Primary Times - the definitive what’s on and where to go family guide of activities and events for children of primary school age. Things to do with your kids during the school holidays including arts and craft activities, music and theatre for children, parties, competitions, days out, and family attractions along with term time drama schools, dance classes, after school clubs and sports activities. Things to do at a place near you!
Santa
Santa is coming to town
Until Tue 24 Dec
SANTA’S COMING TO TOWN
intu, Watford
Whether you’ve been naughty or nice, you’ll still get the chance to visit Santa Claus this Christmas! Visit our magical grotto and enjoy our Christmas rollercoaster 3D cinema. Santa and his helpers will be busy wrapping presents every day. Entry £3 per person; each child receives a special gift. Tel: 01923 250292 Book your tickets online at www.intu.co.uk/Watford
From Sat 9 Nov
SANTA’S GROTTO
Van Hage, Great Amwell
A magical Christmas Grotto. Tickets just £4.50 per child and include a special gift from Santa. Tel: 01920 870811 or visit www.vanhage.co.uk
Sat 23 Nov – Tue 24 Dec
SANTA’S SPECTACULAR GROTTO & FESTIVE FARM FUN
Willows Farm Village
Meet Santa and receive a golden key to enter his toy shop to choose any gift; visit the reindeer, write a letter to Santa in the Elves’ House, and skate on our magical ice rink (synthetic ice). With farmyard animals to meet and plenty of undercover play in Woolly Jumpers indoor play barn and Captain Chicken's Egg Dodge. 10am-5.30pm daily (4pm Christmas Eve). Tel: 0870 129 9718 or visit www.willowsfarmvillage.com
Sat & Sun 30 Nov, 1, 7, 8, 14, 15 Dec & Thu 19 - Tue 24 Dec
BREAKFAST WITH SANTA, CHRISTMAS GROTTO & WINTER WONDERLAND
Hitchin Garden Centre
Enjoy a delicious, freshly-prepared breakfast and watch the excitement build until everyone joins in to help the elves welcome Father Christmas (with a little help from the magic of Christmas of course!).
Or come and see him in his gorgeous cosy grotto, or wander around his wonderful Winter Wonderland! For times & prices & to book visit www.thegardencentregroup.co.uk
Sat 30 Nov – Tue 24 Dec
SANTA’S GROTTO
Paradise Wildlife Park, White Stubbs Lane, Broxbourne
Weekends & school holidays. For details tel: 01992 470490
Various dates Sat 1 – Mon 23 Dec
SANTA SPECIALS
Leighton Buzzard Steam Railway, Pages Park Station, Billington Road
25-minute return journey in a festively decorated steam train. Tel: 01525 373888 www.buzzrail.co.uk
Sat 7 – Tue 24 Dec
RYE-ASSIC WINTER WONDERLAND
Rye-Assic Adventure Park, Rye House Kart Raceway, Hoddesdon
Children’s rides, games, eateries & Santa himself! Park open 9.30am-5pm, Santa’s Grotto 12noon-4pm. Normal admission plus £3.50 for Santa. Tel: 01992 460895 www.ryeassic.co.uk
Sat & Sun 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, 22 Dec
BREAKFAST WITH SANTA
Stevenage Garden Centre
Enjoy a delicious, freshly-prepared breakfast and watch the excitement build until everyone joins in to help the elves welcome Father Christmas (with a little help from the magic of Christmas of course!). For times & prices & to book visit www.thegardencentregroup.co.uk
Sat 30 Nov & Sun 1 Dec
VISIT FATHER CHRISTMAS
Ashridge Estate Visitor Centre
Bring your children to join in the fun! Each 45-min session includes a visit with Father Christmas, a Christmas craft making session (dress for mess), and a present. Adult admission includes a glass of warm spiced apple juice. £2 adult, £6 child; max 2 adults per child. Booking essential, tel: 01442 851227
Sat 7, Sun 8, Sat 14 & Sun 15
FATHER CHRISTMAS TRAIL
Hatfield Forest, Takeley, Bishop Stortford
Follow the magical trail through the woods to visit Father Christmas in his grotto. Gather craft items to make a festive picture. 10.30am, 11.45am & 1.30pm. £6.50 per child inc gift, craft & refreshment. Booking essential, tel: 01279 870678
Sat 14, Sun 15, Sat 21 & Sun 22
FARM-TASTIC SANTA
Lee Valley Park Farms, Stubbins Hall Lane, Waltham Abbey
Meet Santa & his reindeer, plus husky dogs, alpine adventure toboggan run & arts & crafts. Before leaving with your special present from Santa, why not have plenty of extra fun sliding down Santa’s Launch Pad! 10am-3pm. First child £18, additional children £10, adults free. Booking essential, Tel: 01992 892 781 www.visitleevalley.org.uk/go/farms
Fri 20 & Sat 21
SANTA CRUISE
Lee Valley Boats, Broxbourne Riverside Moorings, Nazeing Road
Jump aboard for mulled wine and mince pies and join this 1-hour cruise full of festive cheer. All the family will get into the Christmas spirit while enjoying carols en route, plus the children will be delighted by a special gift from Santa too! 10.30am (Sat only), 12.30pm & 2.30pm. £8.50 per person. Booking essential, tel: 01992 462085
Sat 21
BRUNCH WITH SANTA (CHILDREN’S TRUST)
Essendon Golf and Country Club, Hatfield
Buffet brunch followed by entertainment & face painting. Photographer on site. 11am-1.30pm. £15 child, £5 adult (if food required, otherwise free). Booking essential, tel Donna: 07568 108794 www.thechildrenstrust.org.uk