Three of the best: Festive family days out

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Whether the kids want to meet Santa, show off their ice skating skills or witness something new and exciting this Christmas, we've found three of the best festive family days out for all to enjoy...

Burning of the Clocks, Brighton

If you fancy taking the kids to see something a little different, taking part in the annual Burning of the Clocks parade in Brighton could be just the treat. The event invites everyone to celebrate the Winter Solstice (the shortest day of the year) on 21 December, when residents and visitors take to the streets holding handmade lanterns decorated with wishes, hopes and fears, before throwing them into a fire on the beach. To finish there's a big fireworks display so your Christmas celebrations can really go off with a bang!

The Christmas Adventure at Stockeld Park, Yorkshire

In Yorkshire, stunning Stockeld Park hosts the magical Christmas Adventure, with plenty to see and do throughout the festive season. The four Adventure Zones (until 6 January) set within the beautiful countryside feature a maze, ice skating and the Enchanted Forest, which you can explore on foot or on Nordic skis. Visit Santa (10 November to 24 December) in his brand new luxury woodland log cabin and don't miss the pantomime (24 and 25 November) to get you in the festive mood. Why not pick up your Christmas tree at Stockeld Park too? The estate grows over half a million of them for you to buy from 28 November.

Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, London

For a fun family day out in London, head to Hyde Park's Winter Wonderland from 23 November to 6 January, and treat the kids to traditional winter attractions and entertainment in the city. Here you can find the UK's largest ice rink around the historic Victorian Band Stand with live music playing and 108,000 pea lights twinkling as you skate. The iconic Giant Observation Wheel offers views over the capital and the Angels Christmas Market features over one hundred chalets selling everything from ceramics to clothing. Do the kids like the circus? Head to the super-heated Zippos Circus tent to see world-class jugglers, clowns and aerialists. Entry to Winter Wonderland is free too so you can spend as little or as much as you like!

Browse more brilliant spots to visit with the family this winter...

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