Go in search of Father Christmas
It starts by entering an enchanted forest, while all around snowflakes silently fall. Before you know it, you’ve stepped through a secret doorway to find yourself in the mythical homeland of Father Christmas. Found in Whitmoor Forest, two miles from Ascot train station, Lapland UK creates such a magical world that even adults won’t fail to be transported back to their childhood. The immersive theatrical experience, which lasts for four and a half hours, is rich in storytelling and takes you into a toy factory, an elf village and a maker’s forge (he mends the sleigh). Meanwhile, young and old can decorate gingerbread with Mother Christmas, go ice skating on a frozen pond and write letters with elves. A highlight is greeting the real reindeer before meeting the big man himself. Who said Father Christmas isn’t real?
Portal.laplanduk.co.uk

Watch The Snowman in a cathedral
It may not be snowing inside Guildford Cathedral, but the holy place of worship is bringing the much-loved film, The Snowman, alive this year in a special screening with a live orchestra. Taking place on 14 December, you’ll take your seats inside the lofty space and, as the violins strike up, you’ll watch the iconic Christmas movie on a big screen. Since its release in 1982, The Snowman has become a Christmas classic. The charming story of a Snowman who takes a boy on a magical flight to meet Santa Claus is told without dialogue – through animation and music alone. What’s more, for many, the film’s score, by Howard Blake, is intrinsically linked to Christmas time. As well as a festive introduction to the orchestra and a visit from the Snowman himself, the family-friendly performance will also include an additional short film, which will also be accompanied by orchestral music by some of the UK’s finest musicians. You’ll leave ‘Walking in the Air.’
Guildford-cathedral.org

Get festive amid the fir trees
At Chessington Garden Centre, you can buy your Christmas tree, stock up on new baubles and take the little ones to meet Santa all in one visit. The Christmas store is bursting with even more fairy lights, tinsel and musical decorations than ever before. This year, the shop has also elevated its grotto offering with the creation of a Christmas Wonderland, complete with a woodland walk, snow-topped trees and elves that peek out behind illuminated toadstools. As well as a real-life gingerbread house that you can enter, there is a magical train that gives the illusion that you are travelling through snowy mountain vistas and past traditional villages. At the cobblestone-lined Christmas Village, you can watch elves create toys and then it’s on to Santa’s Workshop and time for children to request their wishes to Santa himself. It is an interactive experience that brings the magic of the holidays alive. Make a pit-stop in the festive shop, and you might be able to finish off your Christmas shopping, too.
Chessingtongardencentre.co.uk

Ski off in Surrey
It might be lacking the essential ingredient of snow, but at least at the Ski School at The Oakwood, part of Sandown Sports’ offering, you can get your practice in before hitting the real pistes. Launched in 1974, the dry ski facility offers two purpose-built dry slopes, including a 200m main slope with ramps, and a dedicated nursery incline. There is private ski coaching available as well as courses for beginners. It’s the perfect activity for blowing away the cobwebs on a winter’s day and for those wanting to sharpen up their technique before a skiing holiday. After a day whooshing down the mountain, you can also head to The Lookout, a restaurant and bar found in a woodland setting (it’s a local take on après ski). When the weather is good, tuck into al fresco dining on the deck with views over the Surrey countryside.
Theoakwood.com

Play in the snow
Found in central London, Hamley’s toy shop on Regent Street does not offer the most sedate, winter-time scenes you might imagine. But it is a sure bet if you want to find a flurry of snow – even if it might be fake. During its busiest time of year, the store is known for its extravagant countdown to the big day – from the fake snow that cascades on to the pavement to seasonal pop ups and shelves full of must-have gifts for children, including the ‘magical snow’ which allows you to make your own icy powder at home. For pre-schoolers, don’t forget to book the revamped Santa’s Grotto experience.
Hamleys.com

Warble a White Christmas
Whether you want to meet up for festive drinks with friends or have a family reunion over a traditional roast, the Runnymede on Thames is truly capturing a singalong spirit of Christmas this year. As well as festive menus and themed cocktails, the riverside hotel has a calendar of musical events to see you humming into the New Year. Craig Charles ‘Funk and Soul House Party (29 November – 2 December) guarantees old-school floor-fillers for those wanting to shake a leg; while Gareth Malone’s Christmas Playlist (13-16 December) will see the nation’s ‘Choirmaster in Chief’ perform Christmas hits such as
All I Want for Christmas and White Christmas. All together now.
Warnerleisurehotels.co.uk

Words: Angelina Villa-Clarke