Category: Children

Do some monster baking

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Halloween is becoming more and more popular in the UK, make sure this year you are ready to make some Halloween children’s party food that will impress your little monsters!!

Ghoulish Ghost Cakes

Dariole moulds are the ideal shape or these spooky little cakes but you could cheat and use a mini chocolates rolls under the white icing!

 

175g butter

175g caster sugar

1 tsp vanilla essence

3 eggs

175g self-raising flour

800g ready-to-roll white icing

1 tube black writing icing

 

Beat together the caster sugar, butter and vanilla essence until light and fluffy. Add one egg at a time with a tablespoon of flour for each egg. Beat well and fold in the remaining flour.

Spoon into 8 greased and floured dariole moulds, place on a baking tray and bake in a pre-heated oven at 180C for 20 minutes. Remove from the oven and leave to cool. Cut the top of the cakes off to form a flat surface and then turn out onto a board or plate. Leave until completely cold.

Roll out the white icing on a surface dusted with cornflour and cut out 8 x 16cm circles (can use a saucer as a guide). Drape these over the sponge cakes to form ghost figures. Draw the ghost’s features using a tube of black writing icing

Makes 8 mini ghost cakes

Spider And Bat Cakes

These are fun to make with your children. You can make five of each design, divide the cake mixture in two and add one tablespoon of cocoa powder to half of it .

 

Fairy Cakes

100g (4 oz) soft margarine

100g (4 oz) caster sugar

2 eggs

100g (4 oz) self-raising flour

(substitute 2 tbsp cocoa powder for 2 tbsp of the flour for chocolate fairy cakes)

1 tsp pure vanilla essence

Spider Cake Decoration

100g / 4 oz milk chocolate

liquorice laces

10 chocolate marshmallow teacakes

Assorted liquorice sweets

Sugar-coated coloured chocolate buttons

 

Bat Cake Decoration

100g / 4 oz softened butter

175g (6 oz) icing sugar

2 tbsp cocoa powder

1 tbsp milk

1 tube black writing icing

black liquorice sweets

edible silver balls

 

To make the fairy cakes: pre-heat the oven to 180C/350F/Gas 4. Cream the margarine and sugar together until light and fluffy and then beat in the eggs one at a time together with 1 tablespoon of the flour. Add the vanilla and fold in the remaining flour. Line a bun tin with paper cases and half fill each case with the mixture. Bake in the oven for about 20 minutes. Remove and put on a wire rack to cool before decorating.

 

Spider Cakes

Melt the chocolate in a heatproof bowl over a pan of simmering water. Using a palette knife, cover each cake with some of the melted chocolate. Arrange six liquorice strips for the spider’s legs and stick a teacake in the centres. Finish with assorted liquorice sweets and sugar-coated coloured chocolate buttons as eyes.

 

Bat Cakes

To make the chocolate frosting, beat the butter until creamy. Sieve together the icing sugar and cocoa and gradually beat into the butter together with the milk using a wooden spoon. When the cakes have cooled, cut off the tops of the cakes and cut into three sections and use the two curved ends to make wings (reserve the middle section).

 

Draw a ‘V’ with black writing icing on the wings. Spread a thick layer of chocolate frosting over the surface of the cake, position the wings to that they stand up: you will need to cut small squares of cake from the middle section to position under the wings to prop them up. Stick edible silver balls on top of black liquorice sweets for the bat’s eyes.

 

Makes 10 to 12 spider cakes

Tombstone Sandwiches

You can use a variety of fillings like Marmite, Peanut Butter, Egg Mayonnaise, Cheese and Tomato to make these spine-chilling sandwiches.

 

Sliced bread

Grated carrot

Grated cheddar cheese

Mayonnaise

Salad cress

 

Cut the crusts off the bread and cut into rectangles. Using a plain round cutter or a saucer as a guide cut the top of the sandwich into a round tombstone shape. Mix together the grated carrot, cheese and mayonnaise (or use a filling of your choice) and sandwich the bread together with this mixture.

