Category: Christmas

Celebrate Christmas Abroad

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Some traditional ways kids enjoy Christmas in other countries…

1. A Japanese Christmas cake is made using sponge, strawberries and whipped cream – can we have this version too please?

2. As well as the standard decoration, Ukrainian Christmas trees also have a spider and web on their trees as it’s believed to bring good luck!

3. A witch called La Befana gives out Christmas presents in Italy!

4. In Japan, “Santa Kurohsu” has eyes in the back of his head, so that he can watch out for naughty kids. There we were thinking it was just us Mums with eyes in the back of our heads!

5. On December 5th, German children leave a shoe outside their bedroom door before they go to sleep. If they have been good, they will wake up to a tree branch with sweets on but if they have been naughty they will only find a branch!

6. Norwegians hide brooms before they go to sleep on Christmas Eve as they believe that witches and evil spirits will arrive.

7. In the capital of Venezuela, Caracas, people travel to Christmas church services on roller skates – how cool is that!

8. In Portugal, ahead of their Christmas feast, families sometimes set extra places at the dinner table for deceased relatives, as they believe it will bring good fortune.

9. Christmas cuisine in Greenland is raw whale skin with blubber on…pass me the sprouts!

10. And finally, a tradition here in Britain is to go for a Christmas swim…in freezing water! Brave Londoners jump into the Serpentine, and many of us head to beaches such as Bournemouth and Brighton on Christmas morning to raise money for charity.

The Oxford Playhouse Dick Whittington Pantomime

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Many Christmas traditions fall by the wayside as the kids get older. Goodbye nativity plays, school Christmas fairs, visits to Santa and the yearly panto. Wait! Goodbye panto? Oh no, we don’t!

The Oxford Playhouse version of Dick Whittington is a loosely adapted version of the original tale. With added panto scenes. Think mice in remote controlled cars, a monkey called Brian and a Brexit bus. Exactly how you’d imagine it.

The first half is a musical extravaganza. From the opening ‘Don’t stop believin’ to Nirvana’s ‘Smells like teen spirit and John Legend’s ‘All of me’ the songs and choreography are brilliant. An early bakery scene produces the first big laughs. In Generation Game style, Dick and his cat decorate cream cakes as they move along a conveyor belt. Slowly, then a bit faster. You know what’s going to happen. It’s still funny.

Sarah the Cook plays the Dame. In time honoured tradition she is in love with Mr Fitzwarren and wears a variety of colourful and wacky costumes. Despite some strategically placed buns on her cook’s dress she wasn’t as smutty as expected. Whilst there were a few quips around Dick’s name most of the adult jokes were references to Brexit.

The panto action moved swiftly from life on board Shippy McShipface en route to Timbuktu (via the Titanic) to a surreal under the water scene. In complete darkness the cast swam amongst jellyfish and a mermaid. I might have guessed that blooming song, Baby Shark, would follow.

But how else would the characters end up on a tropical island? Subsequently imprisoned, with the help of Brian the monkey. Although not before cat and the Dame had a calypso moment on the beach.

Add in a Spice Girls medley, lots of dancing and a bee hating Queen. There was hardly room for Dick Whittington in the second half. And they wonder why panto is a peculiarly British institution!

Wait. Slow down. Back to the original tale, and the mayoral election. In a nod to political incorrectness King Rat announces that only middle class boys can vote. Of course, he doesn’t win. But does Dick?

All works out well in the end. Rat gets his comeuppance, Dick and Alice fall in love and Katy Perry’s Firework provides a fitting finale with added pyrotechnics.

Dick Whittington and his cat is on until Sunday 6 January 2019. Purchase tickets direct from the Oxford Playhouse.

A winter walk for all the family

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A winter walk gets all the family out and about…

Mottisfont Abbey and Gardens, Hampshire

Wrap up warm and get outdoors exploring the grounds of this fantastic house and grounds. There are always lots of seasonal trails to enjoy along the way and a delightful Wild Play area.

Formby Red Squirrel Walk, Liverpool
This easy walking trail will suit all the family this Boxing Day and as the woodlands are home to the red squirrel, hopefully, you will get to see one or two!

