Sadly Christmas wonât be the same this year, but depending on what Tiers we are on we can make the most of it and adhere to the rules, and ensure we can find somethings to do to entertain the kids. We have found some great things to do and  Christmas activities to enjoy, evil Covid  wonât be stealing our Christmas! Also do check out 17 fun activities to do this Christmas.
Where can you see Santa?
1. Lapland UK
Lapland UK is a truly magical place to visit at this time of year. LaplandUK is an original adaptation of the Father Christmas story and the secret world of the elves brought to life through a 4-hour immersive experience of unprecedented scale and quality, as well as stories and interactive activities.
2. The Magic of Christmas at London Zoo
Children of all ages will be able to journey through the animal kingdom and surround themselves with The Magic of Christmas at London Zoo during a trip to the outdoor attraction â helping write the animalsâ wish lists, spotting Santa as he visits the animals and enjoying the Zooâs brightly-decorated Christmas trees and twinkly animal light sculptures. Also check out their fun festive family trail.
3. Hamleyâs Grotto
Join Santa and his loveable elves at The Finest Toy Shop in the World for fun, magic and theatre at the most wonderful time of year. The Santaâs Grotto at Hamleys is available at the Regent Street store.This year Santa has also learnt a new skill and is inviting you to join him on Zoom!You can join in with his interactive Christmas adventure and the Hamleys HQ learn about the real joy of Christmas with daily online activities.You can also book a unique personalised call from Santa himself ready for 21st Dec with a suggested viewing of Christmas Eve!
4. Paradise Wildlife Park
Christmas will be slightly different this year at Paradise but will still provide fantastic festivities and ensure safety measures are met.
Santa will be arriving at Paradise in a new grotto at the Safari Stage where your children can join him safely for a fabulous photo opportunity. Moreover, this is a completely free of charge event so make sure to get a space in the queue early to not miss out, as they cannot guarantee everyone will be able meet Santa on the day of your visit. There will be a glorious festive fairy light tunnel to walk through and enjoy with your loved ones. The festivities do not stop here, however they shall be decking the entire park out with the finest of Christmas decorations, complete with 20ft Christmas tree! Donât forget to visit Santaâs reindeer in the Woodland Walk too! Entry to the grotto with Santa and his elf is limited to one family household at a time.=
5. Chester Zoo
Chester Zoo creates beautiful scenes as it transforms the zoo into a Christmas wonderland. The zoo will create new festive lands inspired by family tales all filled with beautiful characters and Christmassy scenes.
6. Christmas at Kew
Kew Gardens returns for its 8th year with its enchanting winter trail. Â Leading you for the first time through the beautifully illuminated Rose Garden. Gorgeous light installations will sparkle and glow around you, bringing festive cheer to you, your family and friends. The experience is truly breath taking and very festive to ensure you still enjoy the season.
7. Blenheim Palace light trail
The beautiful lluminated Light Trail will be even more spectacular this year with new installations including Blue Neuron and Heart of Stars. Enjoy the breath-taking light displays with your family and walk through the Palace gardens like never before. Itâs the perfect outdoor Christmas experience.
8. Chessington World of Adventures
You can meet Father Christmas, team up with the cheeky elves in the Magical Christmas Kitchen, and celebrate with The Gruffalo in Chessingtons festive show. Plus enjoy a selection of rides and meet some of the amazing animals in their Zoo and SEA LIFE Centre. In line with the Government response to COVID-19 and its guidance, âelfâ and safety measures are in place.
9. Alton Towers
Alton Towers has a fun Santa Sleepover experience for a magical, wonderful Christmassy Escape. Jump onto specially selected rides, dive into the Waterpark, tuck into a lusciously festive evening meal, meet Santa â and more! They also have a brand-new, mega-magical Garden Lantern Trail! Follow the enchanting trail of lights through a secret path that will lead you to the most fantastical corners of the Gardens where a host of surprises await! Expect endless fun and Christmassy delights in this truly spellbinding experience!
10. Legoland Sleepover
Make memories at the LEGOLAND Windsor Resort, and celebrate LEGOLAND at Christmas. The festive event transforms the park into a Winter Wonderland complete with twinkling lights and Christmassy magic.
11. Guillivers Land
Escape to Gulliverâs Land this Christmas for a much-needed festive family adventure. Their packages may be a little different this year however you can still enjoy a classic collection of fabulous festive treats. Every premium package will include:
- All aboard the North Pole Express for a fun and festive train journey! There will be special stops along the way and every child will have the chance to give Santa their Christmas wish list.
- Children will get to choose their own gift from the live, interactive Christmas shop!
- Discover festive rides and attractions for all the family
Please note that, Father Christmas won’t be able to greet you in his grotto this year instead you will be able to see him during the North Pole Express Experience. Please note that you will be required to remain in the train carriage for this section of the journey.
12. Paultons Park
Paultons Park has some great festivities at the park. Meet Peppa and George in their Christmas outfits, enjoy Santa’s Special Christmas Show!  Join Santa as he sits down to read a festive story for all the children to enjoy in the build up to the big day. Meet frosty the snowman and See Magical Illuminations around the Park, then watch the Marvellous Musical Christmas Tree â with its own light show every 15 minutes.
13. Virtual Fireside Grotto with Storysotck and Father Christmas.
Join Father Christmas in his fireside grotto where he will be reading The Polar Express live on screen. This is followed by a fully festive crafting extravaganza from a North Pole Elf and childrenâs illustrator and author Sophy Henn! Families can stream-in to the event every weekend at 5pm until Christmas Day with a special showing on Christmas Eve. There is also a bumper downloadable pack of fun Christmas games, recipes and drawings from a host of creative collaborators. Tickets start from ÂŁ12.50.
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Santa Meetings
The Coca Cola truck returns this year
Visit the link to find out more about when it will visit your area
The PNP APP
Every year until our children donât believe anymore we will pull this one out. Itâs a fantastic app where you can personalize your own videos from Santa to your children, with a real movie feel and it will make your children behave until the special day!
Whatever you do we all know that spending time with your family is the most special and valuable time you can spend, thatâs all we can ask for at these strange times.
Ice Skating
More of the best Christmas activities we like to enjoy as a family is Ice Skating. Itâs something that is really fun and even if your younger children or you canât skate the skating penguins to help are really fun. A lot of the Ice Skating rinks are closed this year but we have found a few that are still open as long as you adhere to the Covid -19 guidelines such as only attending the ice rink with people from the same household or social support bubble. See out article here on where to go skating this year.
Pantomines
Oh we do love the Christmassy feel of a pantomime, oh no we donât, oh yes we do! Sadly most shows were cancelled in the summer but The National Theatre will be staging a socially distanced âDick Whittingtonâ they have transformed the Olivier Theatre to social distance the audience and have one way systems in place.
The London Palladium will also be putting on a special performance for three weeks from Dec 12th. Julian Clary will take you on a magical trip to Pantoland at The Palladium, joined by the first lady of Musical Theatre Elaine Paige. The theatre has been reconfigured to ensure that audience bubbles are seated at least 1m apart. Facemasks are also mandatory.
