Sometimes the magic of the festive season takes over and we just can’t get enough of the Christmas spirit.
It sometimes feels like it’s over before you know it so a good way of enjoying the run up to the most wonderful time of the year is to make it last a little longer, adding to the excitement of it all.
It’s not always possible to take pre-Christmas breaks with your kids, especially if they’re school age and you don’t want to take them out of classes.
However, if you have really small children and you’re not restricted to a school timetable, you can take advantage of some of the fabulous winter breaks available at some of the most wonderful places.
Even if you do have school age children, you could always squeeze in a short weekend away so that you don’t miss out on the fun.
I don’t know about you, but I’ve always wanted to go to Lapland.
The home of everything Christmas, including the main man himself, Santa! Trips to this winter wonderland have started to spring up and its now readily available as a short winter break.
There’s even day trips, so there’s no excuse for not treating the kids (and you!)
Lapland is tucked away in the Arctic Circle and is home to fairy-tale scenery, it’s just THE place to be in the run up to Christmas. Check out these Magical Lapland Family Holidays from £420pp.
Snowy forests, tranquil lakes, cosy log cabins, reindeer, and Father Christmas himself. What’s not to like?
You can only imagine being there and getting caught up in the magic of it all.
Santa and his elves aside, there’s also some pretty cool bars and nightlife to enjoy too and you can always find a nice spot to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights which are best viewed during the darkest months (November to February).
If something closer to home is more realistic, there’s lots of festive fun to be had at some of the UK’s best-loved theme parks.
You could be giving your kids an experience they will never forget at LEGOLAND this year.
There’s a whole feast of events and activities going on in the Windsor resort but one of the things that really caught my eye is the Santa Sleepovers. You can enjoy a Santa Sleepover from £289.
You and your family can enjoy meeting all of the LEGOLAND characters as well as hitting the dancefloor with them at the disco.
There’s also an Elves Magic Show. The highlight of the trip has to be coming face to face with Father Christmas in his magical grotto where every child will take home a Lego gift.
Sounds just wonderful, doesn’t it?
Similarly, Chessington World of Adventures Resort is also hosting brilliant pre-Christmas fun as The Gruffalo takes up residence in the park this year. There are even Gruffalo themed rooms available.
As well as the usual thrills and spills at Chessington, Father Christmas will also be there in his grotto to meet and greet your excited and eager little ones.
Alton Towers have more magical adventures on offer as you and your children can stay in the heart of Cbeebies land with Santa’s elves who will lead you to meet Santa in his Woodland grotto where you can have your picture taken with the man himself. There is a great selection of Alton Towers Festive Breaks from £395.
For extra value, head over to Pontins and check out the exciting line up they have planned for Christmas too. They have a whole host of family fun to be had with magical shows, karaoke, comedy and a feast of live entertainment.
Now, we know that these trips are really for the kids but shouldn’t Mum and Dad get a wee thrill from it too?
Yes, you’ve been good boys and girls this year and you deserve a little bit of luxury.
Macdonald Hotels have lovely weekend festive breaks available at their Aviemore resort in the Scottish Highlands, from just £196.
There’s great family entertainment on the cards with movies, festive food stalls, walks and there’s even a special pantomime being performed just for you.
These weekend breaks have limited availability so if this one is ticking the box, be sure to book quickly.
Pre-Christmas Breaks:
Check out some of these great family travel deals from our friends over at the travel social network talkholiday
Santa’s Secret Grotto Day Trip from £364
