HAVE A MERRY ZOOM CHRISTMAS

If there was one thing we learnt over the first lockdown, it was that most activities can be recreated virtually – and the festive season is no different...

E-meet Father Christmas: Sitting on Santa’s lap may be off limits, but there are plenty of virtual grottos. Event company Boo Productions is offering an experience taking in an elf show, before each family has a live visit with Santa (booproductions.com/ booking). Wonder Adventure is hosting its Father Christmas experience via Facebook.

Santa will interact via a video chat, and you can book reindeer training, a virtual sleigh ride or an elf-themed treasure hunt (wonder-adventures. myshopify.com).

Do a digital masterclass: Henley School of Art has launched an art class with a twist – drawing animals across the world, from Longhorn cattle in Oxfordshire to wild mountain gorillas in Rwanda (thehenleyschool ofart.com). Meanwhile, John Lewis and Waitrose have more than 100 virtual experiences available from wreathmaking to festive baking (experiences. johnlewis. com/events).

Host a drinks “party”: Try virtual drinks with Madam Geneva and Gent, whose Christmas offering includes a festive cocktail box for each guest while you are shown how to mix each one (madam genevaandgent.co.uk).

Virtual alternatives: If you need an activity that isn’t based on drinking, try Socialeyes (socialeyes. club/). Their calendar features interactive shows, including Rufus Hound’s Quizmas Tree, a magic extravaganza from Britain’s Got Talent finalist Magical Bones, and an interactive baking class with Great British Bake Off’s Ugne Bubnaityte. Alternatively, the Digital Murder Mystery Company (digitalmurdermystery.com) is hosting Runaway Rudolph - can you locate the famous reindeer in time for Christmas Eve?