A recently revamped railway-themed visitor attraction in Darlington has announced its exciting Christmas plans early.
Hopetown Darlington will have the newly-restored replica Locomotion No. 1 as a stunning centrepiece in the historic Grade II listed Carriage Works, which will be transformed into a snow-covered, fantastical forest of magical trees and woodland creatures.
Santa Claus is set to steam into Hopetown Darlington on Locomotion No.1 to take a quick rest before he sets off all around the world delivering presents.
Children will love searching for his missing reindeer in the Enchanted Forest Reindeer Trail.
Explore the enchanted forest every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday in the last week of November and throughout December.
The trail is also available on the last weekend of November and in between Christmas and New Year.
Tickets are £5 per child for the Enchanted Woodland Trail and adults are free of charge (ticket required).
Separately, families can also visit Santa Claus in the stunning Grade II-listed Carriage Works.
A visit to Santa’s grotto is the highlight of a two-hour event including festive crafts and storytelling, and a wondrous wintry walk in the Enchanted Forest Reindeer Trail.
Children can create their own holly crown and join Padraig the Storyteller around a traditional Anglo-Saxon cart as he regales them with long-forgotten Christmas stories.
Hear about how the tale of the Holly King links to Father Christmas and the changing of the seasons.
Meet Santa Claus himself and talk about Christmas plans this year. Every child visiting Santa will receive an early Christmas gift.
Starting on Friday, December 6, Santa will be at Hopetown Darlington every Friday, Saturday and Sunday – and on Monday, December 23– leading up to Christmas.
Prices start at £22.50 for one child and up to two accompanying adults. Additional adults are £5 each.
Schools can make use of exclusive visits to the Enchanted Forest to take part in the interactive trail and visit Santa Claus. Pupils will receive an early Christmas present and take part in storytelling and arts and crafts. Each pupil will also receive a certificate at end of the trail.
School visits are available Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from the last week of November until the end of the school term.
Details for Christmas at the Carriage Works are available on Hopetown Darlington’s What’s On webpage https://www.hopetowndarlington.co.uk/whats-on/.
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