On

By Claire Lockie Williams

Weekends from 4 November– 10 December

BEKONSCOT ILLUMINATED

Bekonscot Model Village, Beaconsfield. Enjoy the tiniest festive scenes in Bucks! The artistry of the model village combined with the magical of Christmas lights will enthrall little ones and adults alike. Weekends only. Multiple time slots available, prebook online. Check Website for price details. bekonscot.co.uk

Thursday 9 November

FOX CUBS

Bucks Goat Centre, Aylesbury. Activities, craft and animal encounter. SEND/Neurodivergent group for children and their families. 4-5.30pm. See website for more details: thebucksgoatcentre.website

Thursday 9 November – 16 March 2024

I GREW UP 80’S

Discover Bucks Museum, Aylesbury. Take a nostalgic trip back to 80s childhood in a colourful new familyfriendly exhibition that will bring back memories for parents and grandparents while today’s children will love discovering what childhood was like before the internet. discoverbucksmuseum.org

Friday 10 November

CHARITY QUIZ NIGHT AND RAFFLE

Longwick Village Hall, Princes Risborough. Charity quiz night in aid of Longwick’s Pre-school. 7.30pm start. £10 per ticket. longwickvillagehall.com

Friday 10 – Saturday 11 November

SPLASH TEST DUMMIES

Norman Bragg Studio, Exchange Street. Exciting acrobatics, juggling and comedy. Multiple viewing times. Tickets from £16.50, family tickets available. atgtickets.com/aylesbury

Saturday 11 November

AMBROSE FOLLOWS HIS NOSE

The Story Museum, Oxford. An ordinary rabbit with an extraordinary sense of smell. 2.30-3.30pm. 7+yrs. Tickets £9. storymuseum.org.uk

DAVID GIBB’S FAMILY JUKEBOX

The Story Museum, Oxford. Sing-a-long for the whole family. 11-11.45am, 2+yrs. Tickets £9. storymuseum.org.uk

YOUNG RANGERS AND TEEN RANGERS

College Lake Nature Reserve, nr Tring. Wildlife clubs for children 8-11yrs and 11-17yrs. bbowt.org.uk

Sunday 12 November

HADDENHAM CHRISTMAS MARKET

Haddenham Village Hall, Haddenham. Unique handmade gifts. Arts, craft and face painting. 11am-4pm. FREE. allevents.in/aylesbury

SENDSATIONAL MORNING

Tring Natural History Museum, Tring. Special event for blind and partially sighted children with the workshop theme ‘Under The Sea’. FREE. Booking essential. nhm.ac.uk/tring

Monday 13 November

COMMUNITY EXPLORERS

Iver Environment Centre, Iver. Explore the site, bring friends or a community group and enjoy a warm drink. Order a car parking ticket and enjoy a FREE session. Also 27 November. iverenvironmentcentre.org

Wednesday 15 November

CHILDREN’S CHORUS AUDITIONS

Thursday 16 – Saturday 18 November

FROZEN JNR

Elgiva Theatre, Chesham. Be enthralled by the beautiful bond between two sisters. For ticket prices and show times, go to: elgiva.com

Thursday 16 – Sunday 19 November

PETERLEY CHRISTMAS MARKET

Peterley Manor Farm, Prestwood. 70 boutique gift stalls, live music, street food, food and drink experience barn. From 10am, plus two VIP shopping evenings. Pre-booking required: peterleymanorfarm.co.uk

Thursday 16 November – 2 January

WINDSOR GREAT PARK ILLUMINATED

Take a walk through beautiful illuminations with mythical creatures, amazing projections and a toasty firepit. Booking essential. Adults from 19.80, Children from £12.10. See Website for full ticket details and to book: windsorilluminated.com

Friday 17 November

CHESHAM’S CHRISTMAS LIGHTS AND CELEBRATION

Chesham High Street. Enjoy a fairground, market stalls, live music and performances. Drop-in 6-9pm, FREE. chesham.gov.uk

OXFORD LIGHT FESTIVAL: STORIES IN THE CAFE

The Story Museum, Oxford. Enjoy some cosy stories during the light festival. FREE, drop-in activity. 5-7pm. storymuseum.org.uk

Friday 17 November – Sunday 24 December

SANTA’S GROTTO WITH THE SNOWMAN centre:mk, Milton Keynes.

