Sail with Santa with City Experiences - Poole Quay, Dorset

 We love to book a Santa experience every year and we've tried out various different ones in the local area and further afield. This year we booked to Sail with Santa from Poole Quay and were excited to try something different! 

Sail with Santa is run by City Experiences and the Solent Scene boat can be found moored on Poole Quay. Once aboard you will be taken on a cruise around Poole Harbour, passing by the famous Brownsea Island, Studland Bay and more. 

Children will receive a snack and a drink, and there is mulled wine and mince pies for the grown ups. 

Although it's a busy time of year, Santa takes a break from his busy schedule to stop by and all children will receive an age appropriate gift.

Our Experience

On the day of our cruise, it was crisp and cold and feeling very Christmassy. However the weather wasn't on our side and the sea mist was coming in fast. This meant that the boat wasn't allowed to leave the Quayside and even Rudolf couldn't help us, it was just too foggy!

Ready to board the Solent Scene, Poole Quay

This meant our Sail with Santa experience wasn't quite what we were expecting but what we lacked in views, the staff on board more than made up for with their enthusiasm! Led by Santa's best Elf, there were games and Christmas music and lots of laughs. Soon it was time for the children to meet Santa, and fortunately he had made his way through the fog and found us ok. 

Each child was presented with a certificate and a lovely gift. My son is 11 and at that awkward stage with gifts where he's getting too old for toys but he was thrilled to bits with his present. At the booking stage you are able to put what your child is into so the elves can find a suitable present and they did well! 

The whole experience was lovely and I liked the fact that we didn't feel rushed. Erin and her friends (who were also onboard) spent quite some time chewing Santa's ear off and he was more than happy to answer their millions of questions. 

To Book:

Sail with Santa is running daily from Saturday 16th December (different time slots available on certain days) but if you want to book, be quick as this is sure to sell out. If the weather conditions are too rough, the experience will run alongside the Quay (like ours did) but you will be offered a complimentary Harbour Cruise at a later date so you can still enjoy the stunning views. 

For more information and to book, visit here.

*Disclaimer - City Experiences kindly gifted us a family ticket in exchange for an honest review 

Santa & The Elves Christmas Experience - Winchester Science Centre

If you're looking for a slightly different Father Christmas experience, then the Winchester Science Centre might be the place for you. Mixing a classic children's story with crazy science experiments, an elf led craft activity, a Christmas planetarium show plus a chance to meet Santa himself, this is a festive day out like no other!

We've not been to the science centre before so when we were invited down for the day, it was a big "yes please!" from all the family. We arrived just after 10.30 and as soon as the children saw all the exhibits, they were off! The brilliant thing about the science centre is that everything is interactive and children are actively encouraged to take part!

Elliot, at 6 is the perfect age and understood most of the exhibits with a little help from Daddy. He was very interested in the colon cafe exhibit where we picked a food and then found out how it worked through our body. Typical 6 year old, anything to do with farts and poo and he's happy!

Even Erin enjoyed taking part and exploring the exhibits - she may not have understood the science behind things but she certainly had fun pressing buttons and watching her big brother.

The Science of Sport zone was a big hit - you could test your reaction time, your flexability and your ability to balance. The family enjoyed racing against each other on the track!

The Christmas experience is split into two events - the first of these for us was a science show led by elves followed by a meeting with Father Christmas. I wasn't really sure what to expect having never experienced science with elves before! After our names had been ticked off the Elf list, we were led into a darkened room and the children were instructed to sit at the front on benches while the adults could take the seats behind.

The science show was inspired by Jack and the Beanstalk and the elves tested out different forces to see how Jack could reach the top of the beanstalk. The elves were very enthusiastic and really captured the attention of the children in the audience. It was also really interesting and I definitely learnt a few things!

We were then led into a room that had been decorated like the giants castle with a big seat at the end next to a huge Christmas tree. There were rows of tables and benches and everyone was invited to sit down. The children were all given a little present which was something they could open and do there and then.

Whilst this was happening, Father Christmas arrived and each family could go up and meet him. The children were then given another little present, these ones were age appropriate - Erin got a little book and Elliot a mini wooden jenga game. The adults also got a mince pie!

I thought this Father Christmas experience made a nice change from the usual ones where you go into a grotto etc. Erin is really wary of Father Christmas and because this was more relaxed and not in a small dark room/grotto, she didn't seem quite as scared! (She still wouldn't go near him but she didn't cry so that was a start!)

After meeting Santa we were free to leave the giant's castle. We had a bit of time before our next Christmas event in the Planetarium so we decided to have some lunch in the Hub Cafe. It did seem quite busy but there was plenty of tables and lots of staff working on the tills so we didn't have to queue for long. There were plenty of options for lunch including sandwiches, paninis and jacket potatos and the prices weren't too bad.

After lunch we headed over to the Planetarium where we were about to watch Reindeer Round-Up which is included in the price of the Santa and the Elves Christmas Experience. The children have never been in a planetarium before and Elliot was fascinated by the seats which were off course quite flat so you can enjoy the show above you!

