CHRISTMAS is all about the kids – but keeping the little blighters entertained can be costly.
This year, bang in the middle of a cost-of-living crisis, money worries are sure to be more pressing than ever.
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But if you know where to go there is lots of FREE fun that will put smiles on young faces, and help out Mum and Dad.
We check out what is on offer this festive season . . .
UK WIDE: McArthurGlen Designer Outlets at seven locations across the country, including York, Nottingham and Cardiff, are offering free family entertainment to keep kids busy while parents fit in some discount present shopping.
Fun includes carol concerts and storytimes with Santa — as the big man reads from his sleigh.
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No booking required but check your local outlet for times.
SOUTH BANK, LONDON: A magical free winter lights show is running until January 7
From 4pm to 11pm daily, enjoy spectacular installations from more than ten artists.
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It is a seasonal delight for young and old alike, and children can either explore the displays for themselves or follow a guided map.
Check out southbankcentre.co.uk.
ISLINGTON, NORTH LONDON: Jolly visits from Saint Nick, puppet shows, festive workshops and meet-and-greets are among more than 30 kids’ activities to choose from at the Angel Central complex.
See angelcentral.co.uk.
MANCHESTER: Talking Christmas trees, puppet shows and illuminated reindeer are just some of the head-turners at venues across the city centre during festive Sundays all this month.
There are also brass bands, a Christmas parade and a toy procession starring Sugar Plum Fairies, elves and toy soldiers.
Event listings and visitor information at visitmanchester.com/whats-on.
BLACKPOOL: Roll up to the Tower Festival Headland, opposite Black- pool Tower, until New Year’s Day for a free skating rink, festive fair, magnificent Christmas trees and, of course, lots of wondrous seasonal illuminations to put everyone in the festive spirit.
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See visitblackpool.com.
CHESTER: Free entry to the Chester Christmas Market is a feelgood bonanza back by popular demand for an eleventh year.
But gather your friends and family and get along quick — today and tomorrow are its last days this year.
Browse stalls loaded with stocking fillers aplenty and other great gifts, while scoffing delicious festive fare.
Grown-ups can also make merry with locally brewed beers and spirits.
For little ones there are twinkling lights, traditional Christmas huts and a giant tree.
See visitcheshire.com.
MACCLESFIELD: Freebies galore include a Twilight Market and a Christmas tree festival with all manner of fabulous illuminations.
Plus, an advent trail running until New Year’s Eve where kids can get busy, and whoop with excitement, trying to find escaped snowmen scattered around town in the windows of local businesses.
Pull on your bobble hats, follow the map and set out to track down those snowmen.
BRETTON, WEST YORKS: Children go free at the Yorkshire Sculpture Park’s festive trail until the end of January.
They can gaze wide-eyed at the interactive light installations and learn how they are activated by microphones.
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See ysp.org.uk.
NORTHAMPTON: Winter sport thrills and spills are kicking off at the market on Commercial Street where you can have a free go at ice- skating and curling, on until Friday from 10am until 4pm.
All skates and equipment are also provided at no cost.
Just turn up with family and friends and get in on the action.
See more details at westnorthants.gov.uk.
BURY ST EDMUNDS, SUFFOLK: There is more free skating at the historic cathedral town’s beautiful ice rink in Charter Square.
The synthetic family-friendly attraction is open until January 3, so plenty of time to get the family out for a blast of fresh air if you are all feeling a little cooped up.
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The rink’s environmentally friendly surface will stay frozen whatever the weather and anyone can give it a whirl, even if you’ve never skated before.
Aids are on offer for beginners, and families are encouraged to turn up and have a go at open sessions on a first come, first served basis.
No advance booking or skate hire required.
For more information on slot times see christmasinburystedmunds.co.uk.
Oh, and no trip to the town is complete, especially at this time of year, without a wander around the magnificent St Edmundsbury Cathedral, dating to the 11th century.
PLYMOUTH: There is fun and games for all the family on the coast in Devon right now, where Plymouth is offering a busy programme of no-cost Christmas entertainment.
In Sutton Harbour you can enjoy the Christmas lights and take in the Reindeer Trail — a fabulous free family activity that is sure to delight the little ones.
Also, party on down to free live entertainment, warm up with a glass of mulled wine and tuck into delicious festive food.
Read all about it at visitplymouth.co.uk/ christmas-in-plymouth.
MILFORD HAVEN, PEMBROKES: Every Saturday this month, Milford Waterfront is alive with a programme of free marina-side yuletide entertainment from noon until 3pm.
Activities to keep the children happy include Christmas crafting and a meet-and-greet with Sparkle the Elf, Crimbo-themed walkabout acts featuring a Naughty or Nice Machine on wheels and stilt-walking reindeer.
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There is also lots of festive singing from the local Welsh choir and a Nutcracker Trail where eager little ones have the chance to embark on a prize-winning quest.
DUNDEE: The city has got its party hat on this festive season, offering a fabulous programme of free fun for kids.
From tomorrow until Sunday this week, activities kicking off in City Square include unicorn dance parties and visits from Father Christmas.
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Children can also enjoy free festive crafts sessions to maybe create some last-minute prezzies for the family.
Meanwhile, all the family can admire seasonal installations and ice carvings, including a 3D Christmas card, plus illuminated wishing fountains and designer Christmas trees.
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You can also enjoy a spot of curling — maybe trying it out for the first time, and seeing if you have the makings of a Winter Olympic champion.
For more about what’s on in town, check out dundee.com.