Immersive Christmas experience at the grotto. Explore the magic of The Snowman brought to life, decorate a biscuit, meet Santa himself and get a gift.

Adults and Babies from £5.50, Children £16.50. Santa’s Parade on Friday 17 November, 5-6pm. centremk.com

MULTIPLE DATES

Garsington Opera, Buckinghamshire. Looking for confident singers and enthusiastic performers, the Garsington Opera invites children to audition to form the chorus of ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’. 9-17yrs.

DEADLINE: 15 November.

AUDITIONS: 19 November. garsingtonopera/participate

Wednesday 15 – Saturday 18 November

MADAGASCAR THE MUSICAL

Aylesbury Waterside Theatre, Exchange Street. Escape Central Park Zoo with your friends and join King Julian on his madcap adventures. Multiple viewing times. Tickets from £13.00. To book: atgtickets.com/aylesbury

Friday 17 November – 1 January 2024

CHRISTMAS AT BLENHEIM PALACE Blenheim Palace, Oxford.

Enjoy a magical illuminated trail with a Santa visit at the end.

See Sleeping Beauty in the Palace and explore a Christmas market. Pre-booking for tickets and parking essential. blenheimpalace.com

Friday 17 November – 7 January 2024

WILLEN ON ICE

Willen Lake, Milton Keynes.

Magical ice-skating on real ice next to Willen Lake under a decorated marquee. 45-min session.Child £6.95 off-peak/£7.95 peak, adult £12.70, includes skate hire. Pre-book online: iceleisure.co.uk

Saturday 18 November – 4 January

‘A WINTER’S TAIL’ AROUND STOWE Stowe House, Buckingham. Spot giant willow-woven bird sculptures on the seasonal wildlife trail around Stowe. Match tails to their owners, find clues and solve puzzles. Local choirs will perform on weekends. nationaltrust.org.uk

Saturday 18 November

ALL HANDS ON DECK Iver Environment Centre, Iver. Volunteering day with gardening and groundwork. Bring a packed lunch and enjoy tea and coffee. For 14yrs+ (under 16’s must be accompanied by an adult). 10am-2.30pm. Booking required online: iverenvironmentcentre.org

HIGH WYCOMBES CHRISTMAS LIGHT SWITCH ON High Wycombe High Street. Stalls, rides, meet Santa and the Grinch. 12-6pm, lights switch-on 5.15pm. mywycombe.com

Monday 20 November

MINI MONDAYS

Iver Environment Centre, Iver. Getting ready for winter-themed craft with pinecones, stories and mud play. 10-12pm, 2-5yrs, £6.50. Also on 4 and 18 December. pre-book online iverenvironmentcentre.org

Monday 20 November – 1 January 2024

12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS

Hughenden Manor, High Wycombe. Escape into an enchanted Christmas Fairytale as the 12 Days of Christmas are brought to life. No booking required. Adult from £14, child from £7, family tickets available. nationaltrust.org.uk

Multiple Dates

Wednesday 22 November – 1 January 2024

CHRISTMAS AT WADDESDON

Be dazzled by Waddesdon Manor’s Festive transformation and light display. Go on magical adventures at the Snow Queen’s Kingdom, Neverland and Alice’s Wonderland. Christmas Fair until 17 December. Pre-booking essential: waddesdon.org.uk

Thursday 23 November

MARLOW CHRISTMAS LIGHT SWITCH ON Marlow Town Centre.

See website for details. marlow-tc.gov.uk

BUCKINGHAM CHRISTMAS LIGHTS

Outside Buckingham Old Gaol, Buckingham. Enjoy Carols, festive fun, food. From 4pm discoverbuckingham.uk

Saturday 23 November– 31 December

ICE SKATING AT CHILTERN VIEW ICE RINK Chiltern View Garden Centre, Aylesbury. Launch evening on 23 Nov. Skating sessions daily. See website for tickets and to book: chilternviewicerink.co.uk

Friday 24 November – Sunday 24 December

SANTA’S GROTTO

Dobbies Garden Centre, Aylesbury. A variety of Santa experiences to chose from including grotto, breakfast and afternoon tea. Special SEN session 8 December. events.dobbies.com

Saturday 25 November

PRINCES RISBOROUGH CHRISTMAS LIGHTS Princes Risborough High Street. Christmas fun and festivities! 3-6pm, free. princesrisboroughtowncouncil.gov.uk

TRING’S CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL

Tring High Street, Tring. Stalls, music and much more! 3.30-8.30pm, free. tringtogether.org.uk

Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 November

HEARING DOGS CHRISTMAS MARKET

The Grange, Saunderton.

