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

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

including Christmas pudding demonstrations, a grotto and Christmas tree sales.Bristol Zoo’s Fantabulous ChristmasDecember 19–20Look out for Santa’s reindeer, snowball sprites and a few lost elves amongst the animal life in Bristol Zoo this Christmas

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

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

 – 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

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

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

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

activities on offer for families seeking a jolly day out. Surrounded by 3000 acres of deer park and beautifully manicured gardens, the magnificent Abbey houses a vast private collection including silver, gold, furniture and priceless famed artworks. Children