Outdoor ice rinks are becoming ever more popular year on year in the UK and this year promises to be no exception. The open air element makes for delightful evenings spent gliding (or stumbling, depending on your ability) across the ice under the stars with a mince pie in your hand. It's a great winter activity for kids who are dying to get outside and burn off some energy. Rinks in Bristol and Birmingham will be serving hot and cold food, as well as DJ's to provide some music to skate by. Meanwhile, during the winter months in the capital there are a whole host of ice rinks to choose from, including London's original outdoor ice rink in Somerset House. To find out where your nearest rink is, and for more information, visit enjoyengland.com
That age old question that most sensible children will always answer affirmatively is synonymous with Santa's grottos, an equally traditional concept which is unfortunately on the decline. Less and less UK shopping centres appear to be opting for the grotto Christmas look this year, although the ones that are still going strong are bigger and better than ever. Our advice is to keep an eye open in your local shopping centre or community hall, or alternatively visit kidsco.co.uk and hire all the equipment you need to create your very own grotto event!
The National Trust is in the serious business of making Christmas as enjoyable as possible. They pride themselves on family themed festive days out, which will be taking place all over the country. Some of the highlights include a Christmas Food and Craft Fair in Ceredigion in Wales, or an illuminated tree trail in Calke Abbey, Derbyshire. Alternatively you could visit Santa in Wallington House, Northumberland, or even go for an ‘other worldly' stroll around the enchanted garden in East Sussex. For details on all these events and more, visit nationaltrust.org.uk/events
If it's a choral Christmas you're after this year then don't just sit at home waiting for a group of young choir members to knock on your door, take the pro-active approach and go to a carol singing event near you. As Christmas day draws closer you'll probably hear of a local event including carol singers, but if you live down south then Bristol Zoo Gardens might be the place to go as it has a great reputation for providing good music, a warm bonfire and a few cameo appearances from the animals. Go to visitbristol.co.uk to find out more.
