Wouldn’t it be wonderful to walk in a winter wonderland at Christmas time without having to jet off to some far-flung corner of the world?
Well, now that dream has become reality for those children lucky enough to receive an invitation from Father Christmas to visit him at Lapland UK.
The magical attraction, set in Whitmoor Forest, Ascot, is a Santa’s grotto par excellence, elevating the traditional visit to Father Christmas into an unforgettable three-hour experience, where children can talk to elves, make toys and meet husky dogs and reindeer, as well as visiting the big man himself.
Upon checking in at Lapland UK, visitors are divided into two groups, Reindeers and Huskies, and are led into the first stage of the enchanted journey, where children are given ‘passports’ in which they need to collect stamps from each section of the trip.
After an introduction to the journey from some elves, we’re straight into the toy making department where elves are busy making presents for children around the world. So busy, in fact, that they need children to help them make Pinocchio puppets and teddy bears, which the children are only too happy to do.
After the brief visit (and a stamp in the passport), we’re off to see Mother Christmas in the gingerbread-making workshop.
To get there, we are led along mazy paths lined with snowy trees which really do add to the Christmas feeling.
In the workshop, the lovely smell of gingerbread offers children hope of trying some of Santa’s favourite snack. And they’re not disappointed as, after a tale from Mother Christmas, children get to decorate then eat their own gingerbread men (and parents get a delicious biscuit too).
At this point in the journey, before the visit to Santa, families get 90 minutes free time in the elf village, complete with ice rink (skate hire is free), a restaurant, sweet shop, gift shop and toilet facilities.
There is also an opportunity to stroke the tame husky dogs and visit the post office, where children can post their Christmas wishes to Santa.
And then it’s time for the highlight of the trip – the visit to Santa. After another short journey through the woods, we’re in a room where children eagerly await their names to be written on a blackboard, indicating that Santa is ready to see them. Our elf guide, Magpie, leads us on a mazy route to a big wooden lodge where Father Christmas resides and the excitement of awe-filled children is completed.
Clutching their presents from Santa, our children leave with a magical skip in their step and a final treat, visiting Santa’s reindeer, completes a magical day that will never be forgotten by everyone who visits.
So, be good children and you may get an invite to see Father Christmas at the wonderful winter wonderland that is LaplandUK.
Lapland UK is open up to and including Christmas Eve. For more information, visit laplanduk.co.uk .