Arrange the tombstone sandwiches upright on a plate and sprinkle the cress around the sandwiches before serving.

Party Themes

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The tradition of holding a party to celebrate the anniversary of birth began centuries ago in Europe when it was feared that evil spirits sought out people on their birthdays. To protect them from harm, friends and family would gather around to bring good thoughts and wishes. Giving gifts brought even more good cheer to ward off evil spirits, and candles were placed on cakes to transport the birthday wishes directly to God.

Initially, only royalty was deemed important enough to have a birthday celebration, but the tradition soon spread with the introduction of the children’s party in Germany, the Kinderfeste.

For the trivia buffs amongst you; the lyrically astounding ‘Happy Birthday to You’ song was written in 1839 by sisters Mildred and Patty Smith Hill!!

Children’s Birthday Party Ideas

Try the following themes as a starting point when organising kids birthday parties.

 

Alice in Wonderland

Kite Flying Party

Arabian Princess Party

Ladybug Party

Arts and Crafts Party

Lion King Party

Ballet Party

Mermaid Party

Barbie Party

Mickey Mouse & Minnie Party

Beach Party

Movie Theater Party

Beauty and the Beast

Nursery Rhyme Party

Buzz Lightyear

Peter Pan Party

Butterfly Party

Pirates of the Caribbean Party

Camping Party

Robin Hood Party

Cartoon Characters

Rock Star Party

Cheerleading Party

Roller Skating Party

Cinderella Party

Safari Party

Circus Party

Sleep Over Party

Clown Party

Snow White Party

Dinosaur Party

SpongeBob SquarePants Party

Fairy Party

Star Wars Party

Football Party

Superheros Party

Hannah Montana Party

Tea Party

Harry Potter Party

Teddy Bear Party

Hollywood Star Party

Under the Sea Party

Ice Skating Party

Wizard of Oz Party

Jungle Party

Winnie the Pooh Party

London’s Pantomime

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CINDERELLA AT THE LONDON PALLADIUM

14 December 2016 – 15 January 2017

Cinderella is a family classic, the tale of rags-to-riches as Cinderella escapes her Wicked Stepmother and is helped by her loving Fairy Godmother. It’s an enchanting tale that children will love and it’s the first pantomime to grace the London Palladium in nearly 30 years. With a fully flamboyant and fantastic cast to boot, Paul O’Grady as the Wicked Stepmother, Amanda Holden as the Fairy Godmother, Natasha J Barnes as Cinderella, Count Arthur Strong (Baron Hardup), Paul Zerdin (Buttons), Lee Mead (Prince Charming) and Nigel Havers (Lord Chamberlain), this is a pantomime with a cast sure to bring sparkle to everyone this Christmas.

London Palladium, Argyll Street, London, W1F 7TF

CAT IN THE HAT AT PLEASANCE THEATRE LONDON

6 December 2016 – 2 January 2017

A great festive treat for kids and great entertainment for children aged 3+ based on the much loved book by Dr Seuss, The Cat in the Hat is perfect for engaging children in their first theatre experience. Sally and her brother know from the moment The Cat in the Hat appears at their door with his tall, red and white striped hat that he is the funniest, most mischievous cat they have ever met. With tricks and crazy ideas, he turns a rainy afternoon into an amazing adventure. What will mum find when she gets home? Based on the much loved book by Dr Seuss, The Cat in the Hat is a lively and engaging first theatre experience for young children aged 3+. Expect towering hats, mischief and an imagination recharge!

