For the past 5 years we've gone to Harrod's to visit Father Christmas and get our annual family photo. It's always a fun outing and we've always been really pleased with the photos. Unfortunately this year Harrod's changed the booking process, giving priority based on how much you spend throughout the year. Truth be told I visit Harrod's only once a year - to visit Father Christmas. As a result, by the time I was able to book there were no slots available. I was so, so disappointed.
So on to plan B. For years our friends MM & KK had been telling us about Lapland UK, an immersive winter wonderland activity just outside of London. In past years I've held off going, in large part because of the expense, but given that we were out of luck at Harrod's I was now on a mission to find Father Christmas and this seemed like a good option.
Upon arrival we walked through the woods past some elve houses and then met some elves who told us all about Lapland and led us into the enchanted forest on our way to meet Father Christmas.
Our first stop was the Toy Shop where the kids helped Santa make more stuffed animals to meet the increase demand. C was overjoyed that they were making Polar Bears! The kids had to stuff the toys, put in a heart and close it up. Not surprisingly, the polar bear loving C wanted to keep hers.
Next stop was a visit with Mrs. Claus at the bake shop. The kids each decorated a tree gingerbread cookie ornament after which Mrs. Claus read them a story. C's ornament made it on to our tree; K's didn't make it out of Lapland.
After our visit with Mrs. Claus we had time to roam the Elf village and have dinner. In the center of the village was an ice skating ring where C stayed nearly the entire time. I visited the shops which included a sweets shop, a christmas ornament shop and a toy shop. There was also an elf post office where kids could mail their letters to Santa. Other kids that is. Our kids decided they didn't want to stop skating so sent J&I to the post office to mail their letters for them. C also insisted that we add another item to her list - a Lapland Polar Bear!
When our time was up at the village, we were sent down a path to find Father Christmas. On the way we passed by the reindeer stables and saw Santa's sleigh.
After we "checked in" with one of the Elves we had to wait about 10-15 min before Father Christmas was ready for us. Down curvy and twisty snow covered paths we finally reached his cabin. Not surprisingly (since he is Father Christmas) he greeted both kids by name and asked them about their favorite activities and interests. He asked K about Cristiana Ronaldo (his favorite footballer) and about golf and even asked K to get up and show him his golf swing (which K gladly demonstrated). Together they all checked the "Good Book" to see if their names were listed and lo and behold - there they were! It took a while to find their names though during which time K was sweating it a bit. They were both so relieved!! It was fun for them to have an good 'ol chat with Father Christmas and as an early Christmas present, they were each given their own husky stuffed animal. C named hers "Dasher".
We 'exited through the gift shop' first to get our complimentary Father Christmas photo and then to check out all the outfits they were selling for the husky's to wear (J&I agree - brilliant marketing). At one point, C had about 10 different outfits in her hand, finding it very difficult to narrow the choice down to one although she managed in the end. Much to C's delight, Father Christmas brought two more outfits for her husky Christmas morning. K wisely decided to buy a bed for his husky instead of an outfit. So much more respectable.
Needless to say, we all loved the experience at Lapland UK and the kids and J are already asking to go back next year. I guess we have a new tradition.
So on to plan B. For years our friends MM & KK had been telling us about Lapland UK, an immersive winter wonderland activity just outside of London. In past years I've held off going, in large part because of the expense, but given that we were out of luck at Harrod's I was now on a mission to find Father Christmas and this seemed like a good option.
Upon arrival we walked through the woods past some elve houses and then met some elves who told us all about Lapland and led us into the enchanted forest on our way to meet Father Christmas.
Our first stop was the Toy Shop where the kids helped Santa make more stuffed animals to meet the increase demand. C was overjoyed that they were making Polar Bears! The kids had to stuff the toys, put in a heart and close it up. Not surprisingly, the polar bear loving C wanted to keep hers.
Next stop was a visit with Mrs. Claus at the bake shop. The kids each decorated a tree gingerbread cookie ornament after which Mrs. Claus read them a story. C's ornament made it on to our tree; K's didn't make it out of Lapland.
After our visit with Mrs. Claus we had time to roam the Elf village and have dinner. In the center of the village was an ice skating ring where C stayed nearly the entire time. I visited the shops which included a sweets shop, a christmas ornament shop and a toy shop. There was also an elf post office where kids could mail their letters to Santa. Other kids that is. Our kids decided they didn't want to stop skating so sent J&I to the post office to mail their letters for them. C also insisted that we add another item to her list - a Lapland Polar Bear!
When our time was up at the village, we were sent down a path to find Father Christmas. On the way we passed by the reindeer stables and saw Santa's sleigh.
After we "checked in" with one of the Elves we had to wait about 10-15 min before Father Christmas was ready for us. Down curvy and twisty snow covered paths we finally reached his cabin. Not surprisingly (since he is Father Christmas) he greeted both kids by name and asked them about their favorite activities and interests. He asked K about Cristiana Ronaldo (his favorite footballer) and about golf and even asked K to get up and show him his golf swing (which K gladly demonstrated). Together they all checked the "Good Book" to see if their names were listed and lo and behold - there they were! It took a while to find their names though during which time K was sweating it a bit. They were both so relieved!! It was fun for them to have an good 'ol chat with Father Christmas and as an early Christmas present, they were each given their own husky stuffed animal. C named hers "Dasher".
We 'exited through the gift shop' first to get our complimentary Father Christmas photo and then to check out all the outfits they were selling for the husky's to wear (J&I agree - brilliant marketing). At one point, C had about 10 different outfits in her hand, finding it very difficult to narrow the choice down to one although she managed in the end. Much to C's delight, Father Christmas brought two more outfits for her husky Christmas morning. K wisely decided to buy a bed for his husky instead of an outfit. So much more respectable.
Needless to say, we all loved the experience at Lapland UK and the kids and J are already asking to go back next year. I guess we have a new tradition.
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