Tag: Christmas

’tis the season for a Conifox Christmas

Conifox Adventure Park Unveils Its Ultimate Family Christmas Experience

It’s the most wonderful time of the year as Conifox Adventure Park announces the highly anticipated return of its magical Family Christmas Experience for 2024. Back for the sixth year running, this year’s lineup promises more magic than ever before, with exciting activities that will spread Christmas cheer for all ages – Yule not want to miss it!

Ticket holders can step into Santa’s Living Room to meet Father Christmas himself and pose for a family photo that will hang on mantle pieces for years to come. All children who visit the Living Room will receive a Golden Christmas Coin to exchange for a gift or a teddy in the Toy Workshop or the Make-a-Teddy Factory.

Returning by popular demand is the Christmas Cookie Decorating Workshop with Mrs. Claus, where little bakers can get creative with festive treats.

The magic doesn’t stop there – families can check their Naughty or Nice status before journeying through the enchanting Magic Forest with beloved characters like Frosty the Snowman and The Nutcracker.

New for 2024, children can attend Elf School to learn the tricks of the trade. For those who haven’t done so yet – or who want to make their list and check it twice – can write letters to Santa with the help of Buddy the Elf in the North Pole Post Room or even take a flight at Reindeer Flying School – but watch out for the mischievous Mr Grinch who will be roaming around Conifox for the duration of the Christmas Experience! And when the adventures are done, visitors can indulge in festive food and drinks while enjoying the fun at Taylor’s of Edinburgh Christmas Funfair.

With ticket prices starting at £5 for babies (0-12 months) and £22.70 for children (1-17 years), the Ultimate Family Christmas Experience will run on selected dates throughout December. Tickets are available now via the Conifox Adventure Park website.

Conifox Managing Director James Gammell said: “We’re so excited to bring back our Family Christmas Experience for the sixth year, it really is the most wonderful time of the year.

“Each season we aim to create a truly magical experience that brings families together and fills hearts with festive joy. From meeting Santa in his cozy living room to embarking on new adventures like Elf School, we’ve packed this year’s event with even more excitement to make Christmas 2024 unforgettable for every visitor.

“We’re proud to offer something for everyone, young and old, and we can’t wait to welcome families to unwrap the magic with us at Conifox.”

Spread the joy this year. For a full list of prices and to purchase your tickets, visit:

https://www.conifox.co.uk/events

All aboard Santa’s Grotto at Dobbies’ Edinburgh store

Garden Centre gives children a magical grotto experience

Dobbies Garden Centres is unveiling a magical line up of festive experiences for all the family to enjoy this Christmas at its Edinburgh store, including the much-loved Grotto which is back with a brand-new look.

Santa will take residency at the new Little Seedlings train-themed Grotto this November and December at the Edinburgh store, spreading the joy of Christmas to families in the area.

After a warm welcome from the elves at Sleighbell Station, children will get to experience snowy scenes, spot woodland characters, find hidden nutcrackers, all culminating in the chance to tell Santa what they would like for Christmas. Here, families will have the chance to capture the moment with a photograph of Santa, making a lasting memory of the experience. 

Dobbies will also offer a sensory-friendly Quiet Grotto experience at its Edinburgh store on Friday 6 December, designed to help reduce anxiety and provide a customised environment for children with additional needs. Lighting, sound and visual effects will be minimised, giving kids that cherished moment with Santa. Session times are extended to allow for a slower, relaxed experience.

Dobbies’ Events Programme Manager, Ayesha Nickson is looking forward to welcoming kids along to the brand-new Little Seedlings train-inspired Grotto at the Edinburgh store.

She said: “Whether little ones are meeting Santa and his elves for the first time, or it’s a family tradition, our Grotto and Quiet Grotto experiences aim to create magical moments that can be treasured for years to come.

“There’s the chance to gather the whole family for a range of our festive experiences including our delicious Festive Afternoon Tea, charity Christmas Shopping Night in aid of Teenage Cancer Trust, or a paw-dorable picture moment at Santa Paws. A visit to Dobbies will really be a treat for all the senses this Christmas.”

Customers are encouraged to book in advance for Dobbies’ Christmas events to avoid disappointment.

  • Santa’s Grotto runs from 28 November until 24 December, £12.99 per child
  • Santa’s Quiet Grotto takes place on 6 December, £12.99 per child

To learn more about the Christmas events at Dobbies’ Edinburgh store and make a booking, visit dobbies.com/events.

