As the weeks start ticking down rapidly to the big day on December 25, the younger members of the household may be, understandably, getting into a bit of a tizz with all the excitement. To simmer to these heightened energy levels, there are plenty of attractions, events and activities happening in the area in the run up to Christmas that will provide a welcome distraction…

Icy Action in Clarks Village…

This festive season, the icy winter wonderland awaits visitors to Clarks Village as the popular all-weather ice-skating rink has returned for its second year. The undercover 550-square-metre rink is located within the festively decorated grounds of the historic Arthur Gillet Trust, which neighbours Clarks Village and can be accessed via the dedicated entrance opposite the outlet’s restaurant terrace area. Until Sunday, January 7, 2024, the custom-built rink, featuring real ice, will be attracting skaters of all ages and abilities. Each ice-skating session lasts 45 minutes and is pre-bookable with skate hire included. The ice rink will offer quiet sessions, discos and parent and toddler sessions too. For more, see clarksvillage.co.uk.

North Somerset Times: Ice skating in Clarks Clarks Picture: Huw John

Supper with Santa in Puxton Park

Most youngsters would be thrilled to have supper with Santa, so that’s exactly what Puxton Park in Hewish has arranged this December. The sit-down feast includes a buffet dinner followed by tasty ice-cream, plus a disco and a present from the great man himself. Prior booking is essential, and the event takes place on several dates: December 8, 9, 16, 20, 21, 22 and 23. For details, call 01934 523500 or email info@puxton.co.uk

Tyntesfield’s Reindeer Trail

The festive reindeer trail at the Tyntesfield estate near Wraxall opens on Saturday, December 16 and will give youngsters a fabulous opportunity to immerse themselves in nature while on a quest to track down Santa’s wayward reindeer. The nine reindeer have escaped from Tyntesfield stables and are running riot across the estate, so young super sleuths are required to help find them using a map of the locations where they were last seen. The trail will run until January 1, 2024. For details, see: nationaltrust.org.uk and search for Tyntesfield.

North Somerset Times: Two cheeky looking elves getting ready for the CHSW run

Santas are on the Run in North Somerset

A Christmas-themed fancy dress fun run is returning to North Somerset in a brand-new location this December. Santas on the Run, a highlight for many families in the build-up to Christmas, is taking place at Charlton Farm on Sunday, December 3.

This year the event will take place at the scenic grounds of Charlton Farm, right at the heart of the local children’s hospice. The event usually attracts hundreds of participants of all ages keen to embrace the festive fun and raises thousands for Children Hospice South West and Charlton Farm. Participants can walk, jog and run a 2km route around the grounds of Charlton Farm while dressed in any festive outfit they wish.

Join the team at their event village from midday to enjoy the festive atmosphere, before starting the run through a flurry of festive snow. There will be musical entertainment, food and drink stalls, children’s crafts, face painting and other festive surprises throughout the day. There will be a medal and festive goody for everyone at the finish line.

Not only do runners and their families get one fun day out at this event, but they will also receive 50% off admission at Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm on December 2 and 3. If runners visit Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm on the Sunday, they will also receive a free hot drink.

Hollie Thorogood, events fundraiser for CHSW, said: “Get the date in your diary now! We are so excited that this year we will be at our beautiful Charlton Farm, which really does make this such a special event.

“Taking part in Santas on the Run is the perfect way to mark the start of the festive celebrations. It really gets people in the Christmas spirit while supporting their local children’s hospice at Charlton Farm, which will be continuing to offer care to families 24/7 throughout the festive season.”

There will be various fancy-dress competitions on the day, so everyone is encouraged to get as creative as possible with their festive costumes. Whether you want to sleigh it like Santa, rock it like Rudolph, sock it like a snowman or twinkle like a Christmas tree this is your chance to embrace all things Christmas and all for a good cause. It has proven to be a festive favourite, being the perfect event to get family, friends or even work colleagues involved in.

Tickets are on sale and are currently priced at £12 per adult, £6 per child and under 3s go free.

Simply visit www.chsw.org.uk/santas to book your place today.