I visited the new LaplandUK in Manchester
THERE have been worrying mutterings in my six-year-old son’s school
playground that Father Christmas isn’t actually the real deal.
But it took a simple sentence from a Lapland UK Santa to make Alex
firmly believe again.
He told him: “I hear you’ve been line leader at school Alex. How fantastic is that!”
His jaw dropped with amazement that the big man knew this – while my
eyes filled up with tears at the magical moment.
We were at Lapland Manchester which opened this year after the success
of its first site Lapland Ascot.
When tickets launched in March, more than 750,000 people joined a virtual queue for tickets ranging from £65 up to £155 per person, depending on the date, with both kids and adults paying the same.
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As we arrived at the grand Capesthorne Hall, near Macclesfield in
Cheshire, excitement was high.
We were guided through the first of many sparkly walkways and
transported into a fairytale magical world where for the next four and
a half hours each and every member of staff constantly remained in
character.
At the woodland check in, porter Buzz wished us a “cheery-hi” and
put his thumb on his nose and wiggled his fingers.
It was the Lapland gesture we were all doing in return by the end of the day!
He gave Alex and my goddaughter Maia an “Elvn Passport” so they could
pass through an enchanted forest to meet Father Christmas and his
elves.
Tickets suggest arriving here 45 minutes before your allotted time –
I would double that so you can get a coffee and exchange your money
for Jingles, the Lapland currency.
We, together with about 200 people, were led to a woodland area where
a theatrical show explained there’s strictly no “grump-a-Lumps”
allowed in Lapland.
Then another walkway led to a performance where we had to wiggle our fingers, squash our noses, blink three times and curl our toes so a huge door could open for the next stage to the Toy Factory.
Alex finally started to understand what was really going on.
After booking your Lapland tickets you receive an invite “from Santa”
explaining he is so busy this year he needs “kind” kids to help him
save Christmas.
Alex was put to task making a soft toy polar bear.
He silently went to work and then put the polar bear on a conveyor belt to Santa.
He was proud as punch with a job well done.
Next was The Lapland Bakery with another show from Mother Christmas but Alex only really cared about decorating a gingerbread house – and eating it.
Then my favourite part of the experience.
The Elven Village – a magical world with a starry ceiling and snow covered trees.
You have 90 minutes there to send a letter to Father Christmas from
the Post Office, visit the library or buy sweets, toys or decorations
in the shops.
I was gutted we had booked Lapland in the middle of the day because
Alex was starving.
The food was great and he loved the £10 kids meal deal of sourdough pizza, chunky chips and juice.
But it meant we had to rush around – and didn’t have time to wait in the queue for the ice skating rink.
I placated my tearful child with a chocolate coated giant marshmallow
on a stick, and winced at the £6 price tag.
Next came the Reindeer Lodge before entering a grand waiting room to see Santa.
This was organised beautifully.
Staff quietly confirmed details from your booking confirmation that Alex had been “line leader” before an elf took us down a long forest pathway.
Finally we arrived at a little wooden house… and Santa himself.
This was no garden centre Santa.
He was a wide girthed, full bearded jolly version (with a very strong west midland accent!), and a bit of cheeky banter about him, too.
Santa thanked the kids for making the polar bears, made them honorary elves, gave them a soft toy gift and discussed their achievements.
It was perfectly done, we didn’t feel rushed for a second and after
saying goodbye Alex said he now knew Santa was “real”.
When he wakes on Christmas morning that will be confirmed because,
before leaving, I was discreetly handed a replica toy polar bear
together with a thank you note from Santa for December 25.
That is guaranteed to keep his – and my – Christmas dreams alive so we
can return to the magic of Lapland UK next year.
For other Christmas experiences in the UK, you could also head to Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park, London.
Or perhaps head on one of these 27 free festive experiences across the UK for families including light trails and Santa’s grotto.