New Lanark has Christmas all wrapped up

Step into the magic of the festive season at New Lanark, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, transformed into a winter wonderland for Christmas.

From Saturday, 30th November until Christmas Eve, the festive village is bursting with holiday cheer and delightful experiences for the whole family. This Christmas season, New Lanark has an enchanting lineup to make your festive celebrations truly unforgettable.

Running from Saturday 30th November to Tuesday 24th December, ‘Christmas at New Lanark’ promises a magical family day out filled with festive joy and excitement. The festivities will run from Friday to Sunday, with additional special openings on Monday 23rd and Tuesday 24th December.

New Lanark’s magical location, resembling a giant toy factory silently nestled at the foot of the Clyde valley, creates the perfect backdrop for a magical family day out and Christmas festivities this season, offering something for all ages.

Visitors will feel as though they’ve been transported to a bygone era, with a variety of festive activities included in the experience. Get ready to laugh and cheer with Arkeen Theatre Company’s production of Pinocchio, a 45-minute pantomime performance full of festive fun.

Your ticket includes the ‘Spirit of Christmas Ride’ embarking on a captivating journey through the magical history of Christmas on this enchanting ride. There will be Christmas Films in the Theatre; enjoy three beloved Christmas classics, screening every 45 minutes throughout the day. There will also be a Soft Play & Inflatable Assault Course, perfect for little adventurers, offering lots of festive fun and challenges.

No Christmas celebration is complete without a visit to Santa and his helpful Elves, watch the little ones eyes light up as they receive their special gift. Newly designed by NL Productions this year, Santa’s Grotto offers fun-filled family challenges and holiday cheer.

For those with sensory needs, New Lanark will host a Quiet Session on Saturday 30th November from 11am. During this time, visitor numbers will be limited to provide a calmer environment. The pantomime will take place at 11:00 am, and guests can explore the rest of the site at their leisure until 1:00 pm.

Meanwhile, the Café & Mill Shop will both be open throughout the event, offering refreshments and Christmas shopping for all your holiday needs, before exploring the historic buildings and the beautiful rooftop garden, adding to the charm of this unique Christmas experience.

Why not make a trip of it and wake up in this beautiful World Heritage Site, staying overnight at The Mill Hotel, which has all your catering needs wrapped up with festivelunches and dinners served throughout December. Book your Christmas party nights throughout December, with fabulous food and great entertainment or come along to Carols by Candlelight, an enchanting evening with Strathaven Choral Society.

Book your Party Lunch with Santa, offering a great day out for the family with lots of entertainment. The team will be serving Festive Afternoon Tea with entertainment throughout the festive season as well as a traditional Christmas Day lunch, including a visit from Santa followed by Boxing Day celebrations.

You can also bring in the bells at New Year at New Lanark’s amazing Hogmanay Gala Dinner.

Christmas Tickets & Opening Times:

  • Opening Times: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
  • Ticket Prices:
    • Children: £19.00
    • Under 1’s: £5.00
    • Adults: £15.00

Buy Christmas at New Lanark Tickets online – New Lanark (digitickets.co.uk) or via www.newlanark.org. For more information about Christmas Events at New Lanark World Heritage and other holiday events, visit www.newlanark.org

Landmarks in Scotland go green in support of the NSPCC and Childline this Christmas 

Landmarks across Scotland shone green on the longest night of the year in support of the NSPCC and its Childline counselling service, which will be there for children across the country this Christmas.

Buildings and landmarks lit up on Friday, December 22, for the charity, including the Falkirk Wheel, Glasgow Science Centre, Glasgow Botanic Gardens and Edinburgh’s Camera Obscura as a reminder that the Childline offers a beacon of light to young people in their darkest hours.

Other sites in Scotland that lit up for the NSPCC include Dalkeith Country Park, West Lothian Civic Centre, Dundee Science Centre, Marischal College, Aberdeen and the Titan Crane in Clydebank.

Also, on December 22, people across the country took part in the NSPCC’s Walk for Children – a 5k fundraiser.

Caroline Renton, NPSCC Scotland Fundraising Manager, said: “Our Childline service is expecting a child to contact them every 45 seconds this Christmas. 

“For children facing abuse, the winter nights are dark, long and lonely, and we want all children to know that Childline is here for them, even on the darkest nights.

“We’re grateful to everyone who raised funds through walking and all those who helped with lighting up these landmarks and buildings as a reminder that Childline is here throughout the Christmas period.”

Childline counsellors are on hand around the clock to talk to young people throughout the festive period, including Christmas Day.

