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Your Ultimate Guide to Christmas On Your Doorstep!

You'll find everything from grottos to gifts, pantos to workshops, food and drink and more!

Meet Santa! Grottos and experiences!

Father Christmas and his mischievous elves will be working from Forty Hall Estate this Christmas!

Father Christmas will be busy keeping an eye on the elves to make sure they stick to their strict schedule so that all the presents are delivered to the right homes on time!

Pop in and say hello to Father Christmas and his elves in the wrapping room, where you’ll see them among piles of parcels being checked before they’re loaded onto the sleigh for delivery.

Don’t forget to write your wish list to Father Christmas and post it in the special post box and watch the elves as they prepare the sleigh!

Each child will receive a special gift from Father Christmas.

Create cherished memories with your loved ones and experience the joy and wonder of Christmas brought to life for families this festive season.

Suitable for children aged 4 -10 years.

Booking Essential - book here

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Santa Paws at Capel Manor: A Christmas experience made especially for dogs

A magical festive day out for dogs and their families. Explore the beautiful winter gardens, meet Santa Paws at his dog friendly grotto, receive a Christmas gift to take home and enjoy a day full of tail-wagging Christmas fun with festive themed photo spots perfect for festive pooch pictures

🐾Santa Paws experience £5 per dog. Garden admission is required in addition to a Santa Paws ticket.

Book here


Christmas at Capel Manor

Adults and children alike can explore the beauty of winter throughout the Gardens this festive period as families enjoy our Christmas-themed trail! Pick up a free trail sheet from reception where children can complete the activity to receive a sweet treat.

Returning in 2025, our 17th Century Georgian Manor House will be open to public. At the Manor House, children can visit Santa in his Grotto*

Children can also:

Take part in Christmas crafts, Write and send their postcard to Santa, Visit our animal collection with daily talks, Visit the Gardens Gift Shop and Café* *Additional costs apply

Pre-book and save. On-the-door tickets are at an increased rate and are subject to availability.

Santa is on his way! Children can visit Santa and his helpful Elves at the Manor House Grotto, with plenty of photo opportunities and a gift to take home.

Grotto ticket £6 per child Please note, children must be supervised by an accompanying adult at all times.

A visit to Santa’s Grotto cannot be purchased separately—Gardens admission is required. Santa’s Grotto traditionally sells out! Availability is limited and must be pre-booked in advance, operating on a first come first served basis.

Book here

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Personal Message from Santa in Lapland!!

📅 Available 28th November – 24th December

📍 Recorded directly from Lapland

💙 Official fundraiser in aid of Make-A-Wish Foundation UK

Make this Christmas truly magical with a personalised 3-minute WhatsApp video message from Santa himself, straight from Lapland!

🎄 Parents can share a few details in advance, and Santa will mention your child by name, talk about their wishes, and make them feel extra special this festive season.

✨ Details: • 3-minute personalised video from Santa • Includes details provided by parents • Recorded from Lapland • Only 50 slots available – first come, first served!

🎁 Prices: • 1 sibling: £29.99 • 2 siblings: £50.00

📞 Book now: WhatsApp Martin (AKA Santa) on 07880355673


Christmas Gift Shopping

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Forty Hall Christmas Fayre

Celebrate the Season at the Forty Hall Christmas Fayre! Step into the magic of the holidays at the Forty Hall Christmas Fayre, where festive cheer awaits you on two floors of shopping and outdoor live music.

Explore a wide array of stalls offering unique gifts, handmade crafts, and holiday treats, perfect for ticking off your Christmas list. After browsing the stalls, head to our food court for a delicious selection of seasonal bites and warm drinks to keep you cosy.

Dogs will ONLY be allowed in the Outer Courtyard area.

Tickets: £2.00 Early Bird until the 11th November. £3.50 from 12th November and on the day (subject to availability) Free for children under 15


Festive Food & Drink

Puddings are ready, shelves are stocked, and we are now taking Christmas orders! If you want freshly baked goods on 23rd or 24th December, we strongly recommend preordering online.

You can also pick up Christmas bakery & deli goods in our stores at Palmers Green and Enfield Chase Side.

Our festive baked goods include

Christmas Cakes, Christmas Puddings, Luxury Mince Pies, NEW Christmas Chocolate & Cherry Tarts, Cocktail Sausage Rolls, Special Sourdough, and more. Our Deli is stocked with Artisan Cheeses, a new range of Natural Wines, and lots more delicious items that will make your Christmas celebrations extra special.