Pleasance Theatre London

Carpenters Mews, North Road, Islington, London, N7 9EF

PETER PAN AT THE NATIONAL THEATRE LONDON

16 November – 29 December 2016

We all know the story of the boy who would not grow up and this year director Sally Cookson gives an inventive take on the story. Featuring well-loved characters such as Wendy, Captain Hook and Tinkerbell we follow the story as Wendy arrives in Neverland – where Tinkerbell, Tiger Lily and Captain Hook await. This family show (suitable for 7 years+) is a bit sharper than the plenty of pantomime version around this Christmas. A revival of the popular Cookson’s 2012 Bristol Old Vic production, kids will enjoy the subversive, dressing-up box aesthetic.

Take the kids to the Theatre

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See Peppa Pig’s Surprise at the Phoenix Theatre

London

Surprise! Peppa Pig, George and their friends are appearing in a brand new live stage show, Peppa Pig’s Surprise at the Phoenix Theatre, London from 15th December to 7th January – the perfect Christmas Treat!

It’s a lovely day out for the family and Peppa is playing outside with her friends. Mummy Pig and Daddy Pig have got a surprise for her and George – they can’t guess what it is, can you?

Enjoy fun, games and of course, surprises in this charming, colourful new show with new songs and new life size puppets, Peppa Pig’s Surprise promises to be the perfect theatre show for all pre-schoolers!

The Snowman at The Peacock Theatre

London

Delighting audiences for 19 hit years, this magical stage adaptation of Raymond Briggs’ much-loved book has transported a generation of children and their families into the wintery wonderland of a boy and a snowman that comes to life.

Twinkling with festive spirit, this is a joyful mix of exquisite dancing, storytelling, enchanting sets and live music, including the beautiful ‘Walking in the Air’. Expect plenty of excitement when snow falls into the theatre and gasps of delight when the Snowman literally flies through the sky.

Suitable for children aged two and upwards, The Snowman is the magical treat your family won’t forget and a perfect introduction to theatre for the young. Performances from 23rd November 2016 – 1st January 2017.

The Cat in the Hat at the Pleasance Theatre

London

Opening at the Pleasance Theatre on 6th December, The Cat in the Hat is the must-attend children’s show of the festive season!

From the moment his tall, red and white striped hat appears around the door, Sally and her brother know that The Cat in the Hat is the funniest, most mischievous cat they have ever met. Based on the much-loved book, expect towering hats, mischief and an imagination recharge!

Outdoor Birthday Ideas

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For summer birthdays or just a fun get-together, kids love a good party! Why not take advantage of the beautiful summer weather and have the party outside? Get going with these 5 cool outdoor kids party ideas!

1. Kids Olympics Party

Cabin fever may be setting in after all the April showers and being stuck in school, so get the kids outside and burn off some energy! Tap into their competitive side and set up a Kids Olympics party! “Active” is the name of the game with this theme. Discus throws (using Frisbees), obstacle courses, balance beams, or hula hoop contests are great choices for a Kids Olympics Party. You can also encourage teamwork with relay races or a team sport like whiffle ball or kickball. At the end of the party, give away small prizes or even have a medal ceremony to bring the festivities to a close!

2. Sensory Party

Younger children are always curious about the world around them. Why not embrace it and host a Sensory Party? Tell your guests to wear some “play clothes” or provide souvenir T-shirts as party favors. Then, prepare to get messy! Set up stations that help kids explore all five senses. For example, a sand art creation table will let kids make art out of brightly-coloured sand. It also helps them use their visual creativity to make something unique! Auditory stations can include simple instruments like tambourines or recorders. Since it’s outside, the sound won’t drive you crazy! Or, make some Rainbow Foam for a tactile station. It’s easy to make and allows children to get messy while exploring a fun texture.  Just remember, the messier the better for your outdoor kids party ideas!

3. Just Add Water Party

Looking for a way to cool off in the summer heat? Just add water! Have your guests bring their swimsuits, towels, and sunscreen for a day of fun in the sun. Activities like Slip n’ Slides or sprinklers are easy ways to add a little H2O to your outdoor party. Water games are always a great addition to outdoor kids party ideas. If all else fails, pass out squirt guns or water balloons and let the battle begin!