With schools closing their doors and children having reduced contact with wider support networks over the festive season, many vulnerable children face increased risks at home.

For those children and young people for whom Christmas means abuse, Childline is a lifeline.

Childline delivered 240 counselling sessions to children in Scotland during the 12 days of Christmas last year1.

During this period, Childline delivered more than 1,000 high-risk counselling sessions across the UK, with 64% of high-risk calls and web chats during that period coming in after dark. Childline is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, even over Christmas.

Last year, hundreds of people walked 5k on the longest night of the year and raised over £100,000 to help fund vital NSPCC services, like Childline.

The weirdest festive objects pet patients have eaten at Christmas

Seven of the weirdest festive objects PDSA pet patients have eaten at Christmas

Christmas is often dubbed ‘the most wonderful time of the year’, but sadly some pets will need to see a vet this year due to a festive emergency.

This Christmas period, PDSA Vets alongside PDSA Pet Insurance are warning pet owners of certain dangers to be wary of this time of year.

PDSA Vet Nurse Shauna Walsh explains: “Festive foods, gifts under the Christmas tree, decorations, and even the most ordinary household objects can tempt curious cats and dogs, putting them in harm’s way.

“Over the festive period, we all eat things we shouldn’t, and that’s no exception for many pets. Our veterinary teams will likely see many poorly pets in need of emergency treatment after they’ve wolfed down something they shouldn’t have over the festive season.

“In December alone last year, our veterinary teams treated over 53,000 pets, conducted over 61,000 consultations, and performed over 2,300 operations. Some of which will have been related to ingestion of a festive hazard.

“This Christmas, we’re urging owners to watch out for prying paws as we revisit seven of the oddest Christmas-themed objects our pet patients have eaten.”

7 of the oddest Christmas-themed objects PDSA pet patients have eaten

1. Fairy lights

Fiary lights

Now, you wouldn’t think fairy lights could look appetising, would you? Think again! Cheeky Charlie underwent emergency surgery at Southampton PDSA when his family discovered he had eaten fairy lights. Thankfully, the glass hadn’t cut his mouth or throat, and he hadn’t bitten through the wire when the lights were on, which could have electrocuted him! Thankfully, vets performed life-saving surgery to remove the lights, and Charlie was able to go home with his family.

2. Tinsel

Dexter's X-ray showing the tinsel in his stomach

Renowned for eating sofas, carpets, and tinsel in his younger days, when Dexter’s family noticed tinsel was missing from the mantelpiece, they were sure their dog was the culprit. However, Dexter showed no signs of illness until later that night, when he was sick. The following morning, Dexter was taken to PDSA, and x-rays confirmed tinsel in his stomach. Vets performed emergency surgery, and to his owners’ relief, Dexter could go home in time for Christmas.

3. Golf balls

Golf balls

If you’re planning to surprise a friend or family member with golf-inspired gifts this Christmas, be careful around inquisitive pets. When Azar the Doberman suddenly lost weight, his owner took him to her local PDSA Vet. To her surprise, they discovered he had swallowed not one but three golf balls! Sadly, two of the balls had lodged themselves in his small intestine, and he was at risk of suffering stomach injuries. It was touch and go, but thankfully Azar survived the operation.

4. Star-shaped Christmas decoration

Star

When a five-month-old puppy called Charlie was gagging and struggling to breathe, his worried owner knew something wasn’t right. Charlie visited his local PDSA Pet Hospital, where vets performed x-rays and, to their surprise, found a star shining back at them! Vets had to act quickly to remove the star-shaped decoration with forceps to stop the puppy from choking.

5. Nintendo DS game

Nintendo DS game

It was almost game over for Rocco when PDSA Vets discovered the curious canine had swallowed a Nintendo DS game. He started vomiting and refused to eat, so his owners took him to PDSA Glasgow Shamrock Street Pet Hospital for an emergency appointment. Vets found a rectangular-shaped object in his gut on x-rays and performed emergency surgery to remove it immediately. They were stunned to retrieve a video game cartridge from his small intestine, but thankfully, Rocco survived and was able to go home to rest and recover the following day.

6. Christmas tree decoration

Christmas tree decoration

Leah’s owner was distraught when her beloved cat began vomiting and losing weight. Her owner took her to Middlesbrough PDSA to get to the bottom of the issue, only to find Leah had eaten a tiny Christmas tree-shaped decoration! X-rays showed a perfectly formed Christmas tree in the cat’s abdomen. Vets performed emergency surgery to remove it, and thankfully Leah was able to go home with her loving owner.

