Festive farm fun at Willows Farm Village
Willows Farm Village, Hertfordshire
Wednesday 23rd November – Saturday 24th December 2011
Families can expect a day filled with festive farm fun this Christmas when they visit Santa in his Spectacular Grotto at Willows Farm Village, near St Albans, between 23rd November and Christmas Eve.
Children can enjoy a magical journey leading up to Santa’s Grotto with sparkling festive scenes, before meeting Santa and receiving a golden key that unlocks the door to his Toy Shop. Once inside, they can choose any gift from the selection of toys suitable for all ages.
Children can also stop off at the Elves’ House to send Santa a letter filled with their Christmas wishes.
After visiting the Grotto, children can help Santa by taking part in a special hunt to find his missing reindeer. Those who find all nine missing reindeer cut outs from around the farm will receive a box of Reindeer Dust – a magical mixture of reindeer food and glitter that will help guide Santa and his reindeer to their house.
Families can also visit Santa’s real reindeer that are resting at Willows before their big night on Christmas Eve.
Willows farmer Anna Wolfe says: “We’re never short of Christmas cheer at Willows, but we’re particularly excited this year as it’s Star the reindeer’s first Christmas with us. She’s still too young to help the older reindeer pull Santa’s sleigh on Christmas Eve, but she’s looking forward to showing off her growing antlers to our guests in the run up to Christmas!”
Later, families can get their skates on and enjoy the Willows Magical Ice Rink, which returns for a second year. Thanks to the synthetic ice surface, children can stay warm and dry while gliding around.
Each day, the nativity story will be brought to life in Woolly’s Showtime Theatre and there is a tractor ride through the Festive Woods where visitors can get into the Christmas spirit thanks to twinkling lights and carol singing.
In addition to the special Christmas events, there will be all the usual fun activities to enjoy including farmyard animals and – if it gets chilly! – plenty of indoor play in Woolly Jumpers and Captain Chicken’s Egg Dodge.
To top off their visit, families can also browse Willows Farm Shop’s selection of British and locally-produced Christmas fare.
Santa is at Willows from 23 November to 24 December 2011, 10am to 5.30pm (closes 4pm Christmas Eve).
For more information please visit www.willowsfarmvillage.com or call 0870 129 9718.
Willows Farm Village used to be a working farm but is now one of the biggest leisure attractions in Hertfordshire.
Visitors to Willows can enjoy entertainment, education and fun for the whole family. (Note some animal attractions and outdoor activities are seasonal).
Animal attractions include; Farmyard Favourites, Falconry Centre, reindeer, wallabies, a Sheep Show, Daft Duck Trials and Sheep Racing.
Outdoor activities include; JCB Young Drivers Zone, Woolly’s Workout Agility Play Trail, Build ‘n’ Play sandpit, Tristan the Runaway Tractor, Panning for Gold, Country Fun Fair Rides, Inflatable Bouncy Haystacks and Super Slide, Tree House adventure, Leaping Lily Pads Trampolines, under 5’s play area and Lakeside Walks.
Indoor activities include; Woolly Jumpers (play barn featuring ball pools, slides and active play), Woolly's Showtime Theatre which hosts children’s shows and Captain Chicken’s Egg Dodge and Young Chicks Activity Area.
The Farmhouse Restaurant and Woolly Jumpers Coffee Shop offer a wide range of food for visitors.
Willows Farm Shop, on the same site as the Farm Village, works with local and British producers to provide a wide range of goods with its own butchery counter, delicatessen, fresh fruit and vegetables, breads, cakes and drinks.