With loads of Christmas activities for kids, grandkids and the dog (not forgetting the rest of the family!), and with the festive period starting earlier than ever, we've tried to shortlist our favourites - although it wasn't easy! Whether you're Mrs Claus or Ebenezer Scrooge, hopefully there's family days out for everyone...
1 - Cinema with a difference...
Nothing says Christmas like Home Alone, Elf and the Muppets Christmas Carol. One of our favourite and slightly quirky local highlights is a trip down to the Vintage Cinema. Ordinarily kids love Tring Natural History Museum, College Lake, or Wycombe's Hellfire Caves (to name a few) - but throw in some timeless cinematic classics and it's the perfect recipe!
Why wouldn't you want to watch Night at the Museum sat alongside a giant polar bear! Listings and tickets can be found on the Vintage Cinema website, but don't hang about.
2 - Take on the Santa Dash in Hemel!
The cornerstone of any family Christmas... No, not presents round the tree, nor Turkey, stuffing and crackers - It's donning a Santa suit and a mad dash around Hemel Hempstead! And this year Jingle Dogs are more welcome than ever before! A freak snow storm meant last year's Santa run was (rather ironically!) pushed back a week, but Santa Dash 2018 promises to return in style!
Talking from experience, this is one of the most fun Christmas activities for kids - and mums and dads too! - being part of 600-strong sea of santas is definitely one of the more unusual ways to kick start your Christmas.
You can book your place online for the event on Sunday 9th December. All in support of The Hospice of St Francis.
3 - Tring's Largest Free Event of the Year
As popular as ever, and featuring the Christmas Lights Switch on, Friday 30th November sees Tring High Street transformed.
With Father Christmas in residence and more Christmas Market Stalls than you can count, it just oozes that perfect family-fun Christmas atmosphere, and we love it! Be sure to sample Tring Brewery's festive ales and enjoy the musical performances near the Church. See you there!
You can find out more here.
4 - Children's Christmas Trail
Ashridge estate is beautiful all year round, but one of our favourite times (second only to when the bluebells are out!) is in the run up to Christmas.
Grab the kids and the dog and head over for the festive Christmas Trail. At only £3 per child it's an affordable Christmas activity for kids. Plus collect your own special Christmas gift at the end!
5 - Did someone say Christmas Carnival?
Slightly further afield but worth the extra mile (you probably don't need us to tell you how good it is), it's Christmas at Waddesdon Manor.
Another venue that ordinarily gets our vote anyway, but steps it up notch at Christmas. The food and gifts stalls are fantastic, not-to-mention the light show which dances it's way across the manor. You can easily spend an amazing few hours at this place and it really is one of the perfect family days out this Christmas!
Find out more information and book tickets online.
Still left thinking 'What other Christmas Events are near me?'
- You can find out more about the Hospice's Christmas Events and Activities including our new Christmas Market, St Albans Carol Concert, or Wear it Festive!