7. Spoon

Spoon

Don’t forget, pets can be drawn to the most ordinary household objects too. Rottweiler Max bit off more than he could chew when he was fed strawberries and cream from a spoon and ate the spoon too! Worried, Max’s owners took him to her local PDSA Pet Hospital. An x-ray showed the spoon lodged firmly in Max’s stomach, so he was rushed into surgery to remove it. Thanks to PDSA Vets, Max survived.

PDSA is the UK’s largest vet charity providing a vital service for pets across the UK whose owners struggle to afford treatment costs for their sick and injured pets. For many vulnerable pets, PDSA is there to help when there is nowhere else for their owners to turn.

The charity’s insurance arm, PDSA Pet Insurance, offers a range of policies to cover cats and dogs for accidents and illness, as well as providing access to a 24/7 veterinary helpline. Every policy sold raises funds for the charity’s life-saving veterinary work.

To find out more visit www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-insurance-pdsa

​

Christmas at Cramond Residence

A BUMPER month-long festive celebration is well underway at one of Scotland’s most luxurious care homes.

Pensioners at Cramond Residence have been treated to the homes’ biggest ever range of activities in the build-up to Christmas thanks to the dedicated efforts of the Lifestyle Team.

In the lead-up to the big day, residents have enjoyed a delightful mix of songs, carols, parties, fine food, Christmas jumper celebrations as well as a pantomime, creating a buzzing festive atmosphere.

Elaine Vallance, Head of Lifestyle at Cramond Residence said: “This is our sixth and biggest Christmas at the home and it’s our goal to ensure it’s a magical experience for our residents.

“We focused on creating a festive atmosphere with activities that cater to all tastes to help get everyone into the spirit.

“The residents have thoroughly enjoyed the events so far, and we’ve made sure that Christmas week is filled with fantastic activities to help carry the joy into the New Year.”

Across December, Cramond Residence sparkled with festive spirit, beginning with the annual Christmas lights switch-on and a carol performance by Fettes students.

The month has featured a variety of events including religious ceremonies, sensory sessions, a Kirk service, pub nights, and numerous parties.

On Christmas Day, residents will enjoy a special festive lunch, followed by a week full of seasonal movies, a pub night, a Nutcracker ballet performance, and a grand New Year’s Eve celebration to bring in 2024 in style.

Christian Daraio, Client Liaison Manager for Cramond Residence said: “We are lucky to have Elaine and her exceptional team orchestrating an incredible array of activities for our residents.

“Christmas at Cramond Residence is always a special time for both our staff and residents. This year has been particularly memorable, and we’re looking forward to celebrating Christmas and New Year’s with all our residents.”

Cramond Residence is dedicated to meeting the unique needs of its residents, offering a bespoke activity programme that blends the luxury of a hotel with the warmth of home living. Constructed at a cost of £8m, the residence opened its doors in October 2018, embodying a philosophy of small group living with a strong focus on social interaction.

The facility provides an extensive array of dementia care services, available both within the general living environment and in a dedicated area specially designed for those in more advanced stages.

With a variety of activities specifically tailored for individuals with dementia, Cramond Residence aims to enrich their lives. The home boasts state-of-the-art facilities and a team of trained professionals committed to offering both support and respite.

For further information about Cramond Residence, call 0131 336 1064 or visit the care home’s website at cramondresidence.co.uk.

To get in touch directly, please email enquiries@cramondresidence.co.uk.

Spartans Holiday Programme

The holidays may be about to start but our Christmas programme will ensure that there are activities available during the festive season, beginning with Fridays FooTea Christmas dinners!

Check the information and remember there’s food etc available each day!

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Go Smashing Through the Snow to win with Jet2holidays this Christmas!

  • Jet2holidays launches a cracker of a Christmas competition, offering 13 tree-mendous holidays

 Jet2holidays has announced the launch of Smashing Through the Snow – a very merry competition online, giving holidaymakers the opportunity to win one of 13 tree-mendous holidays over the festive period.

Customers are being given daily chances to win a holiday between 14th-25th December by smashing through presents to gain as many points as possible in 30 seconds. Watch out for the coal, however, as points will be deducted!

To enter customers must sign up to become a myJet2 member and download the Jet2 mobile app.