4. Animal Party

While we’re all fans of furry creatures, sometimes the thought of having them inside is a little daunting. That’s why animals are the perfect addition to an outdoor party! Does your kiddo dream of riding a pony or holding a hedgehog? An animal party can deliver! Most petting zoos or pony parties only need a small amount of space outside, like your garden. Reptile shows are great for Jurassic Park or jungle-themed parties. The animals are usually enough to hold the kids’ attention, but animal games can be a just as fun!

5. Outdoor Movie Night Party

Would you like to give your child a drive-in movie party under the stars? Bring it to your Garden! Your kids and their friends of all ages will love being able to pile onto blankets in the grass and watch a family-friendly flick. Rent an outdoor movie screen or make your own by stringing up a white painter’s canvas.  Set up a movie snack bar with popcorn and classic sweet choices. Set up tin buckets filled with ice and bottles of pop to bring out the nostalgic vibe. Outdoor kids party ideas don’t have to be complicated; sometimes it’s just about spending time together!

Throw a great toddler party

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With so many trendy options for children’s birthday parties, it can be difficult to throw a party that will satisfy a garden full of pint-sized, potty-training toddlers and won’t break the bank. The first rule to any Toddler Birthday Party is to remember: all kids that age are more excited about the plastic spoons than they are the extravagant five-tier cake you spent two days making. So before you turn your garden into the Taj Mahal (with a price tag to match) let us help you find budget-friendly alternatives.

1. Princess and Superhero Parties

There is no doubt that you have glass slippers or capes haunting your dreams right now. That is one of the many perks of toddler parenting. Even though you’re well aware that they may not remember their early years, you still want to make their birthday special. Cut your budget by making your own crafts!

For a princess party, craft a paper stone walkway using construction paper, leading to a billowing tower you made from painting and securing cardboard boxes. One box high should be tall enough. Give the tower double windows for them to look out onto their kingdom and await their prince.  If your little superhero has a birthday coming up, make a cardboard city for him to protect! Fashion capes out of materials from your local craft store for all of the guests. Creating these crafts on your own instead of spending hundreds on them will not only give you lasting memories and a sense of accomplishment, it will save you so much money that you can afford to have a Princess or Super-Hero make a surprise guest appearance at your party!

2. Circus Party

Even without elephants or acrobats, you can still bring the circus to your garden! Think small-scale kids entertainment and keep decorations simple with a red, white, and yellow theme. Frost your cupcakes with red and white icing and arrange them into coordinating stripes, then top them off with tiny yellow flags made from toothpicks and card stock. Create your own Puppet Show stage using cardboard boxes and craft paint. There will be so much to do that toddlers can run free and have a good time! Hire a Face Painter or a friendly Clown.

3. Dance Party

It is a well-known, undisputed fact that toddlers love to dance and parents love to watch. Hire a Children’s Musician for a birthday celebration that will keep a smile on everyone’s face! Since it’s a Dance Party and the centre of the party is music, you don’t really need a theme. Go to your local party shop, grab some brightly-coloured party supplies and arrange them on a white table cloth to bring it all together. Give your cake a musical theme and congratulations, This party is a success! As a sweet little bonus, those party animals are going to have the best nap they’ve ever had, leaving you plenty of quiet time to clean up and respond to the many “Best Party Ever” texts you will undoubtedly get.

4. Sensory Party

If your tiny guests are in the early stages of exploring, consider throwing a party centered around helping them explore. Find large, shallow clear bins at your local diy shop. Fill them with different textures and colours, such as shaving cream, sand, water, marbles…anything you can think of. Place them in an area that will be easy to clean, hand out plastic art jackets and let them go to town. After all the sensory exploring has been explored, the cake has been eaten, and the presents have been opened, hire a Storyteller to surprise them with a few books about what they’ve learned.

