It’s that time of year again, the schools have nearly broken up for Christmas and you need to find activities to keep them entertained over the festive season. Don’t panic, we’ve found some of the best family days out across the UK to keep those little ones entertained.

London Zoo

Visit Father Christmas and four of his reindeer at his Reindeer Lodge in Regent’s Park Zoo. Let the kids join the elves in Christmas crafts in the magical town of Elfville, they can write a letter to Santa and take a guided tour as they join in with the dancing elves.

Lapland UK

Take a journey to the UK’s home of Father Christmas! Based in Tunbridge Wells in Kent, your children will receive a personalised invitation from Father Christmas to visit his snowy home. Meet all of Santa’s friends from the elves and reindeer to even the husky dogs. Decorate gingerbread biscuits with Mother Christmas before ice skating with the elves. To finish off your visit, each child will receive a special gift from Father Christmas.

Hyde Park Winter Wonderland

Winter Wonderland is a spectacular festive experience for people of all ages! Enjoy the colourful Zippos Christmas Circus with all the family or the Magical Ice Kingdom which will take you through a fantastical world of ice and snow. Experience unrivalled views of London from the Giant Observation Wheel or visit Santa in his grotto at Santa Land. Browse the spectacular wooden chalets at the Christmas market, offering unique gifts, handmade crafts, jewellery and Christmas decorations.

Burning the Clocks in Brighton

Take the family down to Brighton for a unique festive experience. On 21^st December, the shortest day of the year, the people of Brighton and Hove make paper and willow lanterns to carry through their city and burn on the beach to celebrate the Winter Solstice. The evening combines a family lantern procession with a spectacular fire and fireworks show.

Gulliver’s World

Christmas at Gulliver’s transports you into a winter wonderland with a fantastic selection of Christmas rides, shows and attractions throughout the theme park. Let the children become an honorary elf or visit Mrs Christmas’ Kitchen to cook up some tasty teats!

Christmas at Warwick Castle

The children can enjoy a wonderful party in Warwick Castle’s Undercroft and a special breakfast with Santa. You’ll be greeted by Santa’s Elf on arrival, take part in spectacular party games and Christmas carols and then meet Santa himself! Explore the grand interiors of the Castle with a unique Winter Torchlit Tour. You’ll be guided through the Castle and experience how Christmas was celebrated through the ages.

Caerphilly’s River of Light

Welcome Santa this Christmas with the River of Light parade. Join in at the workshops and make wonderful lanterns in preparation for the big parade! The annual lantern parade will take place on Thursday 18^th December at 6:30pm. It will start from Caerphilly Railway Station park & ride and then make its way down to the town. The parade finishes with a beautiful fireworks display over the skies of Caerphilly Castle.

Edinburgh’s Christmas

Grab your skates and take a turn around the glittering ice rink on East Prices Street Gardens Terrace or get lost in Edinburgh’s magical Christmas Tree Maze. Enjoy a bespoke Christmas Story at Santa’s Grotto and let the children collect their gift as they get to meet Santa himself! A trip to Edinburgh is not complete without a visit to the European Christmas Market. Stretching from the Mound, along East Princes Street Gardens Terrace and around the Scott Monument, enjoy a unique shopping experience at this traditional market!