St James’ Park, London
If you are in the capital this November, why not take a walk around St James’ Park? It offers a lovely walking route starting from the park towards The Mall, along Victoria Embankment and returns via Birdcage Walk and Buckingham Palace.

Brownsea Bird Boats, Poole
During November families can hop on board a boat on Poole Quay and sail to the delightful Brownsea Island for an exclusive guided tour around the lagoon. The island is home to a wide variety of wildlife including the red squirrel.

Beatrix Potter’s Garden, Sissinghurst Castle Garden, Kent
Exploring a wonderful exhibition in the gardens of this famous castle sounds a perfect day out for all the family! Here you can find out what inspired her to create her characters and stories.

Stourhead, Wiltshire
You won’t be disappointed with a visit to one of this country’s finest landscape garden and in the autumn it comes alive with riotous rustic colours as leaves turn to gold, red and bronze hues that reflect gloriously onto the lake.

Winkworth Arboretum, Surrey
During autumn the magnificent maple trees end their year by bursting into a blaze of rich autumnal colours. Enjoy a 2.5-mile walk with the family through spectacular woodland and amazing views of the Surrey landscape.

Deer Feeding at Attingham Park, Shropshire
It’s time for the fallow deer at this park to receive their winter rations! Visit at the weekend and not only see them being fed but also enjoy the pretty changing colours of the park landscape on a walk towards the river.

Gibside, Tyne and Wear
The skyline walk is a must and you are sure to see plenty of varied wildlife along the way. See the colours change for autumn and enjoy amazing views. There is even a lovely pub to stop at for family refreshments!

New Forest National Park, Hampshire
The New Forest has so many wonderful walks and stunning landscape to explore. There is a range of different routes that you can choose from that vary in length and difficulty. The children can try to spot some of the adorable New Forest ponies and other wildlife that call the New Forest home. The walk from Beaulieu to Buckler’s Hard and back is especially lovely and follows the Beaulieu River on a nice gentle walk.

Horsey Beach, Norfolk
During the winter months, this unspoilt beach is home to hundreds of seals. Depending on where you park it’s about a 1-mile walk to find them. The kids will adore seeing the seals and messing around on the sandy beach.

Bute Park, Cardiff
Walking around Bute Park is enjoyable all year round with plenty to see all around the park. Follow the sculpture trail to find all the hidden pieces all over the park and the children will enjoy the woodland play trail with its interpretive sculptures, seats and fallen trees that are just waiting to be clambered over and under.

Festive Movies for the family

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Here are some classic festive Movies for the whole family to enjoy..

1. Elf

This classic from 2003 is a staple in our household. Buddy (Will Ferrell) is different from all of Santa’s other elves: he’s “a cotton-headed ninny muggins” when it comes to making toys, he’s 6’3″, and he’s human! So one special December, he sets off on an adventure to New York City in search of his real dad. A funny, sweet-as-a-candy-cane Christmas film for all the family.

2. Home Alone

Another classic family Christmas film featuring Macaulay Culkin. When Kevin’s family leave for vacation, they forget one minor detail: Kevin! Eight-year-old Kevin McCallister takes on two bumbling burglars who are trying to break in. Written and produced by John Hughes, this slapstick adventure is an entertaining watch for all the family.

3. The Nightmare Before Christmas

Delve into this animated musical fantasy set in a parallel world where different lands represent different holiday periods. Jack Skellington, a man from Halloween, becomes converted to Christmas and sets out to spread joy in the world! However, Jack’s new mission leads him to kidnap Santa and it becomes clear that he’s not really in tune with the Yuletide spirit. This was the first full-length feature to use stop-motion animation throughout.

4. The Grinch

Benedict Cumberbatch is the voice of The Grinch in this 2018 remake. The Grinch lives alone in a cave, and he likes peace and quiet. When his neighbours’ Christmas celebrations threaten to disrupt his tranquillity, there’s only one option: to steal Christmas. They’re going to make this Christmas three times bigger than usual, so the Grinch’s only choice is to be even nastier to teach them a lesson. And so he disguises himself as Father Christmas to carry out his scheme… Head to your local cinema to catch this Christmas classic!

