Festive family fun

Christmas Fair, Christmas at Waddesdon Manor © National Trust. Photo Hugh Mothersole

Although some pantomimes and festive events are on hold this year, the show goes on for a number of others. We have packaged up some of our favourites into one parcel here for you to pick out what best suits your family. If there are tickets you need to book, do remember that many sell out quickly.

CHRISTMAS AT KEW 2020, RICHMOND The showstopping illuminated trail returns to Kew Gardens this winter from 18 Nov – 3 Jan. A new route takes visitors through Kew Gardens ’ beautifully illuminated Rose Garden. Other highlights include a canopy of stars, neon-wrapped trees and another spectacular light show at the Treetop Walkway. Visitors can keep warm with street food, mulled wine and hot chocolate. 4pm – 10pm (advance booking only). kew.org

A CHRISTMAS CAROL AND MADAGASCAR THE MUSICAL, SOUTH HILL PARK, BRACKNELL Families can enjoy two family-friendly shows at South Hill Park this December. From 22-24 Dec, the classic story of Ebenezer Scrooge will be adapted for new audiences in a charming and beautiful retelling. For something a little less traditional, Madagascar the Musical (which was a sell-out success in 2018) is back by popular demand and will be showing from 11 – 20 Dec. southhillpark.org.uk

ALADDIN, THE CORN EXCHANGE, NEWBURY Your wish has been granted – Aladdin and his friends will be at the Corn Exchange this Christmas for a socially distanced pantomime. Take the trip of a lifetime and journey to far off lands with Aladdin and his friends as they discover treasures beyond their wildest dreams. But will they foil Abanazar ’ s evil plan? And will Widow Twankey ever get through her mountain of laundry? 27 Nov – 3 Jan. cornexchangenew.com

A CHRISTMAS CAROL, THE WATERMILL THEATRE, NEWBURY It' s Christmas Eve, and whilst London is alive with festive cheer and seasonal goodwill, the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge grows meaner by the minute. A heartless money lender, who cares more about counting his coins than for his fellow man, Scrooge despises Christmas and everything to do with it. But will a timely visit from the haunting ghosts of Christmas past, present and future change his wicked ways before it’ s too late? A Christmas Carol will be running in the auditorium from 26 Nov – 3 Jan. watermill.org.uk

CHRISTMAS AT WADDESDON, AYLESBURY, BUCKS Winter Light continues Waddesdon ’ s Christmas tradition with magical lights and the gardens aglow, plus the spectacle of the façade of the Manor illuminated with dancing lights set to music. There is also a 30-day long Christmas Fair to delight shoppers. Selected dates from Sat 14 Nov – Sun 3 Jan, 12-7.30pm. waddesdon.org.uk

LAPLANDUK, ASCOT LaplandUK is an original adaptation of the Father Christmas story and the secret world of the elves brought to life through a four-hour immersive experience of unprecedented scale and quality, as well as stories and interactive activities. LaplandUK returns in 2020 for its 14th magical year from 14 Nov – 24 Dec. laplanduk.co.uk

READING'S CHRISTMAS TWILIGHT TRAIL Wander through a magical backdrop of illuminated trees, create your own light shows with interactive displays and watch the Abbey Ruins come alive with sound and light. Discover dazzling light orbs, floating mirror balls and enchanting shows of kaleidoscope patterns and colours as you experience Reading ’ s first Twilight Trail this Christmas. From 8 Dec. whatsonreading.com

SANTA'S CHRISTMAS CRACKER, ARLINGTON ARTS CENTRE, NEWBURY A 45-minute, interactive family show, particularly suitable for 2-7 year olds. Join Father Christmas and friends for a fun, festive, musical adventure to discover the wonder of Christmas! Afterwards (with social distancing, gloves and a mask for Father Christmas), each child gets to meet him and receive a specially wrapped present. 5 Dec, 10.30am and 1pm. arlington-arts.com

CHRISTMAS TOURS AND AFTERNOON TEA, HIGHCLERE CASTLE. NEAR NEWBURY Get into the spirit of Christmas at the real ‘Downton Abbey ’ with tours of the festively decorated castle, followed by afternoon tea in the marquee on the grounds. Select dates available from Mon 23 Nov – Sun 13 Dec. highclerecastle.co.uk

ILLUMINATED LIGHT TRAIL, BLENHEIM PALACE, WOODSTOCK, OXON The Illuminated Light Trail will be even more spectacular this year with new installations including Blue Neuron and Heart of Stars. Wrap up warm and walk through breath-taking light displays with your family to enjoy the Palace gardens like never before. Walk towards dynamic, colour-changing neon tunnels, lakeside reflections and onto a mesmerising place where, beneath the branches of a sprawling tree, softly glows the fairy-fire known as Will-othe-Wisps. 20 Nov – 3 Jan. blenheimpalace.com

FESTIVAL OF LIGHT, LONGLEAT HOUSE & SAFARI, WARMINSTER, WILTSHIRE This winter, stunning Chinese lanterns will once again light up Longleat. Upon arrival, your day will commence with your drive through the safari park. Then you will have free time to explore the house and attractions and the Illuminations commence at 4pm. Selected dates from Sat 7 Nov - Jan 2021. longleat.co.uk

‘ONCE UPON A CHRISTMAS’ AT ODDS FARM PARK, HIGH WYCOMBE Odds Farm Park has been sprinkled with even more Christmas magic. Snuggle down with your loved ones and be transported to a magical world of merriment and yuletide wonder, as Father Christmas treats you to tales full of Christmas adventure and festive frivolities. Father Christmas invites you to join him and his Elves for an enchanting, and socially distanced, group story-time. After meeting Father Christmas and stopping for a photo keepsake, you will take a stroll deep into the sparkly, wintery woodland, to arrive at the North Pole, with a stop at the Elves Toyshop on the way! Running from 2 – 24 Dec. oddsfarm.co.uk

ELMER & FRIENDS: THE COLOURFUL WORLD OF DAVID MCKEE, THE RIVER & ROWING MUSEUM, HENLEY-ONTHAMES Celebrate the colourful and feel-good world of illustrator David McKee at the River and Rowing Museum this winter. An exciting exhibition takes you on a journey into the imagination of the creator of classic books and characters including Elmer the Patchwork Elephant, Mr Benn and Not Now, Bernard. McKee was awarded Illustrator of the Year 2020 and was recipient of the Book Trust Lifetime Achievement Award. As if by magic, the exhibition from Seven Stories, The National Centre for Children ’ s Books allows you to explore Elmer ’ s jungle and even enter Mr Benn ’ s costume shop. Book now! 20 November – 14 March 2021. rrm.co.uk

Cathedral of Light. Christmas at Kew.

Credit Jeff Eden RBG Kew