I start planning for Christmas as soon as the children go back to school after the holidays in September!
Yes I know that is completely bonkers but it really is my favourite time of year and I like to squeeze as much as I can into the month of December as possible.
I have put together a list of some of my favourite days out that you might like to try for yourselves, and a couple that I am due to visit over the next few weeks so keep an eye out for what I think!
Father Christmas At Painshill
This is top of my list as it is the most magical Father Christmas I have ever seen.
You walk though the beautiful grounds of Painshill in Cobham, Surrey that is bought to life with pretty lights leading you to the crystal grotto to find Father Christmas himself.
You can enjoy a mince pie and a warm mulled wine while you wait to be taken in to the most stunning setting I’ve ever seen.
There are still a few spaces left for weekday visits but this is a must to book early.
Christmas Afternoon Tea At sketch
During the summer I had a trip to sketch to try out their afternoon tea and were blown away by the whole experience.
The food and surroundings were equally as wonderful and the quirkiness of it all was a big hit with the both of us.
Christmas has now got the restaurant in a big way and the entrance alone is something worth going to see.
The Snowman
A couple of weeks ago we went to see the fabulous ballet of The Snowman. I will have a full post up on this very soon, but all I will say is if you want to introduce your children to the wonders of ballet of simply want to witness what I can only describe as the epitome of Christmas in a beautifully performed show then this needs to be seen.
Bocketts Farm
Bocketts is my favourite farm in Surrey and Christmas brings an extra sparkle to it.
You can still walk around feeding the animals, watching the pig races and taking a tractor ride but you also have the opportunity to visit Father Christmas in his hay barn and take part in fun extra activities the farm has put on for the festive season.
Southbank
It wouldn’t be Christmas without a trip to Southbank for me.
The hustle and bustle of the London crowds mixed with Christmas markets, fairground rides and skating always gives me such a Christmassy feeling inside.
Hobbledown
A couple of days ago I took number five along for lunch with Santa at Hobbledown where he got to meet Santa, decorate a gingerbread man and have his lunch.
This is unfortunately only on for a limited time and how now finished but there is still plenty going on and a trip to Santa who by the way always has a fabulous outfit would be a lovely day out.
Chessington World Of Adventures
Winters Tail at Chessington is a really lovely day out that we have done many times.
A selection of rides are open to enjoy as well as the Sealife centre, Santa is there to visit and each year there are different activities to try.
If you want to make it a really special trip then an overnight stay in the hotel would make it a wonderful Christmas treat.
Priory Farm
Priory Farm is fabulous at anytime of year and at this time of year their famous discovery walk takes on a Christmas theme, there is a little train ride on the visit to Santa, the shop is stacked full of wonderful food, gifts and decorations and the cafe is a must stop for outstanding eats.
London Tranport Museum
Now this is a place that I would not associate Christmas with but we have been invited along this weekend to visit Santa as he finishes his journey on the Noth Pole Express.
As well as this the children can take part in a quiz as you wander around the museum.
It sounds like something very different and a transport fans dream! I can’t wait to let you know how it goes.
Afternoon Tea On B-Bus
Imagine being able to eat a yummy afternoon tea sitting on an old routemaster bus whilst taking in the sights of London.
This is exactly what the B-Bus has to offer and I will be sampling this for myself soon.
This really sounds like the most wonderful way to spend a Christmas afternoon.
I would love to know if you try any of these places out and what you think about them.