  • A Holtwhites Hamper makes for a thoughtful and special gift, or why not consider a Holtwhites Gift Card so they can treat themselves! We offer paper vouchers for in-person purchases and e-Gift Cards for our online shop.

Find the online shop here

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Christmas Afternoon Tea at the Banqueting Suite 2025

Sunday 7th December, 12noon

Relax from Christmas shopping and indulge in a sumptuous Afternoon tea!

The Banqueting Suite at Forty Hall will be opening its doors to serve you a sumptuous afternoon tea alongside a chilled glass of Champagne, English breakfast and assorted herbal teas. With the beautiful Forty Hall estate as your backdrop what better way to relax and celebrate the festive period.

Full details and booking info can be found here


Pantos & Shows

Rapunzel & The Revengers Panto

Hold onto your wigs and grab your hairbrushes, because London’s favourite pantomime is back with a modern twist like you’ve never seen before! Join Rapunzel and her luscious long locks in an epic showdown against the most powerful group of villains the panto world has ever seen: The Revengers, led by the wickedly glamorous Mother G.

With dazzling costumes, music that will have you dancing in your seat, and jokes to keep the whole family laughing’, Rapunzel and the Revengers is the panto that’s a cut above the rest and the ultimate gift for Christmas 2025! Join us for the ultimate festive adventure! Come for the fairytale, stay for the laughs, and leave with your spirit soaring - and your hair looking fabulous in true Platinum style!

Book your tickets here

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The Elves and the Shoemaker.

Exeter Northcott Theatre and Paddleboat Theatre Company are excited to present a brand new version of the beloved fairytale The Elves and the Shoemaker.

In the nooks and crannies of the old Shoemaker’s shop live the Elves. These cheeky stowaways live off the odds and ends left behind at the end of the day; shoelaces, scraps of leather and sandwich crumbs. They stay hidden from the big world, that’s just how they like it. But this Christmas, all is not well in the Shoe Shop. Sales are dwindling and customers are looking for shoes elsewhere. When it looks like the shop might get closed for good, it’s time for the Elves and the Shoemaker to work together and save their home!

This inventive and highly interactive 50 minute adventure, full of clowning, puppetry and a magical miniature world, is the perfect festive family treat. This Christmas, a visit to the theatre is just part of the experience.

Book your tickets here


RED

In the hush of a winter forest, secrets stir - and something unexpected waits just beyond the trees…

Red is the story of, well... a girl named Red!

When she and her siblings are sent from their cosy city life to stay with their grandmother up in the snowy mountains, they encounter many strange things along the way. A jittery woodsman, stuck up socialites, mountain spirits and a village living in fear of a legendary wolf who’s been terrorising them for years.

As whispers grow louder and the lines between friend and foe begin to blur, Red and her siblings must uncover the truth behind the fear.

RED is a magical twist on the tale of Little Red Riding Hood - where the familiar turns unexpected, and nothing is quite what it seems.

Featuring a cast of over 200 performers, original music, breath-taking sets, and spectacular design, each performance promises an unforgettable festive theatre experience for audiences of all ages.

Book your tickets here

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Christmas Tales

Chickenshed's much-loved Christmas Tales is back!

A joyful, musical, puppet filled adventure made for little ones aged 0 to 7 and the grown ups who love them.

Step into a world of wonder where Santa's reindeer have taken a wrong turn and only the Tales team and you can help save Christmas. Expect songs, stories, dancing, puppets, laughter and plenty of festive magic.

29th Nov - 29th Dec 2025

Book your tickets here


Christmas Crafts & Workshops

Christmas Wreath Workshops at Forty Hall

Sunday 9th & 16th November 12.30pm - 2.30pm

Sunday 14th December, 12.30pm - 2.30pm

Join us for another festive and fun-filled Christmas Wreath Workshop. Under the expert guidance of the incredibly talented Mel, you'll learn to craft a stunning wreath that you can proudly display in your home.

Whether you're a seasoned crafter or a complete beginner, this workshop is perfect for everyone.

Tickets will include all tools and materials to make wreath with hanging ribbon and dried fruit.

Book here

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Papertunity

Get into the festive spirit with Papertunity at Dugdale Arts Centre this December!

