Christmas Grottos and Wonderlands, 2011

Really want to get into the Christmas spirit this year? Take the kids to visit one of the UK’s fantastic winter wonderlands, found in almost every major city centre. We’re taking a look at a few of the best and what you can expect if you decide to visit. Be prepared to be hit with the Christmas bug!
 

 

Liverpool
Image from http://www.liverpool-one.com/

A trip to Liverpool One always makes a good day out for shopping, but they’re going one step further this festive period. Their Christmas in the Park celebration is not to be missed. Kids can go and visit Santa in the Grotto, which is a small castle covered in snow, surrounded by friendly penguins. Each child will be able to meet Santa and get a gift, as well as being able to tell him their Christmas wish list and post a letter to the North Pole.
There is also a host of attractions in Liverpool One as well, including a fun fair with ‘Santa’s Train Ride’, a carousel and other traditional rides. For the adults, there is the pop-up bar called ‘The Polar Bar’, where you can sit in cosy surroundings and have a glass of mulled wine. A trip to Liverpool One this Christmas will really get you and the kids in the festive spirit.
 

 

Birmingham
Image from http://www.christmasmarkets.com/

Birmingham is home to one the largest outdoor Christmas markets in the country, known as the Frankfurt Christmas Market and Craft Fair. As you can tell by the name, it’s famous for its German foods, ethnic goods, and gives local artisans the chance to sell their goods in small stalls to the masses. This market is great for picking up presents and stocking fillers for Christmas, as well as a fantastic opportunity to indulge in some tasty European food and beverages.
No major city is complete without Santa’s Grotto; the man himself can be found at Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery up until 23rd Dec. The grotto is £2.50 for entry for any child and there are photo opportunities available.
For something slightly more traditional, why not visit Cathedral Square on 10th December and join in with The Big Navtivity and Carols in the City. Competitions, storytelling and music will be on and you can join in with the carol service at 4:30pm. This is a completely free event and will be sure to get the kids feeling Christmassy!
 

 

Edinburgh
Edinburgh is a scenic and atmospheric city which comes alive at Christmas, so if you’re north of the border make sure you make a festive pit-stop. The 24th of November will see ‘Light Night’, with George Street Christmas lights being turned on complete with a Christmas parade. There will also be a fair with the Edinburgh Wheel, a Christmas Corner for the kids and a carousel.
For those adrenaline junkies, Edinburgh is offering something you can’t afford to miss this Christmas. It’s called the ‘Bungy Snowdome’, an inflatable dome which you can try out your acrobatic skills on (or just jump around a bit) while being surrounded by swirling snow. This is a fantastic Christmassy active attraction which shouldn’t be missed when in Edinburgh.
 

 

Cardiff


Image from http://www.visitcardiff.com/

Fancy doing something a little different than the standard grotto/fair combination this year? Cardiff offers a fantastic alternative in Christmas at the Castle. This takes place at, you guessed it- Cardiff Castle, and puts a Victorian Christmas spin on their tours. You’ll be taken around the castle by their host, complete in Victorian costume, who will talk about each spectacular room, and will then take you to the banquet hall for a festive feast. Father Christmas will be present for the kids too, meaning they won’t miss out on telling the big guy himself what they’d like under the Christmas tree.
Cardiff is also home to a host of Christmas markets, including a European style market, and one which specialises in Welsh foods, arts and crafts. Cardiff is a fantastic shopping city which is made incredibly festive during December with their markets and decorations.


London
Meet Father Christmas’ reindeer
If you’d like to meet the reindeer who help to deliver your Christmas presents then head to Covent Garden for a spot of reindeer petting. You can take the kids to feed the reindeer every Saturday before Christmas. This is a sure fire way of getting you in the mood for the festive period.



Image from http://www.hydeparkwinterwonderland.com/

Ice skating in Hyde Park
Come December, Hyde Park turns into a winter wonderland, complete with an outdoor ice skating rink. This is the biggest and probably most famous outdoor ice skating rink in the UK, measuring over 1600m2 with a picturesque centre piece of a Victorian bandstand. Make sure you take to the ice this year to get into the festive spirit.
Other attractions at Hyde Park include ‘Zippos Cirque Extreme’, an hour long circus act and the Alpine Adventure with a host of new rides. Hyde Park is a fantastic place for the whole family to celebrate the run up to Christmas.

Save money on your shopping trips, make sure when you’re out and about this December that you’re always armed with a bunch of printable vouchers to save money on your Christmas shopping. Most of the major retailers will release a voucher, deal or online code over the festive period, so make sure you stay up to date so you make sure you’re saving as much as possible on gifts, decorations,

Written by Rachael from MoneySupermarket.com