On Saturday we went to the opening of Drayton Manor for their Magical Christmas and, even after three years, it never fails to amaze me. I love the effort that they go to, Thomasland looks absolutely amazing and the big Christmas tree is one of my favourites. Everywhere you looked their was snow, sparkly christmas trees and everyone was dressed up in festive fashion too. 

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When I listened to Isla telling the family that it was snowing at Thomasland, it made it hit home, to a little three year old girl it must have felt real. The weather being subzero temperatures helped too I think.  Noah got stuck right in, on his favourite rides and he tried the new Toby ride which he couldn’t go on the last time we visited, and those troublesome trucks. He had a fabulous time. 

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Obviously we had to watch the 4D Polar Express cinema experience, which does not get old, the children adore it. I love, love, love it. The 15 minute run down is just a perfect amount of time. It is a great movie, the children find it fascinating when you zoom around in the chair, the hot chocolate splashing you in the face and the winds blowing when the train comes to a halt. You need to experience this movie – it is also fun taking photos with the glasses on just before the movie starts. 

 

Polar express 4D. ☃☃☃

A photo posted by dean constant (@deanconstant) on

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We went to see Father Christmas in the castle of dreams, we were a little late for our appointment because of the train rides (we got stuck at the station near the zoo) but they still let us in and the children were not as shy with him, unlike last year. We got an almost photo: 

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The fireworks at the end of the day were as amazing as always, they were set over the lake this year and the reflections on the water made the fireworks display look more magical. It was great. Despite the cold, the kids stood still for the entire time and I kept hearing “wows” from Isla, so it was a big hit! I captured the fireworks on video too if you want to see, its one of the best displays I have seen. 

You can see the opening times and activities on the Drayton Manor website: draytonmanor.co.uk. You can follow them on Twitter too: draytonmanor