Step into the magical world of Lapland UK, where Father Christmas and his elves make Christmas dreams come true.
Located just outside London, this immersive and oh-so-festive show takes children on a journey to meet Father Christmas in an incredible enchanted forest – decorating gingerbread men and helping in the toy workshop along the way.
The hottest ticket of the season – having been voted the UK’s best tourist attraction (2022) and quickly becoming the UK’s fastest selling event (with over 200,000 tickets sold in under three minutes) – Citizen Enfants recently visited to discover the magic of Christmas. Here’s what you need to know.
What is Lapland UK?
Imagine every picture-perfect image you’ve ever seen of Santa’s snowy North Pole home. Put them all together and you have Lapland UK. This unique immersive experience is the stuff of dreams for children and adults alike. Telling the story of Father Christmas, this charming winter wonderland captures the magical spirit of the season and is a classic vision of life in Lapland.Â
On arrival you step into a Hollywood-level set. The space instantly transports you to Lapland and it’s very easy to forget that you are in Berkshire – not the Arctic Circle. You’ll be met by elves and fairies with names like Willow, Echo and Sage – all dressed in the most exquisite colourful costumes – who will tell you that Santa is expecting you before ushering you through to the Enchanted Forest. This is where the performance begins.Â
Elves tell their story; a tale about how they need to assist Father Christmas and how you can help them by joining them on a magical journey through Lapland. Passing through a large wooden door (the magic portal), children will be mesmerised from the second the show starts. As you explore, you’ll hear a story read by Mother Christmas, decorate gingerbread cookies in her kitchen, and even find yourself helping build Christmas toys in Santa’s workshop.Â
You will be taken, by your elfin guide, through fantastic, creative rooms dotted along snowy, fir tree-lined passages in the forest. The snow might be fake, but the sense of excitement is very real. Every detail – big and small – has been considered, from the very realistic details in the set design (look out for the beautifully-carved Alpine decorations) to the colourful stack of toys piled high in the workshop. Throughout you’ll meet plenty of wonderful staff, all dressed as if they have stepped straight out of a movie, and who remain in character at all times.
Once you’ve helped the elves with their tasks, you’re led to a beautiful, tiny town square in the Enchanted Forest. Here there’s an ice-skating rink (skates and aids are supplied), shops to buy decorations, a restaurant and the most tremendous sweetshop. There’s even a post office where you can write and post your letters to Father Christmas.
The whole experience is carefully-timed to ensure no area ever feels overcrowded, and you’ll have roughly four hours to enjoy the Lapland experience.Â
Who is Lapland UK for?
Anyone who wants to believe in the magic of Christmas. While little ones (under the age of ten) are the most likely to be swept up in the wonder of it all, don’t let that discourage you from taking children – or adults! – of any age who will discover a truly memorable and well-organised day out. Expect to see everyone from tiny babies to grandparents enjoying themselves.
The Highlights
The highlight of any trip to Lapland is, of course, meeting the man in red himself – but there’s a lot more to Lapland UK, and everyone will love sticking sweets on cookies and building toys as they travel through the experience. Being whisked through the forest knowing that they are en route to meet Santa is an incredible experience for any little one.
Along the snowy way, look out for the reindeer (safely behind a fence) as you reach the log cabin – where Santa is waiting. As the door opens, you’ll enter into his beautiful, cosy room; there’s a bench next to him for children to sit on as he asks questions and checks in his book if they are on his ‘good’ list. Despite what many parents may say – they always are!
The experience is well-managed and Santa clearly knows his stuff (he is all-seeing, after all); there’s no questionable beards or generic answers here. He will have his notes about each child and make them feel truly special as he talks about the little details (your booking form *may* have guided him), leaving little ones amazed at his magical knowledge. Each child also receives a gift, straight from his workshop: a soft toy huskie. Each group gets about ten minutes with Santa before being wished a Merry Christmas and led back through the forest to the exit via the gift shop.
What You Need To KnowÂ
Founders and parents to four young boys, Mike and Alison Battle, dreamt of revelling in the joy of their children’s belief in Father Christmas, and so created the immersive experience for them, and others, to enjoy.
Since its creation in 2007, Lapland UK has seen more than one million visitors, and has been attended by big names and their children, including the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Elton John and the Beckhams. Its incredible popularity is well deserved, but also means tickets are in high demand when they are released in March every year. In 2023 tickets sold out in minutes, with many guests queuing online to bag them. So, while it is virtually impossible to gain entry last minute, sign up to the Lapland UK website for alerts early in the year to let you know when tickets are going on sale.
When you book online you are asked to fill in some details about your child. Their age, a few details about them such as what they like doing (sports, hobbies, etc) and the all important question: what do they want for Christmas?
If you are lucky enough to get a space, arrive at least half an hour in advance of your allocated entry time to park and ‘check in’ at reception. The café onsite is a self-service set up with traditional food (think soup and hot dogs) to suit everyone, and there are plenty of sweet treats too. While it’s set in a forest, the whole experience is buggy friendly. Much of it is outdoors so it is open to the elements and can be wet, muddy and cold: wear wellies and wrap up warm. There are plenty of toilets and baby-changing facilities. The whole space has been cleverly designed to be accessible and welcoming of all those who believe in the magic of Lapland.Â
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Image Credits: Luke Dyson
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