It was back at the start of November that Xscape Milton Keynes announced that they would be doing a number of free activities for children this Christmas including a free visit to see Santa Claus. We were pleased but slightly sceptical about how it would work and how good it would be. You had to book the tickets online for a time and day you wanted and got a confirmation email. Since then there has been one technical problem, many people who booked for 18th Dec were sent an email asking them to re-book – we were one of those and so re-booked for 17th Dec. And so I took my 3 year old son along to Xscape for 4.15pm – the time that we had booked on that date. We were ticked off a list by one of Santa’s helpers and then waited in line. I was expecting loads of people to be there but there wasn’t. The big man in red came along a bit late but when we arrived we weren’t disappointed. My son and I were absolutely convinced he was the real Santa. He was sat in a big throne and spent a few minutes chatting to my son and he was absolutely lovely. We were then able to take a photo and Santa did a brilliant ‘Ho, ho, ho’ for the picture. My little boy was then able to choose a present from about five different ones on a table. They included a make your own stocking set, a loop and loom bracelet maker, a drawing set and a Hello Kitty felt creation set. My son chose a very simple stationary set as he’s been desperate to have a pencil sharpener for some time – I know, he’s easily pleased. Watch the video below and then scroll down for more information.

Had I have taken my 16 month old as well there weren’t really any gifts suitable for under 2s – that would be my only criticism. That said it is free, and for what it is we were really impressed. Even if you have a baby or a young toddler it’s a really great opportunity to have their photo taken for free with a wonderful Santa. So… if you have booked tickets already then I suggest you do go, particularly if this is your only visit to Santa. If you haven’t booked then there’s a couple of things you can do. Download the ‘Xscape Christmas’ app. It would appear you can still book tickets on some days using that (correct as of 10.30pm 17/12 – apologies if they’ve gone when you read this). OR just turn up on the day. There’s no guarantee you’ll get to see Santa so don’t make any promises to the kids in advance, but apparently lots of people who have booked in advance aren’t turning up. That was the case when we went – so it’s worth a try if you’re in the area. He’s there between 12pm and 6pm every day up to and including Christmas Eve. There are a couple of other free things there – kids and adults can watch a virtual reality sleigh ride sitting in a ‘sleigh’ – the sleigh doesn’t move. It’s only one at a time. It’s ok BUT we did get free virtual reality goggles to take home afterwards which was good. Kids can also go a couple of craft activities as well.

I do this blog for free. If you find this article – or any of my posts useful – could you possibly take 10 seconds to vote for me? I’m representing Milton Keynes in the champion of champions final of the Digital Awards in Feb 2017 but I need votes to win! Just click this link, then Milton Keynes Kids and submit vote. You don’t need to put in any details – it’s really appreciated. If you’re looking to visit more houses with Christmas lights have a look at the Christmas decorations section of my blog. Or if you’re looking for festive events to take the kids to then check out my list of free and cheap Christmas events.