Christmas is a magical time of year with people brightening up their homes and gardens to make the most of the festive season, so it makes sense that centres across the UK are turning themselves into spell-binding places for a garden centre Christmas. People can combine their shopping trips for festive decorations and Christmas trees with delicious Christmas meals for the whole family and even visits to Father Christmas!

In this article, we look at why garden centres are such great locations for a Christmas family day out, and what kind of activities you can expect at your typical centre. Every centre is different though, so make sure you call ahead or check their website to avoid disappointment.

Father Christmas Is Coming Soon To A Centre Near You!

You don't need to go to the North Pole to experience a Winter Wonderland, as one is most likely coming to a centre near you!

Garden centres know that Christmas shopping - whether it is for gifts or decorations - can be a stressful experience. Choosing between organising a babysitter and bringing easily distracted children on a shopping trip isn't an easy decision for parents to make. That's why they have started to create Winter Wonderlands of their own for a truly 'garden centre Christmas': to keep children entertained and on their best behaviour as the whole family shops for their Christmas trees and decorations.

At some of the bigger centres, teams of cheeky elves and furry friends will be there to entertain the family from start to finish as you journey to Father Christmas' grotto, and every child will receive a gift to keep them smiling all the way home. At other centres, you'll probably find similarly themed but smaller departments where Father Christmas will be sat ready to welcome every child who comes to the centre.

You should have the opportunity to book a slot with Father Christmas in advance at some garden centre Christmas Wonderlands; at others you can probably just drop in. Once again, it's recommended you call ahead or visit the centres website to find out what services they offer.

Getting the whole family involved in a Christmas family activity is the best way to bond in the run up to the big day. A visit to a garden centre can get two jobs done at once! While mum and dad are getting the shopping done, the children get to enjoy a magical experience meeting Father Christmas.

Why Have Christmas Dinner At A Garden Centre?

If once a year isn't enough for your fill of Christmas Dinner, check in with your local centre; many of the larger ones across the UK now offer catering facilities like cafes and restaurants, and you'll find that most will have a menu to suit a garden centre Christmas.

There are many reasons why it's a good idea to have Christmas dinner at a garden centre. First, they'll have access to lots of fresh ingredients making it a delicious meal. Secondly, shopping for Christmas trees, seasonal plants and decorations can be hungry and thirsty work, so why not keep the Christmas spirit alive with a festive sit-down meal? There's nothing quite like it for making you feel all warm inside and in the mood for Christmas Day.

The only question you have to ask yourself is do you prefer the traditional Christmas turkey dinner with Christmas plum pudding and brandy sauce, or do you like the sound of hot roast beef with fresh vegetables, Yorkshire Pudding and a delicious homemade raspberry and sherry trifle to finish instead?

Many centres will start running their Christmas Menus from November with appropriate children's menus and vegetarian options, but it's always a good idea to check beforehand and make a booking where necessary to make ensure you aren't disappointed.

Your Christmas Garden Centre

A visit to Father Christmas, Christmas tree, decoration and seasonal plant shopping, and a wonderful, festive themed sit-down meal. What could be a more perfect day out? Going to a garden centre is a smart way of keeping the children entertained and the home looking magical for the winter season. For this reason, it makes your Christmas preparations even more enjoyable.

If you're not sure where your nearest centre is, check your phone book or look online. Alternatively, The Garden Centre Group's range of centres across the UK are offering a whole range of Christmas activities in the run up to November and December.

Make Christmas hassle free and enjoyable for the entire family and choose a garden centre Christmas as your next family destination.