1 The team at Roves Farm, Sevenhampton, pride themselves on offering an all-year-round visitor attraction for families, and always have plenty of festive events. Christmas at Roves Farm 2019 features a range of fun activities starting at the end of this month, including craft sessions, Nativity plays surrounded by friendly animals in the barn and, of course, the chance to meet Father Christmas in his grotto and tour the elves’ workshop. Visit rovesfarm.co.uk/event/christmas-at-roves-farm-2019/ for full details.
2 From the end of this month until three days before the big day, people who fancy enjoying a Christmas meal or party in grand surroundings can head for Lydiard Park. Lydiard House offers a range of meal and party night packages. Also on the Christmas schedule are special dinner events themed around classic sitcoms Fawlty Towers and Only Fools and Horses. Details can be found at www.lydiardpark.org.uk
3 As many a parent explains to their children at this time of year, Father Christmas is so magical that he can be in several places at once, listening to requests. The Brunel Centre has always been one of the cheery old man’s favourite locations, and as he tends to be rather busy a visit to www.bookfatherchristmas.co.uk/brunel is a good idea.
4 Father Christmas will be available for consultation by young fans at the Swindon Designer Outlet from Saturday, November 30 until Sunday, December 22. Visitors are welcome to stroll through the outlet’s Arctic Adventure, which includes a penguin kingdom, reindeer, polar bears and gently-falling snow. More information can be found at www.mcarthurglen.com/en/outlets/uk/designer-outlet-swindon/whats-on/christmas/
5 Christmas at Steam - Swindon’s museum of the Great Western Railway - is a special event running on Saturday, November 30 and Sunday, December 1. Visitors will be invited to step into a wonderland of more than 50 Christmas market stalls set amid the museum’s story-telling displays and famous GWR locomotives. Everything from hand-crafted jewellery to luxury confectionery will be available. www.steam-museum.org.uk/events/event/24/christmas_at_steam
6 Last year saw Westonbirt Arboretum’s Enchanted Christmas voted in at least one national poll as the country’s favourite festive light display. This year’s opens on Friday, November 29 and runs until Sunday, December 22. Visit www.forestryengland.uk/westonbirt/enchanted-christmas for more information.
7 Swindon and Cricklade Railway - swindon-cricklade-railway.org - never lets a year go by without offering its much-loved Santa specials. This year, as ever, Father Christmas will be aboard a series of festive trains on successive weekends, starting with Saturday and Sunday, November 30 and December 1.
8 This year’s Old Town Christmas lights switch-on festivities will run on Sunday, November 24 from noon to 5.30pm. This year’s theme is ‘Being Inspired’ and those on stage for the traditional occasion will include para-bobsleigh star and former soldier Corie Mapp. Wood Street and Joiner will be packed with offering wares from local busineses.
9 Old Town pub and music venue The Victoria is planning a Christmas market with a difference on Sunday, December 1 from 2pm. The entirely vegan gathering will have cakes, pastries, cheese and a variety of gifts. The Vic’s Facebook page has details.
10 The Royal Wootton Bassett Christmas Lights and Shopping Evening will be held on Friday, November 29 from 6pm to 8.30pm. There will be live entertainment, stalls and festive food - and a chance to meet Father Christmas in his grotto.
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