The show takes the audience on a journey through the solar system in search of Rudolph and his furry friends to help save Christmas. I would say it is more aimed at younger children but it only lasts for 30 minutes so older ones shouldn't be too bored. We did enjoy the show however I was a bit confused how it was linked with Jack and The Beanstalk. The presenter told us she was Jack's Mum but it didn't really flow very well and I think it would have been better off as a separate show of it's own. I did read that last year's was presented by an elf and I think this might have been a better option!

After the show we spent some time exploring the lower level of the centre which features even more hands on exhibits including one where we could create a tornado.The children were fascinated with the little big room and could have spent all after in there!

Also located in the lower level is the brand new immersive zone, Explorer:Space. Featuring 20 fantastic modular exhibits, you can learn about meteorites, stardust, robots, atmospheric pressure and even human space flight! Elliot and his Dad are big fans of Kennedy Space Center in Florida so this area was an instant hit with them!

After dragging Elliot away from the space suit, Erin decided it was naptime! My husband sat with her in the cafe whilst Elliot and I did some festive themed crafts on the upper level. There appeared to be several crafts to choose from but it was a bit chaotic with glitter and pompoms everywhere! Elliot wanted to make a snowglobe so he was quite happy mixing the colours to make his unique. I did warn him that mixing the colours might make it look a bit like wee but he seemed quite happy with the colour!

After a quick look in the gift shop we decided to head back to Poole but we had a fantastic day out. The science centre is such a brilliant place and I'm ashamed it's taken us this long to visit!

There is lots going on at the centre throughout December including Storytime with Santa. Aimed at younger visitors, Preschoolers and their families are invited to join Santa and Magnificent (Santa's Master Elf) for a Christmas story read by Santa himself and a live science demonstration from the elves. This lasts for 45 minutes and includes a gift for the child.

Visitors can also experience their favourite Christmas films in the planetarium - these can be enjoyed from as little as £2 per person with General Admission or film-only tickets cost £5.

Santa and the Elves Christmas Experience tickets are £14 per person and must be purchased alongside General Admission - although if you book online at least 3 days in advance you will save 25% on admission.

For more information on tickets, timings or any of the above, please visit:
www.winchestersciencecentre.org

*Disclaimer - We were invited to Winchester Science Centre in order to conduct an honest review of their Christmas Experience.

Meeting Father Christmas at Weymouth SEA LIFE Adventure Park

This weekend we were lucky enough to be one of the very first families to meet Father Christmas at Weymouth Sea Life Adventure Park. We have been visiting the park for many years (I remember going as a child!) but we have never been at Christmas so I was very much looking forward to this! 

Our slot with the big man himself was 4.15pm so we travelled down to Weymouth after lunch so we could spend a bit of time exploring the park. Upon arrival Elliot was given a golden ticket which was a lovely little touch and really added to the magic! 

The park was really quiet when we arrived so it was lovely to be able to take our time seeing the sea creatures. Of course Elliot made a bee line for the rock pools first - he loves this section and spent ages looking into the water and seeing what he could spot. The tide washing in never fails to entertain either! 

After checking out all the creature zones and burning some energy off in the amazing play area, it was time for us to head over to the reindeer stable which is located in the wetlands area. Decked out with hay bales, blankets and twinkly lights, it certainly got us in a festive mood as we waited patiently for the elves. 

We didn't have to wait long, and a friendly elf called Jingle McTinsel came to greet us. There was just time for a quick dance (Elliot asked the elf if he could floss!) and we were then led down the boardwalk towards Father Christmas' cabin in the woods. Along the way we even spotted his reindeers across the wetlands! 

As we made our way through the festive forest, Jingle stopped us by the lantern and told the children to close their eyes and make a christmas wish. And with the help of some elf magic, they had a snowy surprise!! 

Notice Erin making a hasty retreat!

We were then taken inside the cabin where Father Christmas was waiting - and wow, what a Father Christmas he was! Not only did he look the part with his smart red suit and (real!) beard but the way he chatted to Elliot was so lovely. He even sounded like Father Christmas should! 

He invited Elliot to sit down next to him and he spent a great deal of time talking to him about the different time zones and how he manages to get across the world in one night. He asked him if he had a chimney and when Elliot said no, they talked about the magic key and that Elliot needs to leave it out on Christmas Eve (Note to self - order magic key on Amazon!!)

We didn't feel rushed and I think Elliot could have quite happily stayed there for longer talking to him! He even promised to leave Father Christmas a beer on Christmas Eve! 

You may be wondering where Erin was when all this was happening. Well, unfortunately she really isn't a fan of Santa and refused to go near him, or even look at him! I think she did give him a cursory wave as we left but there was no way she was going to sit on his lap ;)

The children were given a special SEA LIFE present from Father Christmas - I won't say what it is as we don't want to ruin the surprise but the presents were age appropriate and got the thumbs up from my two! 

We left the the park wondering if we'd just met the real Father Christmas. I guess we'll never know!

