We can hardly believe it either, but sure enough, Christmas is fast approaching. Our thoughts have turned to whether we need to make extra money for Christmas and how on earth we’re going to keep the family busy enough during the holidays. Not least to give ourselves some breathing space to tick off our festive to-do list!
From the food shopping to last-minute dashes to town to grab forgotten presents, it can be difficult to keep the family entertained when you have a million and one other things to do. And, let’s face it, there’s only so many times you can all listen to Wham! and Band Aid before you start to lose your mind! So with that in mind, we’ve put our heads together and come up with a list of fun festive activities and Christmas days out for kids that will keep the whole family happy and make sure this Christmas is a great one!
Go on a Christmas lights tour
There’s always someone who goes completely overboard with Christmas decorations, right? Well, once everyone in your neighbourhood has finished putting their lights up, why not jump in the car and take the kids on a Christmas lights tour? Pop on some Christmas music, bring along some blankets and see who can spot the most OTT decorations in your area. Alternatively, you could head to Longleat for the spectacular Festival of Lights. This year’s display brings classic fairy tales to life with magical displays and show-stopping exhibits – just make sure you book in advance to secure your place!
Book tickets for a pantomime
From Cinderella to Jack and the Beanstalk, there are always tons of pantomime shows to see around Christmas time. In our opinion, a good old-fashioned pantomime is one of the very best Christmas days out for kids that’s fun for the whole family. You could even make a day of it and dress up as your favourite characters! Or, if you’re feeling creative, get the kids to put together a fun play of their own at home too. Find out about the different panto performances in your area here. All together now: “He’s behind you!”
Snuggle up with a Christmas classic
It’s not always possible to make extra money for Christmas, so when it’s cold outside there’s nothing better than cuddling up together to enjoy a Christmas movie marathon. Check out Netflix for some festive feel-good films, or you could get everyone in the family to choose their favourite Christmas movie of all-time. For those of you lucky enough to live nearby, the Backyard Cinema offers a Christmas experience like no other. Book onto “The Christmas Labyrinth” to enjoy the enchanted maze, listen to live music and explore secret tunnels leading to the indoor cinema where you can snuggle up in a blanket or flop into a beanbag and enjoy a great Christmas film. They even offer drinks and snacks for children as well as festive tipples for the adults too… mulled wine, anyone? Book your tickets here.
Wrap up for a winter walk
If you feel like you’ve all been cooped-up inside together for too long, there’s nothing better than a winter walk; it’s a great way to clear your head and work off those Christmas chocolates! Wrap up warm and venture out for a country walk; despite the initial protests, we can guarantee everyone will feel better for it once you get started! Visit the National Trust website to find walks near you, or head to some of our favourite destinations: the magical trees at Westonbirt Arboretum, Cheddar Gorge in Somerset and the picturesque Studley Royal Water Garden in Yorkshire.
Stroll around a Christmas market
From the end of November, Christmas markets start springing up all across the country. They always make for a fun-filled family day out; from unique gifts to festive activities (and mulled wine for the adults!) there’s truly something for everyone. Bath Christmas market is a firm favourite with its cute chalets and fairy lights twinkling in the cobbled streets. The atmosphere is perfect for Christmas; choirs echo over the city and the smell of roasting chestnuts fills the air. Find out more here.
So there you have it – our top Christmas days out for kids that are guaranteed to keep the whole family happy! If you want to make extra money for Christmas to spend on family days out or to put towards the Christmas food shop, why not sign up to paid market research with Angelfish? Not only is it great fun, but it’s a fantastic way to put away a few extra pennies too!