Fabulous two day market with food, drink and entertainment, all in support of Hearing Dogs for the Deaf. 11am-4pm. Adults £5, Children 5-16yrs £3, under 5s FREE. Pre-booking advised, hearingdogs.org.uk

Saturday 25 November – 24 December

CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR

Odds Farm Park, Wooburn Common. Explore an enchanted forest, meet Father Christmas visit the elves’ Cuddle Creation workshop or head to the Christmas toyshop, Enjoy Christmas crafts and much more! Pre-book tickets online and see website for more details: oddsfarm.co.uk

Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 November

FESTIVE WEEKENDS

Bekonscot Model Village, Beaconsfield. Explore a winter wonderland at the Model Village and take a special trip on the Snowflake Train Ride. Also on weekends 2-3 and 9-10 December. Prebook online. Check Website for price details: bekonscot.co.uk

Starts 25/26 Nov – Weekends to 17 December

PANTO EXPRESS WITH FATHER CHRISTMAS Buckinghamshire Railway Centre, Quainton.

All aboard the Panto express! Festive Christmas atmosphere with a fabulous vintage train ride where your family will get a personal meeting with Santa and a present from his Elves. Pre-booking essential. Tickets from £17.50. Also on 2, 3, 9, 10, 16 and 17 Dec. bucksrailcentre.org

Saturday 25 November – 17 December

CANDLELIGHT CHRISTMAS TOURS

Claydon House, near Buckingham. Book on an exclusive candlelight tour and discover intriguing stories from 400 years of Verney family fortunes. Saturdays and Sundays, tours at 11am and 1.30pm. Book online: nationaltrust.org.uk/claydon

Saturday 25 November – 23 December

SANTA STEAM SPECIALS

Chinnor and Princes Risborough Railway, Chinnor.

Take a traditional Steam ride with elves and meet Santa himself! Pre-booking required. Adults and children price before 3 December £22, 3 December onwards £25. chinnorrailway.co.uk

Sunday 26 November

CHRISTMAS ON THE COBBLES Aylesbury Town Centre. Festive family fun, fun fairs, crafts and Santa himself as Aylesbury’s Christmas lights are switched on. 1-6pm. FREE. aylesburytowncouncil.gov.uk

Thursday 30 November

DISCOVER DUCKS – UNDER 5YRS SESSION

Discover Bucks Museum, Aylesbury. Enjoy a Christmas themed session including a story, song, games, play, craft activity and museum trail. 10am12pm. Ticket includes a drink and snack for children. Also on 14 December. To book visit: discoverbucksmuseum.org

December

Friday 1 December – 3 January 2024

SNOW WHITE AND THE SEVEN DWARFS Aylesbury Waterside Theatre, Exchange Street. Mirror, mirror on the wall... join Snow White on her adventures with her seven new friends. For full performance listings, including relaxed performance, see their website: atgtickets.com/aylesbury

Friday 1 – Sunday 17 December

SANTA’S GROTTO

Milton Keynes Museum, Milton Keynes. Multiple weekends, Friday-Sunday. See website for full details. Child £12 (grotto & gift). miltonkeynesmuseum.org.uk

Friday 1 December

OLD AMERSHAM CHRISTMAS EVENING High Street, Old Amersham. 4pm-9pm, drop-in, free. amersham-tc.gov.uk

Saturday 2 December

AMERSHAM CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL Sycamore Road, Amersham. 10am-5pm, free. amersham-tc.gov.uk

Saturday 2 December (cont’)

CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY CELEBRATION

Roald Dahl Museum, Great Missenden. Kick off the Christmas season and celebrate the wonders of Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory at the museum. With a chocolate goodie for each child, craft and stories plus a delicious pop up factory for role playing. Trail and pop up factory run to 30 December. To book visit: roalddahlmuseum.org

CHALFONT ST GILES’ CHRISTMAS LIGHTS

Santa’s grotto, Christmas carols and goodies on sale. 2.30pm-6.30pm. chalfontstgiles-pc.gov.uk

FAMILY CHRISTMAS ACTIVITY DAY

Discover Bucks Museum, Aylesbury. Enjoy a Christmas themed day at the museum with crafts, stories, games and a trail. Santa will be making a guest appearance, too. 10am-4pm. To book, visit their website: discoverbucksmuseum.org

NEWTOWN SCHOOL WINTER FAYRE

Newtown Infant School, Chesham. 11.30am-2.30pm. Adult £1, children free. newtown.education

WENDOVER’S CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION

Wendover, (on the paved area outside Budgens.) Watch the Christmas Lights switch on and peruse an array of crafty stalls 4-7pm. wendover-pc.gov.uk

Saturday 2 – Sunday 3 December

FESTIVE WEEKEND

Chiltern Open Air Museum, Chalfont St Giles. Explore how the festive season was celebrated in the past, with music, stories, special Christmas

CHILDREN’S CHORUS AUDITIONS

Garsington Opera is looking for children to form the chorus of A Midsummer Night’s Dream by Benjamin Britten as part of our 2024 Summer Festival of professional opera. Whilst children don’t need to be able to read music, we are looking for confident singers and enthusiastic performers who love to be on the stage.

market. 10am-4pm. Pre-book tickets online: coam.org.uk

Saturday 2 – Sunday 24 December

CHRISTMAS WEEKENDS AT THRIFT FARM Thrift Farm, Milton Keynes. Festive Stories, fun, games and builda-bear. Weekends only. 9.30am-5pm. See website for dates/ticket prices. thrift-farm.co.uk

Saturday 2 – Saturday 31 December

CINDERELLA

Elgiva Theatre, Chesham. Can Cinderella outwit her wicked stepsisters and get to the ball? Multiple timings with two signed performances 12 and 20 December. For ticket prices and to book, see: elgiva.com

Sunday 3 December

CHRISTMAS MARKET

Missenden Abbey, Great Missenden. Missenden Abbey’s annual magical Christmas market complete with food, drink and crafts. 12-4pm. To book tickets, visit: missendenabbey.co.uk

DICKENS OF A CHRISTMAS Olney, Buckinghamshire. A Christmas market with a difference, a real taste of Victorian England. 10am-4pm. olneytowncouncil.gov.uk

HADDENHAM SANTA DASH

Dust off your Christmas jumper, collect your Santa hat and take part in 3km santa dash to to raise funds for Florence Nightingale Hospice Charity. Sign in from 10am, run at 11am. fnhospice.org.uk/santadash23had

VINTAGE CHRISTMAS GROTTO

Bletchley Park, Milton Keynes. Unique vintage Christmas grotto, a magical mansion meeting with Santa and gift included. Also 9, 10, 16, 17, 20, 21, 22 and 23 December. bletchleypark.org.uk

Wednesday 6 December

BEACONSFIELD FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire. Parade, stalls, live entertainment and Santa. beaconsfieldfestivaloflights.co.uk

Friday 8 – Sunday 31 December

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST PANTOMIME

Wycombe Swan, High Wycombe. Join Belle and the Beast in this dazzling performance combining animated scenes and amazing effects in true Panto style. Multiple showings and dates. Relaxed shows on selected dates. Pre-book tickets online: wycombeswan.co.uk

Performance Opportunity

Do you love singing and drama?

We are looking for new Youth and Adult Company members to take part in a fun-filled production A Trip to the Moon

Come and perform on our beautiful stage located near Stokenchurch or join our youth backstage team.

No experience necessary, no requirement to read music, all places fully-funded.

