Family Days Out Column: Fab festive days out this Xmas

celebratemk

Dec 4

Local family travel blogger Faye Shearwood selects her festive favourites for entertaining days out with the family this Christmas.

It's my favourite time of year again – CHRISTMAS!

From free events to markets, lights and grottos, there is so much to do in Milton Keynes this year, I've had trouble fitting it all onto this page!

First up, in what has become a yearly tradition for our family – Christmas at Waddesdon is BACK. And for the first time since 2019, the house is open.

Discover festive displays, sparkling trees and sumptuous decorations inspired by the treasures inside, whilst outdoors, the winter light trail illuminates the natural landscape surrounding the manor.

For the best view of the manor illuminations – I would highly recommend booking tickets for after the sun goes down. We often go straight after school as weekends can get very busy.

And don't forget The Christmas Fair – a feast for all the senses!

I feel we are really spoilt living so close to Waddesdon Manor (a mere 45-minute drive from central MK), but for something closer to home… the residents of Kennington Close, Newport Pagnell are once again putting on their fabulous Christmas light extravaganza, in aid of Willen Hospice from 1st December.

And don't forget Ikea; from bauble bonanzas to jolly gingerbread and even a pantomime on various dates throughout December – these in-store events are entirely free!

We are also hoping to take my eldest to Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs at Milton Keynes Theatre, starring Lesley Joseph (amongst others) and showing from 10th December 2022 until 8th January 2023.

And Christmas wouldn't be complete without a visit to one of the many grottos open in Milton Keynes this year.

We are going to Santa's Grotto with The Snowman at centre:mk – a nostalgic adventure brought to life by actors portraying the well-loved characters from the original story, followed by meeting Santa in his woodland cabin!

Milton Keynes Museum and Bletchley Park also have some more traditional type grottos open too, and step back into the Victorian era at Stowe, with a Christmas market open on weekends throughout December.

John Lewis also has some fantastic in-store crafting events; from nordic gnomes needle felting and wreath making (for the grown-ups) – to a little crafters workshop on the 11th December; head to their website (experiences.johnlewis.com) for more information.

And don't forget Frosts – a garden centre guaranteed to make you feel very Christmassy indeed!

Have a very merry Christmas and see you next year!

This feature was published in the December 2022/January 2023 issue of Celebrate:MK lifestyle magazine. Read the full magazine above or by clicking on this link.

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