DESPITE the recent flurries that have left parts of the country covered in a white blanket, snow isn’t always guaranteed in December.
In fact, there’s just a 34 per cent chance the UK will have a white Christmas in 2024 – although there is one Christmas market in England where snow is guaranteed.
The SnowDome has brought back its Santa’s Winter Wonderland for its 19th year[/caption]
Located in Tamworth, near Birmingham, the indoor attraction will have 1,000 tonnes of real snow and 450 Christmas trees[/caption]
The SnowDome, based in Tamworth near Birmingham, has brought back its Santa’s Winter Wonderland for its 19th year.
Opening this weekend and running until January 5, the festive event will have real snow, real animals and a brand-new Christmas pantomime.
Visitors begin their visit along Santa’s Snow Trail with over 1,000 tonnes of real snow and 450 Christmas trees.
Children can move along the snow trail on a snow sledge, underneath sparkling light displays.
Adrenaline junkies can whiz down the Summit Slide, while younger guests can try two mini snow slides.
The indoor ski centre will also have a Santa’s Christmas Village featuring real animals like alpacas, miniature piglets, guinea pigs, rabbits and goats.
Inside the Christmas Village, younger guests will be able to head to the letter-writing station to write their letters to Father Christmas before dropping them off at the post box outside Santa’s House.
And a brand-new Jack and the Beanstalk pantomime has been introduced for 2024.
The 25-minute performance will see Rudolph and friends climb a towering beanstalk, outwit the giant and embark on a heartwarming journey.
Other features will include a children’s carousel and carnival games.
Food like burgers and bratwurst will be served at Aspen’s Bar & Kitchen – an Alpine-themed dining experience.
Isabelle Chadbourne, Co-Director at the SnowDome, said: “We’re thrilled to bring families the ultimate real-snow Christmas experience this year!
“Our Santa’s Winter Wonderland remains an iconic Christmas experience for those in the Midlands and beyond, and I’m really proud about how we’ve levelled it up this year.
“Our team has gone above and beyond to create a festive extravaganza for the whole family. From our thrilling Summit Slide to the heartwarming Christmas pantomime, we’re excited to spread even more magic this season.”
Tickets start from £18.95 for the festive experience.
Located in Tamworth, the SnowDome is a 30-minute drive from Birmingham.
An insider’s guide to Birmingham
BIRMINGHAM is often overlooked as a staycation destination, but it’s actually filled with plenty of wonderful hidden gems.
As a proud Brummie, I know exactly where holidaymakers should go to experience the city like a local.
Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery
One of my favourite haunts is the Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, part of which recently reopened to the public following a huge renovation. Head to the museum to get your fill of Pre-Raphaelite Art.
Birmingham Back to Backs
If art isn’t your thing then head across the city centre to the Birmingham Back to Backs. The tiny brick courtyard is hidden behind the Hippodrome and has recently been named the UK’s best hidden gem attraction.
I visited the city centre attraction over the Easter holidays and it was easy to remember why the tiny terraced houses are loved by visitors. The houses, which were largely used by working class families, easily transport visitors back to the 1930s.
From the faux wallpaper to the tins of custard, the devil certainly is in the detail. And I can’t rave about the National Trust property without mentioning my tour guide John who gave the old buildings a deep sense of life.
Cadbury World
Would I be a Brummie if I didn’t mention Cadbury World? Probably not.
Earlier this year, the Bournville attraction welcomed its first new ride in 27 years. I was one of the first people to try Cadbury Chocolate Quest, and it was yet another hit.
My family and I couldn’t stop laughing as we fired our laser guns at interactive screens. Our endeavours to shoot at ingredients were justly rewarded when we were presented with a bar of dairy milk as we disembarked.
You can read more about my Birmingham recommendations, here.
Meanwhile, this travel writer thinks their hometown has the best Christmas attraction in the UK.
A city in Germany has been dubbed “Christmas city” because it has one of the world’s oldest and most famous Christmas markets.
Children can move along the snow trail on a snow sledge, all while underneath sparkling light displays[/caption]
Tickets to the indoor attraction start from £18.95[/caption]