Performances: 30 & 31 July • Rehearsals start in the Spring

Children should be aged between 9-17

No unchanged voices

Deadline: Wednesday 15 November 2023

Auditions: Sunday 19 November 2023

For more information see garsingtonopera.org/participate

Find out more & apply now: garsingtonopera.org/participate

Friday 8 – Saturday 30 December

PETER PAN- CHRISTMAS IN NEVERLAND

Queens Park Arts Centre, Aylesbury.

A magical Pantomime adventure with Peter Pan. Magic is disappearing from Neverland and Peter needs Wendy’s help. Multiple dates and times including discount, signed and relaxed performances. Tickets £9 to £14. Book online: queensparkarts.com

Saturday 9 December

HELLFIRE CAVES

West Wycombe, Wycombe. Follow Elves on a magical trial underground to meet Santa. 9.30-10.30am. Adult from £10, child from £20. Not accessible, see website. hellfirecaves.co.uk

Sunday 10 and 17 December

BABY BROADWAY CHRISTMAS

Wycombe Swan, High Wycombe. Festive interactive theatre. 10am & 11.15am. Adult £14.50, child 2yrs+ £4.50. Babies up to 2yrs, free. Also on 17 December. wycombeswan.co.uk

SANTA’S WINTER WOODLAND

Amersham Field Centre, HP7 0QR. Explore an enchanted woodland, do crafts and meet Santa. Adult £6, Child £12. Also on 16, 17 and 20 December. field-studies-council.org/families

Saturday 9 – Sunday 10 December

SANTA WEEKEND

Bekonscot Model Village, Beaconsfield. Combine a trip to the festive model village with visiting Santa himself. Go to his grotto and receive a special present. Pre-book online, additional cost for Santa Visit. Check website for prices & details. bekonscot.co.uk

Monday 18 December

SANTA BREAKFAST

Chiltern View Garden Centre, Aylesbury. Enjoy ice-skating, a cooked breakfast and meeting Santa. 8.30-10am. Also on 20-22 December. See website for tickets, chilternviewicerink.co.uk

Sunday 17 December

WILLEN HOSPICE SANTA DASH

Lakeside Lawn, Milton Keynes

Start your Christmas with a dash for Willen Hospice. 10am. willen-hospice.org.uk

Monday 18 – Saturday 23 December

HANSEL AND GRETEL

The Stables, Milton Keynes. Hansel and Gretel love Christmas but will they miss it this year when they get lost in the deep woods? Ages 3+yrs. Multiple times and tickets. Relaxed performance (SEND) 20th December, 2pm. stables.org

Tuesday 19 – Sunday 24 December

THE NUTCRACKER

Ashridge House, Berkhampsted. Join Clara and her nutcracker Prince on an immersive adventure through Ashridge House. Receive a present from Santa too. Multiple time slots. Book online: ashridgehouse.org.uk

Tuesday 19 – Sunday 24 December

SANTA’S NEW SLEIGH

Norman Bragg Studio, Exchange Street. Interactive childrens show, help Sprocket and Dibs create Santa a new sleigh. Tickets from £15.95, family tickets available. atgtickets.com/aylesbury

Thursday 21 December – 23 December

CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY STORYTELLING

Roald Dahl Museum, Great Missenden. Immerse yourself in this magical story that storytellers will be reading throughout the holidays. Also 27-30 December. To book visit: roalddahlmuseum.org

Thursday 21 – Friday 29 December

TOM THUMB

The Story Museum, Oxford.

Tiny Tom Thumb uses his might wits to protect his brothers from his parents and The Ogre alike. Multiple showings. Tickets £12, 4+yrs. Also on 27-29 December. storymuseum.org.uk

Wed 27 &Thurs 28 December

WINTER WARMERS

Chinnor and Princes Risborough Railway. Travel on a steam locomotive. Kids for a Quid special. Children £1. Also on 31st December and 1st January. See Website for full details, including all prices (discounts for some card holders and if bought online). chinnorrailway.co.uk

Sunday 31 December – 1 January 2024

ROMAN PARK HALL’S NEW YEARS EVE PARTY Roman Park Hall, Aylesbury.

All ages, families and S.E.N.D safe event with DJ, entertainment and photo booth. Free kids squash and complimentary prosecco. Early bird price to 30 November, Adult £12, child £6. 7pm-1am. Pre-booking required. berryfieldspc.org