Page 58 - Phonebox Magazine December 2014

Your activity calendar for December
The dark nights are lit up with festive lights and decorations, and Christmas feels like a matter of days away. But there are still plenty of activities for you and the kids before the big day this December. Here’s our guide to the festive season.
1st
It’s official; the first door on the advent calendar has been opened. Get you, and the kids, in the spirit today by paying a visit to the cinema to see Nativity 3: Dude, Where’s My Donkey?
2nd
There’s more than 750 animal species to see at Whipsnade Zoo, and the little ones can get their Christmas list in early with Santa today and visit his grotto.
3rd
Pre-school children can learn all about the countryside with Nature Tots every Wednesday during term time. Held at Irchester Country Park, it’s just £3.50 a child, including refreshments.
4th
Get the craft box out and make some Christmas cards for family and friends with a difference. Get messy with paint or use buttons to create 3D baubles on felt tip trees.
5th
Boos, hisses and terrifying baddies – Christmas means wrapping up warm and heading to the theatre for a family favourite pantomime. This Friday, why not pay MK Theatre a visit and watch Peter Pan, starring Bradley Walsh? It’s on until January 11.
6th
Go on a mystical adventure on Santa’s express train and marvel at the festive lights at the Centre MK this Saturday (as well as getting some shopping in for the big day too).
7th
A taste of Victorian England will arrive in Olney today as thousands flock to the town for the Dickens of a Christmas. Stallholders dress up and there are three craft fairs.
8th
Before the crowds get too dense, why not hop on a train from Bedford or Milton Keynes and try Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland? There’s a magical ice kingdom and a circus, as well as plenty of shopping.
9th
Maybe you already have the tree up, and if so don’t miss the chance to get the kids making decorations for it. Creating angels for the top is always fun, and use painted hand and thumbprints to create shapes on baubles.
10th
Be transported to a winter wonderland at Gulliver’s Land this festive period, and there are special mid-week packages for toddlers until the 18th. Don’t miss your chance to become an honorary elf.
11th
Know much about Cubism? Now’s your chance. Today you can learn with A Cubist Christmas at the Higgins Gallery, Bedford. Children can create their own origami decorations and screen-print a bag.
12th
Families can see the mythical kingdom of Camelot tonight with Merlin at the Northampton Royal & Derngate. Three childhood friends go on the journey of a lifetime, and your little ones can joint them.
13th
Traditional fairground rides and attractions, as well as street entertainment, will take over Bedford with the town’s Christmas Fair this weekend. Staged throughout the town centre, there’s plenty to help you soak up the festive spirit.
14th
Visitors (5 years old+) to the Roald Dahl Museum, Great Missenden, can make crackling gnomes, pop-up cards and tantalizing treats today with Gloriumptious Christmas crafts at 12pm, 2pm and 3.30pm.
58 Phonebox Magazine