Wiltshire


<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2019/10/Christmas-at-Stourhead-2019.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-16685" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-christmas-light-trails">CHRISTMAS LIGHT TRAILS</h2>



<p>Stourhead’s stunning gardens are spectacular at the best of times, but they’re sensational right now, with thousands of lights and lasers popping about. You’ll find larger-than-life illuminations, glittering tunnels and sparkling trees – plus lashings of hot chocolate and marshmallows to warm you up. Tickets from £10, find out more <a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/wiltshire/stourhead/christmas-lights-at-stourhead" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>.</p>



<p>Westonbirt Arboretum’s <a href="https://www.forestryengland.uk/westonbirt/enchanted-christmas">E</a><a href="https://www.forestryengland.uk/westonbirt/enchanted-christmas" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nchanted Lights</a> trail runs on selected dates until 23 Dec. With sparkling lights, Christmassy soundscapes and impressive installations, this one is a little bit spesh. Tickets cost from £14, and you can book your slot <a href="https://www.forestryengland.uk/westonbirt/enchanted-christmas">here</a>.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2023/12/Longleat-festival-of-light-resized-fairy-castle.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-32402" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2023/12/Longleat-festival-of-light-resized-fairy-castle.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2023/12/Longleat-festival-of-light-resized-fairy-castle-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2023/12/Longleat-festival-of-light-resized-fairy-castle-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2023/12/Longleat-festival-of-light-resized-fairy-castle-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Longleat / Lloyd Winters</figcaption></figure>



<p>With its giant glowing lanterns, Longleat’s <a href="https://www.longleat.co.uk/the-festival-of-light/discover-treasured-tales" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Festival of Light</a> is pretty magical. This year’s theme is certainly a goodie &#8211; step through the famous wardrobe into Narnia, where you’ll find a world of illuminated characters, including Aslan and the White Witch. The 15-metre singing Christmas tree will be blasting out its tunes too, plus the safari, zoo and play parks are open. Tickets from £33.70, you can find out more <a href="https://www.longleat.co.uk/the-festival-of-light/tickets" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>.</p>



<p>Back for the third year in a row, Swindon’s Town Gardens will be lit up with state-of-the-art installations, light art sculptures, low-level soundscapes and a specially-designed light show. Small people in tow? There are local vendors selling food and drink, and the route is fully accessible too. The event runs until Christmas Eve and tickets cost from £7, with under 5’s going free. Bag your spot <a href="https://towngardens-swindon.co.uk/enchanted-gardens-light-trail-2023/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-panto">PANTO</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2023/12/Dick-Whittington-resized-3.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-32257" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2023/12/Dick-Whittington-resized-3.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2023/12/Dick-Whittington-resized-3-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2023/12/Dick-Whittington-resized-3-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2023/12/Dick-Whittington-resized-3-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>He’s behind you! Panto season is firmly upon us and Salisbury Playhouse is showing one of our faves. <a href="https://www.wiltshirecreative.co.uk/events/dick-whittington" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Dick Whittingto</em></a><a href="https://www.wiltshirecreative.co.uk/events/dick-whittington"><em>n</em></a> and his cool cat Cosmo are starring in the city until 7 Jan 2024 &#8211; you can read our review <a href="https://wilts.muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/arts-culture-things-to-do/review-dick-whittington-at-salisbury-playhouse/#:~:text=THE%20MUDDY%20VERDICT,under%20the%20age%20of%20four." target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>. Expect exciting escapades, dazzling dances, and sparkling songs from the live band. Oh and a healthy dose of pyrotechnics, strobe lighting, toilet humour and mild peril. Sounds ideal! Tickets from £17, book <a href="https://www.wiltshirecreative.co.uk/events/dick-whittington#dates-and-times" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2023/12/Wyvern-Theatre-resized.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-32392" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2023/12/Wyvern-Theatre-resized.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2023/12/Wyvern-Theatre-resized-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2023/12/Wyvern-Theatre-resized-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2023/12/Wyvern-Theatre-resized-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Who’s the fairest of them all? Head to Swindon’s Wyvern Theatre to find out, in this production of <em>Snow White</em>. Ru Paul’s Drag Race favourite Divina De Campo leads the cast, which also includes Milkshake! Presenter Nathan Connor and Disney Channel star Samantha Dorrance. The fun kicks off on 2 Dec and runs until 31 Dec, <a href="https://trafalgartickets.com/wyvern-theatre-swindon/en-GB/event/pantomime/snow-white-relaxed-performance-tickets">ti</a><a href="https://trafalgartickets.com/wyvern-theatre-swindon/en-GB/event/pantomime/snow-white-relaxed-performance-tickets" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ckets</a><a href="https://trafalgartickets.com/wyvern-theatre-swindon/en-GB/event/pantomime/snow-white-relaxed-performance-tickets"> </a>from £18.50.</p>



