Family Christmas Fun at Ham House

With Christmas well on its way - forgive the penchant for pointing out the obvious - attractions throughout the country will be hosting events and activities for everyone to take part in, but I will of course be focusing on the Richmond Borough. I was planning on writing about either the Tudor Christmas at Hampton Court, or perhaps even the Christmas and New Year Steam Up at the Kew Bridge Steam Museum, but a quick look at their calendars revealed that both had been rescheduled! So I'll have to blog those another day...

So in my search for something to write about, I thought about what Christmas meant and for me it means the togetherness of family and friends - regardless of, what I consider, a real-life Scrooge uttered; after nearly 90 years you're tired of Christmas and hate snow?! The prospect of a 'White Christmas' doesn't tickle some childhood fantasy?! Of course, I've only been around for nearly a quarter of a century, and you may have already had a White Christmas...but I haven't...at least I don't remember having one...

Anyway, it suddenly dawned on me to check my calendar for places doing activities for families, and I came across Ham House's Family Fun event. This will occur every weekend with the 19th December being the last day, and occur from 11am-to 5pm each day. Prices will be the following:

• Adult - £3.50
• Child Over 5 - £2.35
• Family (2 Adults + 2 Children) - £9.25
• Children Under 5 have FREE entry

The event will feature the following:

• Christmas Fair Marquee to buy unique gifts from a fantastic array of stallholders
• Activities in the Basement, including crafts, balloon modelling, face painting and storytelling
• Christmas Trail for children in the garden
• Mini Carousel

Quite an interesting line-up! Also, Ham House will be holding Family Carol Concerts on Saturdays and Timeless Carols on Sundays - each have their own set of prices. Finally - something to warm your belly! - the Orangery Cafe will be serving Traditional Christmas Dinners from 6.30pm, though booking is essential.

I hope this tickles your fancy and adds something to your Christmas Holiday - keep an eye out for more information on other activities in the Borough!