Christmas 2006: Family Events Guide
From great grottos and Christmas fayres to jogging Santas and ice slides – here are some ideas on ensuring maximum festive family fun for you and yours this Christmas.
 Santas On The Run
Sheffield's Santa Dash takes place this year on Sunday 17 December in aid of the British Heart Fund. It only costs £5 to enter the race, and the fee includes a Santa outfit for all competitors to wear. Children in fancy dress can take part for free. Definitely one of those events that's both worthy and fun over the festive season.
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 Frost Fair
London’s Bankside will be recreating the historic Frost Fair over three days (15-17 Dec 2006). It's based on the first Fair which took place in 1564 when people took to the frozen waters of the Thames. A 35-metre long 'ice slide' will be one of the highlights, along with marquees, street entertainment, ice sculpting and stalls. Admission is free.
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 P-pp Pick Up A Penguin
If you’re a firm believer in going all out for Christmas, then the grotto at Lincolnshire's Baytree Nurseries is for you. Europe's biggest undercover grotto opens on 4 November 2006, featuring a sleigh ride into the heart of Winter Wonderland. Stroll through snow-covered trees to see Santa waiting with a real Xmas tree for you to plant in the garden.
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 Chestnuts Roasting On An Open Fire
Why waste time travelling to the Christmas fairs on the continent when Lincoln's Christmas market is Europe's biggest and, arguably, its best Bursting with festive spirit, this year's market runs from 7-10 December 2006 and boasts more than 300 stalls selling everything from roasted chestnuts and mulled wine to toys for the tree.
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 All That Glitters
Recommended by The Telegraph as a magical introduction to Santa for small children, this experience begins with a walk through Surrey's Painshill Park to Grotto Island and the Wishing Tent. An elf guides you into the restored 18th century Christmas grotto, sparkling with crystals and hidden lights where the children will meet Father Christmas.
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 Feeding Rudolph
With all the money parents are expected to fork out over Christmas, it's heartening to find a family event that won't bust the budget. Kew Gardens is offering kids the chance to meet Santa in his natural grotto, and feed his reindeer Rudolph - completely free. There's also a wildlife-themed pantomime show on over the holidays which is also gratis!
Click here for more information.
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