<p>A short (ish) hop over to Bristol takes you to the Hippodrome, where the legend that is David Suchet stars in Peter Pan. Expect a swashbuckling trip to Neverland, with loads of laughs along the way. Tickets from £13, book <a href="https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/peter-pan/bristol-hippodrome/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a><a href="https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/peter-pan/bristol-hippodrome/">.</a></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-father-christmas">FATHER CHRISTMAS </h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2023/11/Swindon-Outlet-Joy-photo-.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-32227" /></figure>



<p>Need to shop and entertain the kids at the same time (no easy feat)? Over at <a href="https://www.mcarthurglen.com/en/outlets/uk/designer-outlet-swindon/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Swindon Designer Outlet</a>, you’ll find Santa tucked away in the Enchanted Wardrobe. Every half-hour session includes crafts and photo-opps and, best of all, you get it for the price of a £2.50 donation to <a href="https://www.prospect-hospice.net/your-prospect/donate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Prospect Hospice</a>. Book your slot before you shop, <a href="https://www.mcarthurglen.com/en/outlets/uk/designer-outlet-swindon/whats-on/Santa/">h</a><a href="https://www.mcarthurglen.com/en/outlets/uk/designer-outlet-swindon/whats-on/Santa/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ere</a>.</p>



<p>He’s a busy man, but Father Christmas finds time to visit The Pound in Corsham on 21 Dec. Expect a sackful of silly stories in this hour-long show, which includes a meet-and-greet. Tickets £10, book<a href="https://poundarts.org.uk/whats-on/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> here</a>.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2023/12/Swindon-arts-centre-resized.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-32400" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2023/12/Swindon-arts-centre-resized.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2023/12/Swindon-arts-centre-resized-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2023/12/Swindon-arts-centre-resized-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2023/12/Swindon-arts-centre-resized-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Swindon Arts Centre is hosting a cracker of a show until 24 December. Santa’s Christmas Wish promises to be festive, song-filled and interactive – plus it&#8217;s followed by a meet, greet (and treat) from Father Christmas himself. With a running length of 45 minutes, this is ideal for under 8&#8217;s. Tickets from £14.50, <a href="https://trafalgartickets.com/swindon-arts-centre/en-GB/event/family/santas-christmas-wish-tickets">her</a><a href="https://trafalgartickets.com/swindon-arts-centre/en-GB/event/family/santas-christmas-wish-tickets" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">e</a>. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2023/11/Roves-Farm-resized.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-32226" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2023/11/Roves-Farm-resized.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2023/11/Roves-Farm-resized-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2023/11/Roves-Farm-resized-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2023/11/Roves-Farm-resized-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Roves Farm is getting in on the action too, with an elf show, festive crafts and living nativity with donkeys, sheep &amp; alpacas (of course). There’s also a fab Santa’s grotto experience, which includes a meet and greet with the man himself and the chance for children to choose a gift in the toy shop. You’ll need to <a href="https://rovesfarm.digitickets.co.uk/event-tickets/20732?catID=40862&amp;navItem=574675">book ticket</a><a href="https://rovesfarm.digitickets.co.uk/event-tickets/20732?catID=40862&amp;navItem=574675" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">s</a> (from £10) in advance and there are only a few spaces left, so get in quick! </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2023/11/Old-Bell-Hotel-resized-1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-32231" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2023/11/Old-Bell-Hotel-resized-1.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2023/11/Old-Bell-Hotel-resized-1-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2023/11/Old-Bell-Hotel-resized-1-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2023/11/Old-Bell-Hotel-resized-1-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Malmesbury’s <a href="https://www.oldbellhotel.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Old Bell Hotel</a> has some pretty fabulous guests, but none more so than Santa Claus himself. He pays a visit on the afternoon of 22 Dec, check out prices and book your slot <a href="https://www.oldbellhotel.co.uk/about-us/whatson/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>. Hungry? It&#8217;s well worth stopping for food. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2023/12/11.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-32280" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2023/12/11.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2023/12/11-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2023/12/11-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2023/12/11-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Father Christmas and an afternoon tea?  Sounds like a pretty good combo to us. Head to Bishopstrow Hotel on 23rd, where you can tuck into Sunday lunch or an afternoon tea, then take the children to the enchanted grotto to meet the man himself. For more info and booking see<a href="https://www.bishopstrowhotel.com/offers/father-christmas-at-bishopstrow/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> here</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-christmas-carols">CHRISTMAS CAROLS </h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2023/12/5.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-32269" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2023/12/5.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2023/12/5-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2023/12/5-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2023/12/5-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>It doesn’t get much more Christmassy than carols by candlelight. Head over to <a href="https://www.salisburycathedral.org.uk/arrangements/carols-by-candlelight-2/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Salisbury Cathedral</a> on 22 and 23 Dec for carols, choral works and readings. Things kick off at 7pm, but it’ll be hugely popular, so do get there early.</p>



<p>There are carols down the road at <a href="https://www.messums.org/exhibitions/event-carol-singing-at-messums-west/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Messums</a> on 22 Dec too, this time in aid of Tisbury Fire Service. Head to the barn to join 200 voices and the Woodfalls Band – you’ll find mulled wine, drinks and mince pies at the bar too. &nbsp;</p>


Christmas crackers! Festive fun in Wiltsire this week

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