2, 9, 16 & 23

Taunton Late Night Shopping

Mystery of the Yuletide Feast, Montecute, 3 December - 4 January. Buy your Christmas presents while supporting local businesses. Taunton’s Christmas lights will guide your way and the Christmas tree will watch over you, all bringing a festive ambience to the shopping streets.

Thursday 2 - Sunday 5

Christmas Tree Festival

See the decorated trees from 10am to 5pm in St Decuman’s Church, Watchet. Plus: Saturday 4 - Christmas Fayre from 10am to 5pm. Sunday 5 - Christingle Service at 4pm.

Friday 3

Christingle Service

Christingle is a joyful celebration that brings families and communities together to spread a message of hope. From 3 to 3.45pm in St Dubricius Parish Church, High Street, Porlock. Plus:

Let’s Light Up Porlock

The Christmas Lights will be switched on at 4pm in St Dubricius Church grounds with the Town Crier, followed by Carols around the Christmas Trees.

Chapel Christmas Concert

Small choir, Byrdsong, will perform a capella sacred and secular music from the sixteenth century to the present day. At 7.30pm in Tyntesfield’s chapel. Christmas at Killerton until 2 January.

Friday 3 - Sunday 5

Christmas Fayre

From 10am to 6pm at East Quay, Watchet.

Friday 3 - Sunday 19

Christmas at the Palace

The rooms of the medieval Bishop’s Palace will each be adorned with decorations on a different theme, from medieval through Victorian to Nordic. The Entrance Hall will be warmed by a roaring fire, and seasonal greenery and foliage from the Palace Gardens will be used to create stunning adornments to complement the historic interiors. Outside visitors can explore the magical inner gardens of the Bishop’s Palace illuminated with festive decorations and Christmas Illuminations.

Friday 3 - January 4

Mystery Of The Yuletide Feast

Montacute House sleeps as winter falls. The family have departed for the yuletide season, and the house has been put to bed. However, all is not as it should be… The remains of a decadent yuletide party have been discovered in the house. Greenery and candles adorn the rooms and the atmosphere is charged. Enjoy the story, the mystery and the house being seen from a totally different perspective. Is it possible to glean some clues amongst the lavish display of merrymaking that Montacute House has played host to? Open from 11am to 3pm, free with

Family Festive Fun December 21 - 24, 29 - 31

Have a go at some family-friendly festive activities at the Rural Life Museum in Glastonbury and explore the museum by following the Reindeer Trail (£1). Plus: Tuesday 21 The fire-pit in the farmyard will be lit with outdoor activities to enjoy. Wednesday 22 Mincepies will be cooked in the traditional range. Thursday 23 Christmas Craft Making Friday 24 Decorate a plate ready to leave out a mince pie for Santa and a carrot for Rudolph (open until 2pm). Wednesday 29 Enjoy some apple juice or cider warmed on the range. Thursday 30 Gingerbread biscuit making in the Farmhouse kitchen. Friday 31 Get ready for 2022 by making a Calendar. Advanced booking ais recommended.

Winter Lights

The Magic begins at Bishops Lydeard Station. A seat aboard an illuminated train awaits on West Somerset Railway, ready to take you on an unforgettable winter journey. Travel along the enchanted track, through woodlands and countryside transformed for the season with spectacular lineside displays as an encapsulating tale unfolds along the way, before you arrive at Crowcombe Heathfield, steeped in festive spirit. It’s then back to Bishops Lydeard. At 4.30 and 6.30pm. Tickets £20, must be bought in advance.

Dec 3,4,10,11,17-23

Avon Valley Christmas Nights

Follow and interact with the light trail around Avon Valley Adventure and Wildlife Park as the lake and trees are used to create a spectacular backdrop. The Enchanted Village and Post Room will be open and the Polar Express Miniature Steam Train will ride you through the Snowy Forest. There will also be a funfair for festive thrills. Open from 4.30 to 9pm, must be booked.

Saturday 4

Candlelit Christmas Fayre

A Christmas Fayre to get everyone into the festive spirit with stalls, twinkles, music, family activities and mulled wine. Peruse outdoor and indoor stalls to find those unique Christmas presents for your loved ones finishing off with Candlelit carols under the stars. From 2 to 5pm in St George’s Church Wilton in Taunton. Adults £1, children free.

Christmas Choirs

Stop for some festive cheer from local choirs who’ll be singing carols in St Peter’s Church adjoining Dyrham Park. From 1 to 2pm.

eat:Nailsea

Celebrate the great local producers surrounding the festival town. From 10am to 4pm in High Street and Crown Glass Shopping Centre, Nailsea.

Saturday 4 - January 2

Christmas Trails

Hestercombe Gardens have two festive themed trails around the Landscape and Formal Garden. Complete both trails to win a prize, and enjoy some fresh air. From 10am to 5pm, £2.

Sunday 5

Toy & Train Collectors Fair

See over 300 stalls from 10.30am to 2.30pm at the Bath and West Showground. £4 per person.

Dulverton by Starlight

The shops and businesses will be traditionally dressed for the season and many of them will open their doors to welcome you from 12pm on the day. The Winter Street Market will run from 2pm to 7pm selling local crafts, gifts and food. Roaming entertainers will keep you enthralled wherever you are in town with their pop-up performances, juggling, tricks and endless jokes.

Dec 5, 9 - 12, 16 - 19

Christmas Illuminations

The inner gardens of the Bishop’s Palace in Wells will be illuminated from 3.30 to 7pm, last entry 6.30pm. Access is included in any valid admission.

Wednesday 8

Christmas Carols

The Taunton Military Wives Choir will be in Hestercombe’s Bampfylde Hall, with the sweet melodies of your favourite Christmas carols, with charming new arrangements from the Taunton Concert Band. Doors open at 7pm, concert starts at 7.30pm. Adults £10, children £5.

Thursday 9 - Friday 31

The Enchanted Garden of Light

Enjoy an enchanting trail of illuminations at the American Museum and Gardens in Bath. Be transported into a magical after-dark adventure through spectacular light displays which will emblazon the entire house, gardens and woodland in glorious seasonal colour. Sparkling reindeer will guide your way as you enter mesmerising tunnels of light and are greeted with the sights, smells and tastes of the season.

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