How to Keep the Whole Family Entertained this Twixmas
Here's how to keep the festive cheer going until the New Year
Stately Homes…
Take a break this Christmas and visit one of the many country houses hosting a festive extravaganza. Rotherham’s Wentworth Woodhouse is turning back the clock with a traditional celebration based on the poem, A Visit from St. Nicholas. Until 29th December, follow the trail through their magnificent state rooms, ending with a magical outdoor light trail to round off the adventure. At Bamburgh Castle, families can enjoy A Christmas Through Time until 5th January. With staterooms decorated by Charlotte Lloyd-Webber, this experience is guaranteed fun for everyone. For more great stately homes to visit click here.
Head to the Lights…
Experience a festive wonderland at your own pace with a light trail this Christmas. Children will love The Plotters’ Forest Enchanted Christmas Trail at Raby Castle. Take them on a magical journey with festive lights, decorations and music and a surprise treat at the end, until 5th January. Auckland Palace’s AGLOW light trail is one of the largest installations in the country. Families can enjoy the event until 31st December, with food and drink stalls, and experience the longest outdoor light tunnel in the UK. Feel free to bring your four-legged friends too, as this is a dog-friendly event! Visit Stockeld Park for their award-winning Winter Illuminations. With tickets available until 6th January, you’ll love the Enchanted Forest, with its special light effects and animated installations. For more fabulous light trails to follow, click here.
Christmas Trees…
Why don’t you experience some festive cheer with and visit some of this year’s biggest and best Christmas trees. Cragside’s Spirits of the Forest centres around the UK’s Tallest Living Christmas Tree with the historic grounds housing a 42-metre Giant Redwood. On until 5th January, the children will love exploring the Enchanted House and Twilight Lantern Walk, both decorated in thousands of twinkling lights. York Minster is hosting its beloved Christmas Tree Festival again this year, until 5th January, and you can explore 70 trees, all uniquely decorated by various independent local businesses, schools and charities, and get involved and add your own message to the Festive Prayer tree.
Panto Season is here…
A pantomime is a Christmas classic, and in the gap between Christmas and New Year, it’s the perfect activity to fill the day (oh, yes it is!). Newcastle’s Theatre Royal has The Little Mermaid with many family favourites appearing onstage. Danny Adams, Clive Webb, Chris Hayward and Joe McElderry are just a few of the big names returning this year. This underwater adventure will provide laughs and excitement for everyone, and dates can be booked until 12th January. At Hull’s New Theatre, families are flocking to see this year’s production of Goldilocks and the Three Bears, with shows on until New Year's Eve and with famous faces such as Strictly’s Brendan Cole, the show is a fun twist on a classic. Goldilocks’ circus is at risk, with Cole’s evil ringmaster threatening to ruin their show, watch as the theatre transforms into a spectacular circus on this magical evening. If you've caught the theatre bug, why not check out our top shows here?
Walking in a Winter Wonderland…
Fancy skating through a winter wonderland this Twixmas? Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland is a must-visit, with tickets available until 5th January. Alongside the outdoor rink, this festive wonderland has a funfair, Santa’s grotto and their rink-side café, The Chalet, to recharge after a skate. Sunderland Live are hosting their Winter Wonderland until New Year's Eve, and it is set to be a spectacular event. Children will love their Grinch-themed restaurant and parents can enjoy a festive drink at the Tipi Bar.
Festive TV Classics…
If you’re in need of a few days to relax and recharge, we don’t blame you! Filmed in Yorkshire, All Creatures Great and Small is back with its highly anticipated annual Christmas special. Snuggle up this festive period to watch this Christmas classic the entire family can enjoy. Why not have a look behind the scenes here? Vera is another family favourite, with viewers on the edge of their seats after it was announced the final series will air this year. Be sure to add it to your watch list this Christmas.
Christmas Bake Off…
Baking some festive treats is always a great way to have some fun with the whole family, in the comfort of your own home. Be creative and make some classics with a twist, try this puff pastry Christmas tree recipe, guaranteed to impress the whole family.