5. The Muppet Christmas Carol

Join Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, and all the hilarious Muppets in this merry, magical version of the classic Charles Dickens tale. Michael Caine plays Ebenezer Scrooge in a performance that’s anything but “bah, humbug!” One fateful Christmas Eve, Scrooge is visited by the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future. The Spirits open Scrooge’s eyes and heart to the true meaning of Christmas. A heartwarming tale everyone will enjoy.

6. Toy Story

Cowboy Woody (voiced by Tom Hanks) is Andy’s favourite toy. He tries to calm the other toys during Andy’s birthday party, who are worried that newer toys may replace them! Sure enough, Space Ranger Buzz Lightyear is the new toy that takes over the throne. Kids of all ages will love this film if they haven’t already seen it. To see you right the way through the Christmas period.

7. Shrek The Halls

The Christmas edition Shrek adventure hit screens in 2008 and is a short hilarious film that will get everyone in the festive spirit. Follow Shrek, Fiona, Donkey and all the gang as they prepare for Christmas Day.

8. The Polar Express

Tom Hanks lends his voice to another magical family classic in The Polar Express. Late on Christmas Eve night, a boy lies in bed hoping to hear the sound of reindeer bells from Santa’s sleigh. To his surprise, he hears a steam engine’s roar and whistle outside his window instead! The conductor (Hanks) invites him on board to take an extraordinary journey to the North Pole with many other pyjama-clad children. There, he receives an extraordinary gift only those who still believe in Santa can experience.

Festive games

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Keep Christmas fun for kids this year with this range of festive games.

1. Guess the Number
Simple but effective. Have everyone guess how many decorations there are on the Christmas tree. There can be a sweet prize like a slice of Christmas cake or some chocolate coins!

2. Charades
This is a classic game for all the family! Simply have everyone write the name of a book, film, show, or even a famous person on a piece of paper. Fold them up and put them in a container. One person picks a piece of paper and must act out what is written on the paper until someone guesses what it is. It is then their turn to act something out.

3. Guess Who
Another game that’s fun for all ages, you’ll need post-it notes for this one! Everyone must write the name of a famous person on a post-it note without anyone else seeing. The famous person can be a celebrity, historical figure, TV character, or anyone else recognisable – let your imaginations run wild! Stick your post-it note on someone else’s forehead and they must ask a series of questions until they can guess who they are. The questions must only be answered with ‘yes’ or ‘no’!

4. Santa’s Limbo
Grab a pillow and a belt and get your guests to take it in turns to dress up with a ‘Santa belly.’ Then take a string of Christmas lights or a strand of festive garland or ribbon, play some Christmas music and start the limbo!
Grab a pillow and a belt and get your guests to take it in turns to dress up with a ‘Santa belly.’ Then take a string of Christmas lights or a strand of festive garland or ribbon, play some Christmas music and start the limbo!

5. Music Quiz
Find a playlist online or a Christmas CD and play a few seconds of each song. Everyone must write down, or shout out the name of the song and artist. The person or team who gives the most correct answers wins!

Christmas Markets for all the Family

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TWintertime Market at the Southbank Centre, London
9th November – 6th January 2019

Visit this traditional Christmas market along the Thames riverbank where the beautiful wooden chalets are filled with handmade gifts and treats as well as plenty of festive food and drink!

The Christmas Market, Bournemouth
16th November -2 January 2019

Bournemouth is set to impress this year with an array of festive fun for all the family located in Bournemouth Gardens. Check out the Alpine bar where you can treat yourselves to some mulled wine, shop in the markets for that perfect Christmas gift or check out the NEW Christmas Tree Wonderland! The kids can visit Santa in his grotto or even go ice skating!

Nottingham Winter Wonderland
15 November–31 December 2018

Visit Nottingham Winter Wonderland to really get everyone in the festive mood. The magical ice rink returns, where everyone can turn twirls with loved ones, enjoy browsing the Christmas craft and gift market, selling ideal things for presents and fun kids rides including a Helter Skelter! Rest up and refuel in the Ice Bar with a mulled wine and listen to some festive tunes at the bandstand.

Manchester Christmas Markets
9th November – 22nd December 2018

There are a number of Christmas markets spread out all over the city of Manchester; from Albert Square to Brazenness Street, King Street to St. Ann’s Square, as well as Market Street, Exchange Square and Cathedral Gardens. The stalls are festively decorated and you will be spoilt for choice with products, so if you’re in need of some indulgence or some Christmas gift inspiration, head on down to one of these many markets.

