With the kids in Bristol: Christmas at Avon Valley Country Park

Where to take the children to see Santa this year was an easy decision for me: I booked tickets for the Christmas Experience at Avon Valley Country Park. We had such a fab time last year that I didn’t even consider anywhere else.

As we arrived at the park, Louka couldn’t contain his excitement as he spotted the giant Santa Claus statue welcoming everyone. That was just the tip of the iceberg. As we entered the park, a very friendly elf handed us our festive passports that contained all the Christmas activities to take part in, as well as a bag of reindeer food. Now that we were properly equipped, our visit could begin.

Decorating Gingerbread
The first order of the day was to go and decorate some gingerbread men. However, before the decorating could commence, the children were treated to an elf reading them The Dinosaur That Pooped Christmas. A nice touch I thought, and I had a giggle, but I think the humour went over the childrens’ heads.

Story over, the children were unleashed for decorating. I contemplated trying to keep some order in the way the little men were decorated but I quickly realised that my children wouldn’t appreciate my efforts. The gingerbread also saved me from a potential meltdown as I’d misjudged seeing Santa Claus, which was during lunchtime. Sometimes it feels like my children live from meal to meal.

Writing letter to Santa
With tummies now semi-satisfied, it was time to write a letter to Santa in the elf village. It was so cute – a little village of elf houses that the children could explore that eventually revealed Santa’s post office. Neither of my children are able to write yet, so instead Santa got scribblings and pictures – but whatever gets the message across, I suppose. However, what the children really liked was the way the letter was delivered, in a little plastic ball which is then sucked up a winding tube that goes overhead and then disappears.

Meeting Santa Claus
The journey to see Santa was so magical. The children were mesmerised from the moment they stepped into the make-believe world. We first met Evergreen the Elf who took us in a submarine to get to the North Pole. Apparently this is a more effective way to travel – either way, the children loved it.

Patch, Santa’s favourite elf, was ready to greet us once we arrived at the North Pole and the children were transfixed with his magic trickery. Next in line was Mrs Claus, who was exactly what you’d expect. So warm and friendly, and the clearly the key to making sure that Santa gets everything done in time.

Then it was time to meet the man himself. My kids beamed as he asked each and every one what they would like for Christmas. The adults even got a turn. I asked for a lie-in. I’m keeping my fingers crossed. And of course, Lea and Louka got a little present as they left Santa. Onward to the next activity on our passports: ice-skating.

Ice skating
I haven’t ice-skated in a long time; we’re talking years. So what possessed me to take two small children onto the ice I’ll never know. My dad was going to help, but as soon as he saw how slippery it was he bailed. It was actually quite comically to see me, a grown woman, trying to maintain a sense of composure whilst simultaneously trying to keep my children upright. Fortunately we managed to get a seal skating aid for my youngest, leaving me one free hand to manage my daughter, who did a brilliant job of mimicking an ice skater.

A quick pitstop
After all the hard work on the ice, it was time for a well deserved hot chocolate. We were creating such a lovely moment as we all sat together chatting and warming our hands, and insides, with our cup of sugary drink. A moment that was promptly interrupted as I tried to get a family selfie which ended in Louka spilling his drink all over himself. This was mainly caused by all my manouvering and repositioning to get all five of us in the photo.

After a quick change of clothes we decided to go try something a little more relaxed, craft making at the Elf Workshop. However, we had to stop and feed the reindeer first, Donner and Blitzen.

In the workshop, there was the option of making tree decorations; however, my children opted for colouring in. That was a surprise. We took a ride around the mini train track and then went on a tractor ride, something my son had been looking forward to all day. Finally, the ending to our fun filled day was the fairground rides. The children especially loved the teacups, even if it did leave them a little dizzy.

Prices for the Christmas Experience vary depending on the date. They start at £25 per child and £20 per adult. For more info visit Avon Valley Country Park.