3 Things for Children to Do Over Christmas in the London Area

The London area has many things for children to do over Christmas such as street lighting festivities, holiday entertainment, Christmas markets and tastes and walks. Since Christmas is in the winter time of the year, and not knowing if the weather will be inclement, planning indoor activities keeps the mood festive.

Beaulieu

The Beaulieu comprises the National Motor Museum, Palace House and the Beaulieu Abbey. The Palace House has a setting of gardens and lawns overlooking the Beaulieu River. Lord Montagu and his family still live in the Palace House. From December 18 to January 2, Beaulieu's Palace House is decorated with a Christmas motif for its Christmas Celebration. A magnificent lighted Christmas tree is located in the Upper Drawing Room with Victorian-style decorations throughout the house. Carolers are singing around the grand piano in the Lower Drawing Room, and children can play dress up in period costumes. The Victorian theme carries over into the National Motor Museum where visitors see what driving was like in earlier days. Beaulieu is open every day of the year, except Christmas. Hours are from 10:00 am, and children five years of age and get in free.

Muncaster Castle

On Sundays from November 20 to December 30, it is Christmas at Muncaster Castle. Half-hour Victorian Christmas tours are guided by1885 period-clad servants on Sundays in December with the exception of the 26^th.. Additional days of December 27 to December 30 will be added to the schedule. Visitors can enjoy Lord Muncaster's mulled wine and a piece of mince pie while viewing the candle-lit Muncaster Castle. On the evening of December 26, the gardens will be illuminated with a light and a themed sound show on the Castle walls transforming it into a winter wonderland. A gift shop and cafe are onsite.

Belsay Castle and Gardens

Belsay Castle and Gardens comprises a Classical Greek Revival villa, medieval castle and gardens, and is located on 30 acres of seasonal landscaped grounds. On December 27, 28 and 29, the Storytellers Theatre Company will bring the tale of The Snow Queen by Hans Christian Anderson to life with drama and song. It is an adventure story of a young girl, Gerda, and a young boy, Kaj. Gerda is searching for her friend, Kaj, who has been kidnapped by the Snow Queen, and the struggle of good and evil. Performances are at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.

References

http://www.visitbritain.com/things-to-see-and-do/

http://www.beaulieu.co.uk/beaulieu/index

http://www.muncaster.co.uk/

http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/