Oxford Christmas Market
7th – 22nd December 2018

The famous city of Oxford does not disappoint with its Christmas market. Clustered along the iconic Broad Street, there will be 40 festively decorated log stalls selling a range of Christmas treats. On selected days there will be musical fun entertainment from a range of bands and singers!

Edinburgh Christmas Markets
16th November 2018 – 5 January 2019

Edinburgh is hosting two fabulous Christmas Markets this December. Both have beautifully decorated stalls selling products made by local artists, delicious foods and plenty of gifts to give loved ones this Christmas!
Cardiff Christmas Market
From 15th November 2018

Bring the family to this wonderful Christmas Market for a totally unique shopping experience. Buy your family and friends personalised gifts and souvenirs or why not treat yourself to something? The market is filled with local food products, art, handmade crafts and much more.

Christmas children’s parties

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Christmas is by far one of the most magical experiences of childhood. From being too excited to sleep to peeking out of the window, hoping to catch a glimpse of Santa’s sleigh, the memories of the holiday season become some of our most treasured.

If you have child that has a Birthday near Christmas, make it as exciting as can be, let all the other kids invited get all Christmassy excited!!!

Fancy Dress
When it comes to fancy dress, you’re spoilt for choice. Ask all of the kids to dress as something Christmassy – this can be anything from an Elf to a snowman or a reindeer. Provide them with a few ideas on the invitations to get them started.

Decorations
Aside from the essential Christmas tree, you can have lots of fun creating a festive wonderland in your home.

Santa’s Grotto
A great idea is to create a Santa’s grotto – choose a small room, which you don’t need to use and drape the walls and any furnishings with fabric in deep red and purple.
You can then decorate the room with fairy lights, Christmas lights and decorations to make it feel festive. Get one of the adults to dress as Santa Claus and send the children into the ‘grotto’ to collect their party bags and any other treats.

Crafts
There are lots of simple Christmas decorations that you can easily make with the kids and the whole family. Try making garlands from pine tree leaves, pine cones, tinsel and baubles. Other ideas include; painting the tips of pine cones white for a snow-effect, cutting snowflakes out of paper to string around the house.

Games
Gift Wrap Relay
Divide the children into two teams and provide each team with a gift-wrapped box – you should also prepare stations with pre-cut wrapping paper and cello tape. Each child has to run to a station, unwrap and then rewrap their box, before running back to their team and passing it on to the next person. The first team in which every child unwraps and rewraps the box, wins.

Mystery Stocking
Fill a stocking with a collection of ‘mystery’ party bag fillers, with a distinctive tactile feel. Each child has a chance to feel the fillers inside the stocking – if they can guess what they are without looking, they get to take them home.

Enjoy the festive cheer

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Here are some traditional ways to enjoy the festive holidays!

  1. In Japan, “Santa Kurohsu” has eyes in the back of his head, so that he can watch out for naughty kids. There we were thinking it was just us Mums with eyes in the back of our heads!
  1. On December 5th, German children leave a shoe outside their bedroom door before they go to sleep. If they have been good, they will wake up to a tree branch with sweets on but if they have been naughty they will only find a branch!
  1. Norwegians hide brooms before they go to sleep on Christmas Eve as they believe that witches and evil spirits will arrive.
  1. In the capital of Venezuela, Caracas, people travel to Christmas church services on roller skates – how cool is that!
  1. In Portugal, ahead of their Christmas feast, families sometimes set extra places at the dinner table for deceased relatives, as they believe it will bring good fortune.
  1. Christmas cuisine in Greenland is raw whale skin with blubber on…pass me the sprouts!
  1. Japanese Christmas cake is made using sponge, strawberries and whipped cream – can we have this version too please?
  1. As well as the standard decoration, Ukrainian Christmas trees also have a spider and web on their trees as it’s believed to bring good luck! Eek!
  1. A witch called La Befana gives out Christmas presents in Italy!
  1. And finally, a tradition here in Britain is to go for a Christmas swim…in freezing water! Brave Londoners jump into the Serpentine, and many of us head to beaches such as Bournemouth and Brighton on Christmas morning to raise money for charity.

