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

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

 – but look out for beggars scoundrels and thieves who may just end up in the stocks before the day is through. Film Club: A Child’s Christmas In WalesDecember 10Settle down with your family at Wales’ National Museum for a special screening of an animated

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

Matthew Bourne’s Nutcracker!November 29–December 3World-renowned choreographer, Matthew Bourne brings his sugar-coated spectacular to the Edinburgh Festival Theatre for a limited run before leaping off to London’s West End. Children and adults alike

. Loretta’s ROCA Christmas Carol ConcertDecember 10A truly festive experience atSt John’s Hyde Park Crescent awaits, with carols, festive readings, a silent auction, a visit from santa face painting and Christmas stalls. As well as enjoying a fabulous day out all

The festive season is full of exciting events and activities for families.Find out what's on in your area with our guide to the happiest yuletide happenings in: The NorthThe MidlandsThe SouthWalesNorthern IrelandScotlandLondon events or London

and mulled wine and mince pies for parents.The Spirit Of Christmas PastDecember 11Step into the past at the Ulster Folk And Transport Museum with an afternoon of festivities straight out of the 1900’s. Create your own Christmas decorations, make sweet music

significance of the Festival Of Lights and how it came to be?Head to authentic Bombay Café, Dishoom, on October 26 for a day of celebrations including face-painting, traditional pavement chalk–art, and a special screening of award-winning animated film, Sita

, the Maths Buskers will be out in force, proving numbers really can be fun and a host of seasonal celebrations will be laid on in honour of the humble apple including tasting, bobbing, cooking and crafts.The festival programme is generated entirely