5. Variety Show

If your child has an excitement for a multitude of activities and interests, create a Variety Show party. Find a location that you can set up a homemade stage, complete with curtains you fashioned with fabric found on sale and nylon rope strung from trees in the garden. Make it a grand stage by putting out an area then make a popcorn snack to pass out to all the guests in decorated, rolled down, brown paper bags. Hire your very own Variety Entertainer, Magician, or Ventriloquist to put on a skit and let those toddlers laugh the day away at their very own live show.

No matter what your budget is, it is always possible to have an extra special party. With a little hard work and some creativity, use your budget savvy to make the best party of the year and still have enough leftover to treat yourself. You’ll need it! Make your child’s birthday one you will all remember and include some birthday traditions.

Star Wars party ideas

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Now that the Force has awakened, no doubt you have a child in your life begging for a Star Wars birthday party! We have some great children’s party ideas to help you throw the ultimate celebration.

Spacey Decorations

Luckily, recreating “space” isn’t too complicated! Use a black tablecloth or sheet and splatter with white paint to add a galactic feel. Hang it up as a backdrop for food/cake table or for a photo booth! Lay out black plates, cups, and cutlery, and blue and black balloon bouquets as centrepieces. There are tons of resources for printable garlands.

Finally, try gathering some white paper lanterns and using gray paint to create the Death Star ship.

Fantastic Food and Drink

You can get really creative with the snacks at your Star Wars party, and this is a great opportunity to use puns. (Even if the kids don’t appreciate them, it’s fun!) Party foods like Obi Wan Kabobies, Yoda Soda, and Padawan Popcorn are all great choices. Use your clever wit and put your own sci-fi twists on old party favorites.

As for your Star Wars birthday cake, you can have one made by the pros with expert detail or you can take the DIY approach. If you opt for making your own, there are some pretty simple designs that the amateur baker can try, like this awesome BB8 cake. Cupcakes are also a great option, and you can include multiple Star Wars characters.

Galactic Games and Activities

There are a lot of kid-friendly games that you can incorporate into a Star Wars kids birthday party. Create light sabers out of pool noodles! Set up target practice with Nerf guns to take out the toilet-paper roll Storm Troopers. Add some “Jedi Training” with a galactic bean bag toss and a “laser” obstacle course made out of streamers. Or, Pin the Bun on Princess Leia, anyone?

Want to really blow your child’s mind? Invite Darth Vader or Hans Solo to visit!

Where to take the kids this winter

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Battersea Park Children’s Zoo.

There’s a world of enjoyment at Battersea Park Children’s Zoo. From feeding the farm animals, saying hello to our parrots or spying on the meerkats in the secret lookout, children will have hours of fun. With monkeys, snakes, pigs, donkeys, ring tailed lemurs, rabbits, emu, chipmunks, coati, wallabies and chickens, plus a fun-packed adventure playground with a real tractor and fire engine, it’s a great family day out.

NEW FOR 2016! The Zoo is offering new Keeper, Mini and Junior Keeper Experiences for children and adults. The kids will love being able to find out more about their favourite animals and what it’s like to feed and care for them. Sessions last from 1.5 to 2.5 hours, there are a variety of Keeper Experience’s available, and children must be accompanied by an adult, who goes free of charge.

Terms and conditions apply, with full details available on the website.

BeWILDerwood

For an amazing kids day out in Norfolk, not far from Norwich, visit the enchanted, award-winning Curious Treehouse Adventure Park, BeWILDerwood. Take lazy boat rides across The Scary Lake, cross jungle bridges, visit tree-houses, whizz down The Wobbly Wires, get befuddled in the marvellous Muddle Maze, build dens with bracken and sticks and dress up and join in with the enchanting daily storytelling.

This is a world with more than a little sprinkling of fairy dust; enough for the whole family! It’s also a great place for children to have the best birthday party ever in the woods.

