SNOW IS FALLING

ICE SKATING, LONDON

‘ Tis the season for ice rinks to appear where you least expect them. In London, the most spectacular locations include the Natural History Museum, where a rink sits beneath a Christmas tree and Alfred Waterhouse’s glorious terracotta building. Somerset House is another favourite, with an excellent bar, while Hampton Court Palace might be the capital’s most romantic spot for a skate. Natural History Museum skate from £12.50 (child from £8.80); until Jan 20; nhm.ac.uk

ICE SCULPTURES, MANCHESTER

Offering more than just an ice rink, Manchester’s Cathedral Gardens are home to an ice cavern filled with more than 100 frozen sculptures depicting elves and animals, hand-carved by some of the world’s best ice artists. There is also a woodland market, choirs and Santa’s grotto. Family entry to the ice cavern £28; ice skating £35; until Jan 5; icevillage.co.uk

‘THE SNOWMAN’ AT WINTER WONDERLAND, LONDON

Hyde Park’s festive fairground extravaganza offers an array of familyfriendly things to do (including huts for carol-oke singing) but queues to get in can test parental goodwill. A visit should be worthwhile though, if only to catch an interactive screening of The Snowman from Backyard Cinema. Favourite scenes are brought to life and we are told that children will get to “fly” with the snowman. Free; family entry to The Snowman from £27.80; until Jan 6; hydeparkwinter wonderland.com

HOUSE OF LOST AND FOUND, NEWCASTLE

The story being told at Gateshead’s winter wonderland is that of a travelling fair. Expect interactive art installations and puppetry as you are taken on an immersive walk through Saltwell Park, featuring light, fire and performance. Entry £9 (children four and over £4.50); Dec 4-9; enchantedparks.com

SIGNING WITH SANTA, DERBYSHIRE

The team at 18th-century Kedleston Hall is providing special signing sessions with Santa for children with autism and hearing difficulties. Families are also invited to stroll around the parkland as the sun sets for winter solstice – the shortest day of the year. Bring a lantern (or torch) to light your way. The walk ends at a fire pit, where carols will be sung. Entry £13.60 (child £6.80); signing £6, walk on Dec 21; nationaltrust.org.uk