There’s a lot of fun activities to put on your schedule for Christmas, but a day at LaplandUK should definitely be at the very top of your list. We took both kids last year and they absolutely loved every minute of it.
Located about an hour from London (the closest train station is Whitmoor Forest, or you can drive- there’s on-site parking) in Berkshire, LaplandUK is truly the ultimate Christmas experience. The day begins by walking into a magical forest where the Elves introduce themselves and welcome everyone to Lapland. They put on an adorable little show and afterwards we were brought to meet Mrs Claus. She read us a story and then we baked Gingerbread Cookies with her. Mini-AG was in heaven at this point, and then I told her we got to go to the Toy Factory and I thought she was going to explode from excitement.
The Toy Factory was full of helpful elves that taught us how to create several of the toys for the children on Father Christmas’s good list. We even created our own stuffed reindeer. (The same reindeer gets handed to you at the end of your day, all packaged up so you can take it home and gift it as a Christmas present direct from Father Christmas’s LaplandUK on Christmas Day!!)
After our activities we spent time in in the Christmas Village. It includes an ice-skating rink, cafe with hot chocolate and cakes, and cute stores to shop in. After some time playing in the Village it was time for the main event. We headed to meet the man himself, Father Christmas. When your children meet him, you’ve also answered several questions about your children online when you purchase your tickets, so Santa will actually mention their best friends and favourite things. Mini-AG instantly believed he was the real deal when he started talking about Anna, Elsa and Olaf.
Father Christmas presents the kids with a plush Husky Dog, and then after they see Father Christmas they have the opportunity to pick a different costume for the Husky in the Lapland shop, where you can also purchase your photos with Father Christmas. Mini-AG’s Husky was turned into a Princess Dog and was her favorite toy for a long time. Before leaving we visited with all of the Reindeer (the REAL ones!) which at two-years old, was Mini-AB’s highlight.
Tips. First, dress for the outdoors! The first few activities are inside, but you have about an hour and a half to enjoy the village, so make sure you want to dress warm. Wear wellies- it was super muddy when we went. Second, make sure to get your tickets early as they will surely sell out!
Lapland UK, Whitmoor Forest, Swinley Road, Ascot, Berkshire, SL5 8BD
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