Bodmin and Wenford railway

Discover the excitement and nostalgia of steam travel with a journey back in time on the Bodmin and Wenford railway, Cornwall’s only full size railway still operated by steam locomotives. Relax in style and enjoy a leisurely 13-mile round trip, through beautiful countryside, taking in the sights, sounds and smells of a bygone age, as the era of a Cornish branch line in the 1950s reveals itself during the course of your journey.

Take the kids to the movies

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Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them 3D (12A)

JK Rowling returns to the world of Harry Potter with this bleak and dark prequel that takes its title from one of the textbooks studied at Hogwarts.

It was written by Newt (short for Newton) Scamander (Eddie Redmayne) and the film, written by Rowling and directed by David Yates, travels back to pre-war New York City, some 70 or 80 years before The Philosopher’s Stone, to where, having been expelled from Hogwarts, despite support from Dumbledore, the scatterbrained British taxonomist travels, causing chaos when the creatures in his suitcase escape.

On top of which, following an attack on the city by a dark magic beast known as an obscurial, the division between those of magical blood and the Muggles, here called “no-maj”, is threatening to explode, with anti-witch activist Mary Lou (Samantha Morton) and her adopted son Credence (Ezra Miller) forging an unlikely alliance with power-seeking wizard-politician Percival Graves (Colin Farrell).

Also featuring Dan Fogler as a no-maj ex-soldier with whom Newt strikes up a friendship and Katherine Waterston and Alison Sudol as a pair of wizarding sisters, it’s the first of at least three films. On the evidence of the trailers, that’s not going to be anywhere near enough. 2hr 13 mins. Also in 2D and IMAX 3D.

Miss Peregrine’s Home For Peculiar Children 3D (12A)

A sort of X-Men meets Groundhog Day, this adaptation of the Ransom Riggs is directed by Tim Burton, so you know to expect plenty of visual magic.

When his grandpa is murdered by a monster, 16-year-old Jake (Asa Butterfield) travels from Florida to a Welsh village in order to discover the truth behind the stories granddad told him about a home for unusual children.

Meeting Emma Bloom, a girl who needs to wear special boots to keep her from floating away, Jake is introduced to the time-shifting world of Miss Peregrine (Eva Green) and the ‘gifted’ (invisibility, raising the dead, pyrokinesis, etc) children in her care.

Their safety is, however, threatened by forces known as the creepy Hollows, monsters from his grandfather’s past, and the dangerous Wights, led by the terrifying shape-shifting Mr. Barron (a scenery-chewing Samuel L. Jackson). Although often visually amazing, it never really comes alive until the final battle on Blackpool pier. 127 mins. Also in 2D.

More movie ideas for kids…

Trolls 3D (U)

Pitched firmly at the younger spectrum of the kiddie market, this latest, wildly colourful DreamWorks musical animation, based on the toys (called Gonks in the UK),  comes from the creators of Shrek and Kung Fu Panda.

Princess Poppy (voiced by Anna Kendrick) is the leader of the relentlessly optimistic and cheery Trolls who live in the middle of the woods and are always ready to burst into song. Unfortunately, they also live in fear of the Bergens,  miserable giant ogres who, led by King Gristle (John Cleese),  believed the only way to become happy was to eat Trolls.

For 20 years, the Trolls have managed to remain hidden, but, then, the light from a wild disco party gives them away and, as  the Bergens prepare to revive their annual Trollstice feast day, Poppy joins forces with the Branch (Justin Timberlake), the world’s only unhappy Troll,  to rescue her friends from the cooking pot.

Featuring the voices of Christopher Mintz-Plasse as Prince Gristle, the young ruler of the Bergens, Zooey Deschanel as the maid  who’s secretly in love with him, Gwen Stefani as the Trolls’ DJ and Russell Brand, Icona Pop and James Corden as fellow Trolls  as well as a whole bunch of new and old songs sung by its stars, this may not be for anyone older than their shoe size, but it’s still an irrepressibly fun ride and great kids entertainment. 92 mins. Also in 2D.

