Far from the reflective niceties of the Queen’s speech, or the explosive dramatics of Albert Square, for many people Christmas Day viewing means only one thing: a Doctor Who Special.Now valiant young explorers can relive their favourite festive

, take part in arts and crafts and shop for wildlife themed gifts.Queen Elizabeth’s Walk, Barnes SW13 9WT.Battersea Park ZooDecember 11–24Visit Santa and complete the Christmas quiz trail to find out which animal has put out a stocking at Battersea Park

in Sheffield December 1, 2, 3 and at the 02 in London December 6, January 11, 12.Meanwhile, Midge Ure, co-writer of Band Aid hit Don't They Know It's Christmas? has lent his support to pupils from the choir at Prior Park College who are releasing a charity

Meet Samuel PepysJanuary 7Discover the history of this great city by one of its most famous diarists, Samuel Pepys, at the Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich. Hear tales of the Great Fire of London, the Navy and the Great Plague in a show that is suitable for all the family.Cup...

winter bite.Santa At Almond ValleyDecember 3–24Look out for the rotund fellow in red nestled away in the woods at Almond Valley Heritage Centre who will be dishing out Christmas presents to children both naughty and nice. Families can also enjoy Christmas

there will be lantern parades, festive choirs, brass bands and the grand opening of Oxford Christmas Market.Festive Family Race DaysDecember 2, 3Families who fancy a flutter should trot down to Sandown Park racecourse inEsher for the Tingle Creek Festival. Dress up

The Festive Gift FairNovember 17–20De-stress your Christmas shopping expedition this year and turn it into a fun, family day out at the NEC Birmingham. The hundreds of sellers in attendance at this four day shopping spectacular will be offering

to Christmas is being played out on a colossal scale at Tower Bridge this year with a giant Victorian advent calendar. On arrival children will be asked to select a candy cane from a giant Christmas tree, one of which on each day will allow the lucky recipient

competition to see The Gruffalo Live on tour.12 Days Of ChristmasDecember 3-4, 10-11, 17-24For a very merry festive day out this Christmas, Nickelodeon Land in Blackpool is a veritable feast of seasonal activity. Children receive a special gift from Father

onlookers can observe from the comfort of the on-site café.Westfield Stratford CityNovember 19–January 8Take some time out between Christmas shopping sessions at Westfield Stratford City for a spin around London’s newest outdoor ice rink, boasting impressive