Join us for a hands-on, eco-friendly workshop where children and families can create their very own Christmas tree ornaments using recycled paper and craft materials. During this fun and creative session, participants will decorate different-sized ornaments with paint, glitter and other eco-friendly embellishments, learning how to make beautiful, sustainable decorations to hang on their trees at home. Our workshop encourages imagination, fine motor skills and a love for environmentally conscious crafting. By the end of the session, each participant will have handmade ornaments to take home, ready to add a personal, eco-friendly touch to their holiday celebrations. Spaces are limited, so book early to secure your spot here


Tea Light Painting Workshop

Come & join us for some creative Christmas fun at one of our "Tea Light Painting Workshops"
You'll get to paint & make x 2 tea lights and enjoy a glass of prosecco & festive nibbles. It's a fun & cosy way to spend some time with friends this Christmas.

Price:£45 p/p - includes x 2 tea lights, a glass of prosecco, nibbles, and all materials

Find available dates and book here

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Family Fun

Kids' Christmas Party at Bush Hill Park Golf Club

Treat your little ones to a magical experience at our Kids' Christmas Party! Join us for a magical Children’s Christmas Party filled with festive cheer! Father Christmas himself makes a special visit, bringing joy – and a wonderful gift – for every child! The excitement continues with a fantastic entertainer who will have everyone joining in the fun with a party buffet. With lively games, festive music, and plenty of Christmas sparkle.

Open to Members and Non-Members | For children aged three to ten years old. 2pm - 4pm

£15 Per Child | Spaces are limited - book early! Note to members when booking: ensure you are logged in to your intelligentgolf account for ticket fees to be debited from your club balance.

Booking details here

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Festive Family Fun Day at the Southgate Royal British Legion Saturday 13th December 3pm till lateALL WELCOME, NO MEMBERSHIP NEEDED Get ready for a magical day packed with festive cheer for the whole family!

  • Meet Santa – Book your ticket to see Santa for just £8 (includes a gift)!
  • Festive stalls
  • Bouncy castle
  • Mince pies & Mulled wine
  • Popcorn
  • Fun & games
  • Cocktails for the grown-ups
  • DJ from 6pm to keep the party going! Bring your friends and family for a day full of laughter, treats and Christmas magic.

Book your Santa tickets early to avoid disappointment!


Nights Out

Get ready to deck the halls with laughter! Resistance Comedy returns to the Dugdale Arts Centre for an evening of top tier festive fun, bringing together some of the UK’s sharpest comedic voices for one huge Christmas celebration of stand up.

⭐ Headliner: Stephen K Amos

“One of the most likable figures in British comedy… this format suits him down to the ground.” — Radio Times

✨ Lateef Lovejoy (MC)

“An exhilarating performer with a contemporary style that oozes star quality.” — Evening Standard

✨ Jason Patterson

“Rich, deep voice… perfectly measured delivery… instant authority.” — Chortle

✨ Olivia Lee

“Fearless, sexy, with razor-sharp wit.” — Daily Star

✨ President Obonjo

“The Idi Amin of St Albans is a strong comic premise.” — Chortle

✨ Sam Picone

“Effortless delivery and slick timing.” — Mo Gilligan

✨ Elaine Fellows

“Likeable, funny and endearing.” — ThreeWeeks Edinburgh

✨ Farhan Sol

BBC New Comedy Awards 2025 Regional Finalist & regular at top UK clubs.

🕕 Doors: 6.00pm 🎭 Show: 8.00pm

🎅 Yes — for this show, we’ve got your festive Saturday night sorted! ✨

Book here

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The Ultimate Festive Night Out – For a Brilliant Cause! Looking for a fun, festive night out for your Christmas party or friends’ night out? Whether it’s your workmates, your quiz crew or your family in tinsel – this is the event for you! Grab your team of up to 8 people and get ready for a night of pure Christmas joy. It’s not just a quiz – it’s 12 Rounds of Quizmas!

What to Expect: 12 wild and wonderful quiz rounds, Silly festive games and surprise challenges. Fancy dress welcome (Santa hats, glitter and all!) After party with DJ Kyle until midnight, Prizes, laughter and big festive energy – no photo booth, just good vibes! Caribbean food available to buy and Free car park available. All proceeds go to support young people’s mental well-being. Your ticket helps fund essential work at Family Based Solutions and Platinum Performing Arts College – making a real difference in our community. So come for the fun, stay for the music, and leave knowing you’ve helped spread a little joy.

Full details here


Published: Nov. 13, 2025