Storks 3D (U)

Back in the day, storks delivered babies, but, following an incident in which one of the birds (Danny Trejo) tried to keep the tot for himself, breaking her, quite literal, homing beacon in the process, they got out of the baby business and now deliver parcels from their Corner Store HQ on Storm Mountain.

Top of the delivery tables is Junior (Andy Samberg) who is thrilled to be told by Hunter (Kelsey Grammar), the big boss who uses little birds as golf balls, that he’s going to be promoted to take over from him at the upcoming StorkCon shareholders meeting. But first, he has to fire Tulip (Katie Crown), who, the baby that never got delivered, still lives with them. Now that she’s 18th (and also because she tends to cause all kinds of chaos), Hunter says it’s time she became part of the human world. However, faced with telling her, Junior just can’t get the words out and, instead, tells her she’s been given a  job in the letter sorting office. Which she should never leave. Given that nobody writes asking for babies any more, she’s bored out of her head and spends the time talking to herself, acting out (with the help of a pliable hairdo) different personas, each of them excruciating annoying.

Meanwhile, out in people land, his real estate parents (Ty Burell and Jennifer Aniston) always too busy to spend any time with him, young Nate decides he’d like a baby brother, one with ninja skills. Mum and dad dismiss the idea, but, finding an old leaflet about the stork service, he writes a letter which duly winds up in Tulip’s hands and, before Junior can stop her, goes into and reactivates the baby making machine. Now they find themselves with an unexpected tot to deliver, before the meeting and before Hunter finds out. Junior, however, has injured his wing, but, fortunately, Tulip’s cobbled together a makeshift plane.

Without prolonging the agony of explaining things, suffice to say that Tulip’s maternal instincts mean the mission doesn’t go as planned, leaving the trio being pursued by wolves and, thanks to the aptly named Pigeon Toady, quite possibly the most annoying animated character ever, their secret is revealed to Hunter. And to top it all, Jasper, the stork who tried to abduct Tulip in the first place, also turns up, determined to rectify his screw up. All of which somehow manages to end up with Nate’s intended sibling in the custody of Hunter’s penguins and the baby machine churning them out like rabbits.

Mercifully, there are some good moments (almost all of them involving Alpha and Beta, the two wolves who fall for the cute pink-haired infant, and the way the pack is forever forming itself into things like a plane or submarine), but they’re mostly overwhelmed by the unrelenting screech elsewhere. Undemanding four-year-olds may be entertained, but, unfunny, relentless and charmless, the best thing to be said is that it’s not as bad as the profoundly tedious The Master: a Lego Ninjago Short that precedes it. A bundle of joy it is not. 87 mins. Also in 2D.

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 our 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 presonalised 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

See Santa arrive in his beautiful carriage pulled by his white horses on Saturday 26th November at 10:30am (sharp). Santa will open our Christmas Craft Fayre at 11am before taking pride of place in his magical grotto. Be greeted by reindeer and then step inside Santa’s grotto, meet the man himself and take home a special gift. After your visit explore Paradise and enjoy a hot drink in our seasonally decorated restaurant or cafe.

Fancy a spot of Christmas shopping? Join us exclusively on the 26th November and as we celebrate Santa’s arrival at our 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 in 2013. We have been hosting Winter wonderland for 10 years, which includes a meet with Santa who will offer children a gift, stunning illuminations, face painters, the Christmas Fairy, reindeer and a creative kids christmas activities area where children will be provided with all the materials (sourced within the park) needed to make a Christmas card to give to their parents. What more could you ask for other than artistry and a stunning setting?

Stephenson Railway Museum

North Shields, Tyne and Wear

Melt into the magic of Christmas and make memories with your loved ones on a unique festive heritage train ride to meet Santa Claus and his guests.

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 children 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 Children’s 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.

Santa Specials are available on selected dates from Saturday 3rd – Friday 23rd December.