Magical Places to Discover With Your Family this Christmas

Christmas is the staple family holiday season, where even if you don't want to you'll probably have to spend some time with your close and extended family. Well to make things extra special or slightly more tolerable, Christmas provides the perfect excuse to get out to some events. We've put together a list of some of the best Christmas events you can go to this year.

Whether it's something for the young ones or you want to be truly immersed in that Christmas spirit, we have some amazing days out here on Skiddle. Click on the event titles below for more information.

 

Enchanted Gardens Light Trail

When: Friday 17th December

Where: Town Gardens, Swindon

This state of the art light installation is an absolutely wonderful trip through a maze of colour that feels just right for the festive period. With a backdrop of illuminated trees, discover a trail of sculptures, soundscapes and illuminations which all inspire the imagination. 

£1 from every ticket goes to the good cause in the charity Brighter Futures who look to improve the lives of children.

 

Find tickets for Enchanted Gardens Light Trail - here

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The Grinch- Bottomless Pancake Club

When: Tuesday 21st December

Where: Players Lounge, Billericay

The Grinch is a classic Christmas film that stars Jimm Carrey in one of his most memorable roles (and that's saying something). As he schemes to steal Christmas from the nearby town of Whoville, he is unexpectedly stopped in his tracks by a young Who called Cindy Lou Hoo.

You can watch this classic alongside bottomless pancakes at the special film club, with a wide selection of toppngs. Don't go easy on the maple syrup.

 

Find tickets for The Grinch- Bottomless Pancake Club - here

 

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The Snowman

When: Wednesday 1st December- Sunday 2nd January

Where: Peacock Theatre, London

The Snowman is a tradition for most families on Christmas day, aired every year the wonderful animation based on Raymond Briggs' much-loved book. Now you can experience the theatre adaptation of the classic Christmas story and experience all the wonder in an entirely new form.

Being shown at Peacock Theatre, hear the iconic soundtrack amongst enchanting stage design and performances which will continue to captivate audiences for a long time.

 

Find tickets for The Snowman - here

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Elf @ Sheldwich Village Hall

When: Monday 20th December

Where: Sheldwich Village Hall, Faversham

The Roaming Cinema Co. return to Sheldwich Village Hall for their first annual Christmas party, inviting you down for a day of festive fun. They'll be putting on the Christmas film Elf which stars Will Ferrel in the role of Buddy, a human elf who heads towards New York to try and connect with his father.

A range of drinks and festive treats will be on offer and the room will be full of Christmas cheer as you begin the final week ahead of the big day in the right way.

 

Find tickets for Elf @ Sheldwich Village Hall - here

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Mini Party in the Parlour

When: Saturday 18th December

Where: The Baltic Hotel, Liverpool

This is a Christmas party for the whole family to enjoy. Brought to you by the mischievous elves, they will be putting on a festive disco, a wide range of games and even a surprise visit from Santa himself for the kids to enjoy. Yet the fun isn't just for the kids as the adults will be provided with plenty of mulled wine and mince pies.

This is your chance to meet Santa himself.

 

Find tickets for Mini Party in the Parlour - here

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Christmas City- Nativity!

When: Saturday 18th December

Where: Power League Soccer Dome, Manchester

The drive-in cinema located in Manchester has been putting on plenty of festive showings over recent weeks. On this particular weekend, the early showing will be Nativity! The Martin Freeman starring film which sees him play a teacher who tries to get a schools nativity play made into a Hollywood production.

Come and see it on a huge screen from the comfort of your car or a seating area with plenty of sweet treats to nibble on too.

 

Find tickets for Christmas City- Nativity! - here

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Digbeth Ice Rink

When: Thursday 16th December

Where: Luna Springs Digbeth, Birmingham

Ice skating is an experience. It can take a while to learn but that doesn't make it any less fun. Come on down to Digbeth ice rink where you can twirl to your heart's content or keep ahold of the barrier for as long as you need to. You can even get an aide to help you stay upright if you like.

There's no doubt that no matter what level of skill you're at, a day out at the ice rink is always fun even if you do slip 100 times.

 

Find tickets for Digbeth Ice Rink - here

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Matthew Bourne's Nutcracker

When: Friday 17th December 

Where: Sadlers Wells Theatre, London

Returning for a limited time at Sadlers Well, this production of the famous Nutcracker is enhanced by Matthew Bourne's ability to fit in so much wit alongside the magical fantasy. Adored by critics and the kind of show that has people back all the time for repeat viewings, it's fair to say that they always nail it.

With Tchaikovsky's classic score and costumes that absolutely dazzle, it is a feast for the eyes and the ears.

 

Find tickets for Matthew Bourne's Nutcracker - here

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Stick Man

When: Monday 20th December

Where: Leicester Square Theatre, London

You may have seen the TV adaptation of Stick Man that came to the BBC a few years ago and has stayed a regular on Christmas Day ever since. It was a brilliant adaptation of Julia Donaldson's book that quickly became a family favourite. Now you can see a theatre production of the story in London.

Follow Stick Man as his day gets ever worse when he is pursued by some pesky creatures, will he ever get back to his family tree? 

 

Find tickets for Stick Man - here

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Santas Grotto @ The Anglers

When: Saturday 18th- Sunday 19th December

Where: Anglers Arms, Manchester

If you'd like a chance for your kids to meet Santa before Christmas day for a very special surprise this year then this event is right for you. Enter Santa's Grotto with your young ones and they will be able to receive a present in an experience that they definitely won't forget in a hurry.

There will also be Christmas markets and a food fair for you to enjoy before and after so you can pick up some festive treats too.

 

Find tickets for Santas Grotto @ The Anglers - here

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If you're looking for more great events and attractions to visit before Christmas and beyond check out our Things To Do page. To find out what's near you head to our What's On guide.