We had a lovely time visiting Father Christmas and his Elves at Weymouth Sea Life Park and it has definitely kicked off our festive season with a smile and a sprinkle of Elf Magic! 

For more information, please visit the Weymouth Sea Life Park website . You can meet Father Christmas from Saturday 8th - Sunday 23rd December and pre-booking is advisable. There will also be a Christmas craft zone and festive drinks available from Caribbean Coffee! 

*Disclaimer - We were invited along to preview Father Christmas in exchange for an honest review. 

Portable North Pole Magic Pass Review

It's that time of year again when parents all over the world start to use the age old bribery line, "Be good otherwise Father Christmas will put you on the naughty list! He knows!"

I'm sure my parents said this to me and now I have a child of my own, I have definitely used the line to enforce some good behaviour! Times have changed too and nowadays you can create personalised videos from the North Pole to enhance the magic.

We have used the Portable North Pole app for the last few years and it has always been very popular with Elliot who absolutely loves that Santa knows his name! This year we were invited to test out the Magic Pass which costs £9.99 and gives you lots and lots of extra treats on the Portable North Pole website.

As well as the standard video that anyone can download on the website there are lots more premium videos to create including Your Big Book and Secret Places. You can personalise all these videos to make it extra special for your child - you can even add photos of friends and family members to make it more magical!

Another benefit of the magic pass is the reaction recorder - you can use the app to let your child view the video on your phone/tablet and it will record your child's reaction. This is priceless! You can see on the video below when Santa says Elliot's name - that big smile!

There are also lots of calls available to download and just like the videos these can be personalised. There are lots to choose from including Congratulation and Mrs Claus is baking cupcakes and special Christmas Eve ones such as a Special Surprise from Santa's Elves.

If this wasn't enough you can even download and print cute little certificates from the video for your child to keep:

I think this is a lovely thing to do at Christmas and really makes it magical for the children. The free version is great but I do think the Magic Pass at £9.99 is brilliant value for money - especially if you have more than one child because you only pay the once. Elliot is loving the videos on the website and I can't wait to create some more for him to watch!

For more information, check out http://www.portablenorthpole.com/
For official Portable North Pole merchandise, you can find this in John Lewis:

The Christmas Countdown..

With Christmas just ONE WEEK away, we have been feeling very very festive and have been getting up to lots of exciting things! Elliot has now finished pre-school for the year so we have lots more to squeeze in before the big day arrives. But here's what we've been getting up to this week..

Mums Night Out

New dress, check! New shoes with a heel I can walk in (ie a flat one then), check! Copious bottles of wine, check! Mums that have been let out on the loose, check! 

I don't really go out much these days so it's nice to get together with my mum friends and let our hair down once in a while. We had a lovely meal followed by a bit of Mum dancing and I was tucked up in bed by midnight - perfect! There were a few fuzzy heads the next morning though ;)

We saved ourselves a second trip to the bar by buying a bottle each - forward planning! 

Meeting Father Christmas

It's a good job Elliot is still young enough not to question things but we've met Father Christmas a few times this week - each with a slightly varied beard/outfit!! 

First of all there was a Santa parade which was due to go down our road. It wasn't really a parade in the end, just Father Christmas in a sports car and a trailer with a fake reindeer but he stopped to give out sweets for the kids! 

Next we had booked to see Father Christmas at a local garden centre Stewarts - it gets booked up really fast as it's so popular so we were looking forward to it. We actually bought Elliot here when he was a few weeks old so it was nice to look back at old photos and see how much he'd grown! Father Christmas was lovely again, unlike the child before us Elliot wasn't shy at all and marched on in!! He got a brilliant dinosaur present and we got a lovely photo. They even have real reindeer there which is a nice touch - we told Elliot that this is where they rest before the big night!

Today we did something a bit different - we went on a boat to meet Father Christmas! It was organised by City Cruises and it was a children's Christmas party with an entertainer, christmas music, games, and obviously a visit from the man in red. Elliot was in his Elf costume (again!!) and he had a brilliant time, I think he would have happily stayed on there all afternoon bopping away to the Christmas songs!

Christmas Carols

I've talked about my choir (Just Sing) before but it's something I absolutely love doing, I really look forward to choir night each week and our live performances are always so exciting! This week saw our annual Christmas concert - in fact this time we did two performances as it was so popular the previous year. Raising money for the Mosaic charity, a charity which helps bereaved children in Dorset, we managed to raise over £2770!!

Photo Credit - Just Sing Choir

End of Term

It was Elliot's last day at pre-school for the year on Friday so of course he wanted to wear the Elf outfit...it does get washed I promise! I would have loved to have been a fly on the wall to see what he got up to but he came home full of smiles and he had a big pile of homemade crafts for me. The ladies at his pre-school are so lovely and all the children had a little present to take home. I think he will really miss going over the Christmas break! 

My little Elf on his way to pre-school! 

The week leading up to Christmas Day is just as busy for us but I love the festive build up just as much as the big day itself!