With points contributing towards entries into a grand prize draw on 28th December to win a 7-night Indulgent Escapes holiday for two adults and two children to the 5-star Cullinan in Antalya, there are additional ways for players to increase their chances of winning. Entering consecutive days in a row creates a bonus multiplier which increases each day users play and sharing the campaign with friends earns extra entries too!

In addition to the lucky grand prize draw winner, twelve more holidaymakers will be jetting off with Jet2holidays, Jet2CityBreaks, Jet2Villas, Indulgent Escapes or VIBE by Jet2holidays in the instant daily wins hidden behind each door.

With a total of thirteen prizes up for grabs and multiple chances to win, entrants have plenty of opportunity to grab a getaway with Jet2holidays in the run up to Christmas.

The prizes on offer include:

Steve Heapy, CEO of Jet2.com and Jet2holidays, said: “We are delighted to be giving the gift of holidays this Christmas and spreading some festive fun by unwrapping our Smashing through the Snow competition.

“With 13 holidays up for grabs, customers have plenty of opportunity to win a holiday this festive season. We wish everyone the best of luck!”

For further information on the campaign, visit www.jet2holidays.com/smashing-through-the-snow

The Christmas Switch: Half of professionals aren’t attending their work Christmas party this year

  • 48% professionals aren’t planning on attending their work’s Christmas party this year
  • Almost two fifths state it being ‘too much effort’ this year
  • 31% are not attending because of the ‘cost associated’ with going
  • 59% of workplaces are having a downsized celebrations or none-at-all
  • Over a quarter planning to ’not drink at all’ at their office celebrations

48% of professionals in the UK and Ireland are planning on missing their work’s Christmas party this year – whilst 20% are going just to ‘show their face’.

A new poll from Walters People has shown that many professionals in the UK and Ireland are being deterred from the idea of a workplace Christmas party this year – with less time in the office, cost-of-living, and economic uncertainty all playing a role in employees decision making.

What’s changed?

When asked about the reason behind them not wanting to attend their work Christmas party – the two most common responses from professionals were that it is ‘too much effort this year’ (37%), and the personal costs associated with attending (33%).

Janine Blacksley, Director of Walters People UK comments: “The Christmas or end-of-year party has always been an important diary entry in professionals calendar – in particular in the white-collar world where the end of the year is typically a period where the company is able to slow-down or shut for a few days.

“This year it feels there has been a tide-change on the end of year Christmas party being a festive calendar staple. Our poll results show that the main deterrents echo a fatigue in professionals to make the effort or foot the costs associated with attending their office party this Christmas – they’d rather spend on their own personal Christmas plans.”

A mixed bag for many

A further quarter stated another primary deterrent for attending their Christmas work party is that their employer is spending less on the actual event.  In fact, when asked if their employer was holding a Christmas party this year – 59% stated they were either having smaller celebrations or none at all due to cost cuts.

Contrastingly, less than a third (32%) of professionals stated their workplace Christmas party was going to be a ‘big one’ this year.

Janine comments: “2023 has been a mixed bag for many companies, so it isn’t surprising that festive celebrations this year will be very dependent on industry and employer. Whilst the majority are having pared down celebrations or none at all – a percentage are planning to push the boat out.

“Whilst typically more money being spent often signifies that a company is doing well from a profit perspective, we are increasingly seeing organisations invest in their workplace culture – including Christmas parties – as an attraction and retention tactic.”

But what do professionals want this Christmas?

When asked what sort of Christmas party they’d prefer – 38% of professionals opted for ‘an open bar, party, Santa hats galore’ – whilst an almost equal amount (32%) stated that ‘a simple lunch would suffice’. A further fifth wanted a relaxed affair, with less focus on alcohol.

Many keeping this festive period dry

The theme of not drinking seems to be a preoccupation for many professionals this year – with almost double the amount (39%) of professionals planning to ‘only stick to one or two festive tipples’ at their office celebrations, compared to just a fifth who are planning to go ‘all out’ (22%). Whereas, a further 31% are planning to ‘stay entirely tee-total.’

Whilst Gen-Z seem to leading the charge in lessening the dependence of alcohol in workplace socialising, and more generally – according to Drinkaware UK, 86% of employees in the private sector are still more likely to say there is an ‘expectation’ to drink at employer events than those who work in the public sector.

Janine comments: “Our polls show a real change in attitudes towards how work Christmas parties could be carried out going forward – and potentially a permanent shift in workplace culture where there is more focus on oneself rather than team building, and a bigger lens on wellbeing and balance rather than socialising.

“Time will tell – on whether this is a more fleeting change in light of what has been a globally economically difficult year.”