Last year I got a little bit carried away with Christmas day trips…
This year is really set to be no different as the thing is I really do LOVE Christmas. Now it is November and my girls birthdays are all over I can really start to plan what we are going to do and when.
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We have booked to go to Thomas Land at Christmas again. The girls love it there as all the rides are just right for their ages (5,4 and 4). Father Christmas there was also one of the most magical we experienced last year and I can’t wait to go back. Â I haven’t told them yet as I know they will be too excited if I do.
We have also booked to go on the Polar Express in Weardale.  There are departures in Dartmoor too and families are taken on an enchanting round-trip journey to the ‘North Pole’ where Santa and his elves await.   The book is read aloud during the trip accompanied by music from the film for everyone to sing along to, and on arrival at the ‘North Pole’, Santa and his elves board the train and present each child with a special gift, a bell from Santa’s sleigh.  Tickets are selling out very quickly so book yours now if you fancy going along too.
This year we are getting our tree from Pines and Needles.  Pines and Needles will take your order, you can specify the type of tree you want and when it arrives if you don’t like the look of it you can send it back and get another without argument- this is just the type of service I need at such a hectic time of year 😉 Also if you are thinking of going away for Christmas, perhaps staying in a cottage, you shouldn’t feel like you can’t have a tree, as Pines and Needles will even deliver to your Holiday destination cottage if it within their reach.  If you do place an order, why not use our discount code TRAVEL15 for a free Mini Tree/ or some Holly & Mistletoe.
We will inevitably go to the school Christmas fair again and hopefully the girls will get to meet Santa, ride on the horses and sit in santa’s sleigh.
I am also very excited about visiting some National Trust properties in the run up to Christmas too.  We are heading to Speke Hall on 29th November so that the girls can take part in some sugar mice making and gingerbread decorating.  We are also hoping that this will be our first Christmas lunch as the National Trust are creating festive lunchboxes for the kids too.  We will probably visit Lyme Park too and I really really want to visit Erddig as they do Christmas so beautifully.
What are you up to this Christmas?
Karen Beddow founded Mini Travellers in 2014 while doing what she loves most...going on holiday!
Mini Travellers is for parents looking for holiday ideas, destination reviews, days out and things to do with the kids. We also have family travel tips, activity ideas and all other things family holiday related. Take a look at some of our latest reviews for holidays and day trips in the UK.
You can’t beat Thomasland at Christmas can you? It’s my favourite time of year. We’re planning on lots of trips to the panto, a community carol service, outdoor ice skating and a few Christmas markets. Exciting!
What great plans your girls will certainly have a Christmas to remember. I love the sound of the polar express. I must get more organized and start planning but in Holland we have Sint first. #TwinklyTuesday
Ideas for Christmas days out for a 2 year old thanks
You’re so lucky to have all these things available, it sounds like it’s going to be a very memorable season for your family! We live in a smallish city where there’s not a lot happening especially for Christmas, but since baby is old enough to visit Santa now, we’ll probably go down to the shopping centre for a photo. He’s a bit scared of strangers though, so I’m not sure how that will go!!! #twinklytuesdays
We are also crazy about Christmas!! Thomas Land sounds fabulous:) We are going to Copenhagen to experience the Christmas markets, Santa’s grotto at Harrods,Hyde Park winter wonderland and lots of local events in Gloucestershire:) Very excited, the build up is just magical with kids.
We’ve done Erddig for the past two years and are booked in again this year. I love how traditional it is there. It feels so nostalgic. We have the lantern walk at Chester Zoo pencilled in too. Can’t wait!
Sounds like you’re going to have masses of fun. Christmas is always a bit different for us as I celebrate it but my husband doesn’t. Nor technically does my daughter: previously she’s been too little to really understand but this year she seems to have grasped the Santa = presents equation!
Ooo what fab plans you have – I love the sound of all of these. I can’t wait to take Zach to Thomasland – think that will be a next spring/summer trip. And love the sound of the polar express! Christmas is coming round so fast and I haven’t even booked a grotto visit yet! Thanks so much for linking up with #TwinklyTuesday