That magic time of the year is nearly upon us and your little ones might be dreaming of meeting Santa. With so much going on in the run up to the big day, we’ll help you pinpoint the most popular places to see Santa and give you a round-up of unmissable local events.
Where to meet Santa
Henry Street Garden Centre in Aborfield offers the classic grotto experience. Come and wander beneath Santa’s enchanted frozen waterfall, illuminated by the twinkle of Christmas lights. You can ohh and ahh at all the magical animals and meet Santa’s friendly helpers as you make your way through to his secret grotto hideaway.
Santas’s Grotto at South Hill Park Arts Centre is also well worth a visit. Children can decorate their own Christmas ornaments with the elves, before going in to see the big man himself. He’ll check to see if they’re on his good list, and with a sprinkle of Christmas magic, they’ll receive a Christmas gift. You can send letters in advance for a more personalised visit.
If you fancy something a little bit different, Hobbs of Henley offer a river cruise with entertainment for all the family. You can enjoy mince pies and some mulled wine while the kids get entertained by the infamous ‘Bertie Slippers’. Santa will then make a guest appearance, offering a present to all the children aboard.
If you go to Legoland at Christmas, you will be met by one of Santa’s cheery elves who will guide you through weaving Christmas tree forests to Santa’s very own cabin. On the way you will have access to over 30 different rides, shows and attractions. He’s checked his list, received all the letters and for every good child he has a special Lego gift waiting to be collected.
Slightly further afield, the 4 Kingdoms Adventure Park and Family Farm, near Newbury, provides the ultimate 2-hour long magical Christmas experience. Upon arrival, your children will receive a Christmas passport and be taken on an exciting adventure by story-telling elves. The journey will involve an interactive sleigh ride, animatronic animals, a musical light show as well as the opportunity to build a bear.
If you really want to pull out all the stops, Lapland UK in Windsor offers a 4-hour immersive experience of unprecedented scale. Designed to be an original adaptation of the Christmas story and the secret world of the elves, you will enter an enchanted world of snow scattered hidden pathways lined with impressive pine trees. Visit the North Pole Post Office, the Elves Toy Shop, decorate gingerbread biscuits, have a go on the ice rink and meet Santa in person.
Tickets book up early at many of these events, so act fast to secure a slot with Santa for your little ones this year!
What’s on at Christmas in Wokingham
Residents of Wokingham are blessed with many unique events that are fun and exciting whatever your age. Lovers of all things ‘Christmas’ won’t be disappointed as the town’s Winter Carnival is probably even more of a local highlight than the Summer Fayre.
Wokingham Winter Carnival
The season kicks off in style with the Wokingham Winter Carnival on the 24th of November. With 2019 being the 50th anniversary of the moon walk, this year’s theme is ‘A Space Adventure’. The town centre will be gearing up for a cosmic Christmas with some out-of-this-world festive decorations.
There will be stalls galore offering the usual variety of goodies for sale – sweets, chocolates, cakes and all kinds of gorgeous crafts that can make perfect gifts for all the family.
The town centre will be closed off to traffic and filled with a great selection of fairground rides. There will be something for everyone, both young and old!
Don’t miss the live performances taking place throughout the day, including a magic show, comedy jugglers, Morris dancers and music from Berkshire Maestros.
The excitement peaks as dark falls, with the Carnival procession followed by the Christmas tree lights switch on. The procession will set off from Shute End around 4pm and make its way through the streets as the sun sets. The final event of the day will be the turning on of the Christmas tree lights at 5:30pm. Find out more information about the Wokingham Christmas Carnival here.
The living Advent Calendar
Now firmly established as a key event of the Christmas season, Wokingham’s 2019 Living Advent Calendar will feature some fantastic new performers as well as a few old favourites.Almost a month of free performances, including music, dance, theatre and entertainment start at 4pm on Sunday 1st December 2019 in the town centre. At 6pm on weekdays or 4pm on weekends, a local business will host 20 minutes of free entertainment to brighten up your December evenings and get you in the mood for Christmas.
The Toy Run
The Reading Toy Run is spectacle not to be missed! Hundreds of Santas will stream through the town on motorbikes adorned with decorations, taking Christmas presents to the children of Barnado’s. The Toy Run will be taking place on the 8th December and set off from John Wood PLC, formerly Shire Hall, RG2 9FW at 1pm.It will make its way from there to finish at Barnado’s High Close School in Wokingham, where all the toys will be donated.
Dinton Santa Dash
Dash around Dinton Pastures in your finest Santa outfits on Sunday 14th December. Have a blast running either 2 or 5K alongside all the other Santas whist raising funds for a great local charity, Daisy’s Dream.
There is always so much going on in Wokingham, whatever the time of year, making the town a firm favourite for families. If you are interested in moving home within the area or re-locating, we have a full range of properties to suit everyone. For advice on either buying or selling, contact us on Wokingham on 0118 977 6776 or Crowthorne 01344 799 999.