Celebrate family fun as you count down to Christmas (Nov 2016)

Celebrate family fun as you count down to Christmas (Nov 2016)

Escape the hustle and bustle of the high streets to enjoy a countdown to Christmas that celebrates family fun at Moors Valley Country Park and Forest this year.

With festive crafts, themed trails, Santa Specials, family theatre and British grown Christmas trees, the Rangers have organised sleigh-loads of activities to keep everyone entertained on the run up to Christmas and beyond.

Christmas wouldn’t be the same without Santa Specials and fairytales, and Moors Valley’s magical woodland setting provides the perfect backdrop for a really special day out, so why not start your Christmas countdown by booking a festive treat for the whole family to look forward to? Santa Special trains steam past the lake on route to Santa’s railway grotto from 1am – 3.30pm on 10, 11, 17 and 18 December, and with some sessions already full early booking really is essential. You’ll also need to book for the family Christmas show in the Visitor Centre. The Elves and the Shoemaker brings together fairytales old and new with a little bit of magic as the shoemaker’s shop is visited by Prince Charming, Puss in Boots and the Wicked Witch of the West. You can find out how to make a glass slipper on 20 and 21 December.

Christmas tree sales start on Friday 2 December and trees will be available at the Park daily from 10am – 4pm. All sustainably grown, and ‘100% Santa Approved’, choices include the traditional scented Norway Spruce and the child-friendly, non-drop Nordmann Fir. Every tree sold comes with a free baby Christmas tree sapling, allowing you to plant and grow you own real Christmas tree for the future as well as a certificate of authenticity from the Forestry Commission to guarantee the tree is Santa approved. Holly wreaths, mistletoe and tree stands will also be on sale.

Christmas activities also start early in December and craft enthusiasts will be spoilt for choice with sessions for toddlers, kids and adults taking place throughout December.

Outside in the Park there’s even more festive family fun. From 2 December you can follow the elves into the woods on a quest to find the perfect tree for Santa. This self-guided trail helps you find out more about all the trees at Moors Valley along the way. Later in December, on 10 and 11, you can join Santa on his Hunt for the Magical Golden Pine Cones, whilst a family Christmas quiz trail, from Boxing Day to 1 January 2017, will test your knowledge of 2016 and throw in fun festive questions to keep little ones entertained along the way.

Other December activities to look out for include festive breakfasts, the opportunity to swing through the trees on Go Ape Tree Top Junior during winter weekends (except 24, 25, 31 December and 1 Jan), and a new light-hearted photo opportunity, ‘selfie with an elfie’!

Whatever the time of year Moors Valley Country Park and Forest near Ringwood is a wonderful place to relax and enjoy some quality family time. With trails to explore and bikes to hire you can get deep into the forest, scramble over the play trail sculptures, feed the ducks or just enjoy a gentle stroll making more family memories at Moors Valley.

Full details of all events can be found online at www.moors-valley.co.uk where you can also book online or call the Rangers on 01425 470721.

ENDS
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Editors Notes

A selection of high resolution images of Moors Valley can be downloaded from the press images gallery.

Moors Valley December 2016 Christmas events in date order:

From Thur 1 Dec        Festive breakfasts at Season Restaurant

Fri 2 until sold out    Christmas tree sales (free parking with tree purchase)

Fri 2 – end December    Take a selfie with an elfie

Fri 2 – end December    Self-guided trail to find Santa’s perfect tree

Weekends 3 – 18        Go Ape Tree Top Junior December opening (booking advised)

Tues and Thurs 6, 8, 13,15     Pre-school Christmas Crafts, 10am or 11.30am, £4 per child (booking essential)

Fri 9    Adult Craft Workshop – willow decorations, 10.30am – 3pm £35, inc free parking (booking essential)

Sat & Sun 10 & 11    Hunt for the Magical Golden Pine Cones, 10.30, 12 noon, 1.30 & 3pm £5.50 (booking essential)

Sat & Sun 10 & 11        Santa Specials, 11am – 3.30 £15 inc free parking (booking essential)

Sat & Sun 10 & 11    Festive Fun Weekends, Christmas crafts drop in 11.30 – 4pm, from £1

Sat & Sun 17 & 18        Santa Specials, 11am – 3.30 £15 inc free parking (booking essential)

Sat & Sun 17 & 18    Festive Fun Weekends, Christmas crafts drop in 11.30 – 4pm, from £1

Mon – Thurs 19 – 22    Deano’s Christmas Craft Den, drop in 12 noon – 3pm, from £3

Tues & Weds 20 & 21    The Elves and the Shoemaker, 6pm £10 (booking essential)

Sat 24 & 31            Moors Valley parkrun, 9am free (pre-register at parkrun.org.uk)

Boxing Day – New Year’s Day       Family Christmas Quiz Trail, 10am – 2pm £1 per trail card