Winter walks

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These Winter day walks will make everyone feel good!

Mottisfont Abbey and Gardens, Hampshire

Wrap up warm and get outdoors to work off all that festive food exploring the grounds of this fantastic house and grounds on an interactive trail. There are lots of fun children’s activities and family days out to enjoy along the way including ‘brussel sprout bowling’!

Ham House and Garden

Dogs are welcome for 12 days from Boxing Day to enjoy, with their families, a delightful stroll around the grounds. Every canine visitor receives a tasty bone!

St James’ Park, London

If you are in the capital for Christmas why not take a walk around St James’ Park? It’s officially the warmest place in the UK with an average temperature of 11.43°C. You can also take a nice route starting from the park, then walk down through The Mall, along Victoria Embankment and return via Birdcage Walk and Buckingham Palace.  

New Forest National Park, Hampshire

The New Forest has many, many walks, where the family can explore the stunning landscape. There are a range of different routes that you can choose from that vary in length and difficulty. The children can try to spot some  adorable New Forest ponies, cattle and donkeys that live there. An especially lovely walk  is the one from Beaulieu to Bucklers Hard and back, a nice gentle walk that follows the Beaulieu River.

Leeds Castle, Kent

Head to Leeds Castle between Christmas and New Year for a fun post Christmas walk which all the family can enjoy! Follow a special trail answering questions about wildlife and nature, and all completed trails are entered into a draw with a chance to win a prize!  

Windermere, Cumbria

The Lake District offers an incredible number of different walks from multi-day hikes to walks suitable for pushchairs. The walk that I have found below is an easy walk for the family to try and takes in some of the beautiful scenery around Lake Windermere.  

Formby Red Squirrel Walk, Liverpool

This easy walking trail will suit all the family this Boxing Day and as the woodlands are home to the red squirrel, hopefully you will get to see one or two!  

Winkworth Arboretum, Surrey

Bring family and friends to Winkworth for a beautiful guided Boxing Day walk surrounded by nature, even the kids will be exploring all day!  

Knole Historic Home and Garden, Sevenoaks, Kent

The day after Christmas Day everyone deserves some fresh air including the dog so walk off some of those calories in a guided walk of this beautiful park.

Where to visit Santa this year

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Rainforest Cafe.

Piccadilly Circus Underground Station, London

Create memories to last a lifetime and kick start the holiday season for all the family. Follow the magical elves as they take you on a journey deep into the heart of the rainforest where you will find Santa’s enchanting grotto.

This Magical Experience includes a Personalised Invitation from Santa, a warm welcome from his elves on arrival, a kids personalised meeting with Santa in his grotto, a Christmas gift and children’s 2-course meal and soft drink. All for just £45 per child.

 

Santa Arrives at Paradise Wildlife Park

Broxbourne, Hertfordshire

Fancy a spot of Christmas shopping? Join us exclusively on the 26th November and as we celebrate Santa’s arrival at the craft fayre, you can browse our festive stalls and purchase some lovely Christmas gifts! Entry included in general ticket price.

You can visit Santa every weekend from the 26th November and every day from the 17th December until Christmas Eve. We are very lucky here at Paradise as Santa is sparing two one-hour slots each day and in between this he is checking his Naughty or Nice list or making sure our reindeers are ready to fly this Christmas Eve.

 

Bird and Deer Park

Prinknash, Gloucestershire

The Bird Park at Prinknash has been listed by Huffington Post in 2015 as one of the Top 3 Attractions to visit Christmas lights in the UK, as well as The Sunday Telegraph nominating us in the Top 10 Rural Attractions to visit in the UK for Christmas.

You’ll be entertained during your visit by our costumed entertainers and Victorian musicians who will be making merry with joy, music and celebration. Your visit will begin with a four mile heritage train ride along our restored urban railway. Santa will then make a special visit to the train, giving out gifts to all those lucky kids on board.

Once you step off the train, head back into our warm and welcoming museum to receive your complimentary drinks and sweet treats! Don’t forget to stop by the museum during your visit, take part in the Christmas craft, see if you can find all of the mischievous elves and of course there are lots of engines to see inside as well.