A Festive Family Day Out at The Alnwick Garden and Lilidorei

Nice 2-4-1 deal at The Alnwick Garden

This holiday season, we were really excited about experiencing the Christmas Light Trail at The Alnwick Garden in Northumberland. It’s been on our to-do list for a while, but unfortunately, we couldn’t get booked for the day we wanted. So, we changed our plans. We took advantage of a fantastic 2-4-1 deal. This allowed us to visit both The Alnwick Garden and Lilidorei.

A Magical Surprise

Lilidorei was a magical surprise! We’d never visited before, and it turned out to be a perfect winter wonderland for both children and adults. Nestled within The Alnwick Garden, Lilidorei transports you to a world of festive fantasy. Every corner is filled with holiday cheer. This year, Lilidorei offered a special Christmas experience. It provided a “passport to different countries.” This allowed children to explore and learn about Christmas traditions from across the world.

Different Traditions Around the World

We heard about Austria’s Krampus. We also learned about Ukraine’s holiday folklore with the Christmas Spider. Catalonia’s quirky “Caga Tió” log and Iceland’s Yule Cat were fascinating too. Introducing Cyrus to these customs was a brilliant way to show him the diversity of holiday customs. He was fascinated by each country’s unique way of celebrating Christmas. It added a special layer to the experience. The experience felt both educational and fun.

Krampus Legend Parades

In Germany and Austria, we learned about Krampus, a darker figure who contrasts with the cheerful Santa Claus. Krampus is a half-goat, half-demon creature who roams the streets during Advent. Saint Nicholas rewards good children with gifts. Meanwhile, Krampus scares naughty ones or even takes them away in his sack. The Krampus legend is so popular, every year, there are Krampus parades. People dress up in terrifying costumes to keep the holiday spirits alive in the most dramatic way. It was fascinating to see how a country could weave both joy and terrifying elements into their Christmas celebration.

The Ukranian Christmas Spider

In Ukraine, we were introduced to the charming story of the Christmas Spider. According to Ukrainian folklore, a poor woman decorated her Christmas tree with what little she had. As the night went on, the tree became covered in cobwebs. In the morning, the webs magically turned into silver and gold, bringing prosperity and happiness to her home. Today, it’s customary to decorate Ukrainian trees with artificial spider webs or small spiders. This fun and unique tradition adds a touch of magic and mystery to the holiday season. It was lovely to see how the Ukrainians found a way to blend natural elements with festive cheer. Cyrus was absolutely enchanted by the idea of a spider helping to bring gifts.

Caga Tió Pooping Log

Over in Catalonia, we encountered the Caga Tió log, a tradition that’s as quirky as it is delightful. The Caga Tió, or “pooping log,” is a hollowed-out log decorated with a painted face and “legs.” On Christmas Eve, children gather around the log and hit it with sticks. They sing traditional songs to “force” the log to “poop” out small gifts and sweets. It’s a light-hearted tradition that brings laughter and fun to the holiday season. Cyrus couldn’t help but giggle at the thought of a log delivering presents in such a silly way. It’s a fun tradition, it feels like a game. It’s certainly one of the more memorable customs we learned about.

Iceland’s Yule Cat

Next, we travelled to Iceland. We explored the legend of the Yule Cat, a mythical creature who haunts the countryside during Christmas. According to the tale, the Yule Cat is a large and menacing feline. It watches for people who haven’t received new clothes for Christmas. Those who haven’t been gifted new clothing are said to be eaten by the Yule Cat. While it sounds a bit frightening, the tradition encourages people to give new clothes to others during the holiday season. This ensures that no one is left without. It was a unique way to weave generosity into the Christmas spirit. Cyrus found the idea fascinating. A giant cat keeping an eye on everyone intrigued him.

Costly food and Drink

Despite the magic of Lilidorei, we were less impressed with the food. We decided to splurge on three hot dogs, which set us back just over £20. Unfortunately, they didn’t live up to the price. The hot dogs were a bit bland and underwhelming for what we paid. On top of that, I stood in line for a coffee, only to be redirected to a nearby coffee machine. It felt a little disorganised. Considering the festive crowds, we managed to shrug it off. We kept our spirits high.

Magic to Enjoy

Cyrus, however, was easily delighted by the animated reindeer in The Alnwick Garden, which made his day. He also loved the real reindeer in Lilidorei, and it was one of his favourite moments. We had briefly considered visiting Santa’s grotto, but after everything we’d already spent, we had to give it a miss. Still, we had plenty of magic to enjoy, especially in the main part of Lilidorei.

Towering Treehouse Treat

The towering treehouses and narrow staircases leading up to the dizzying heights of the bridges were an adventure in themselves. Cyrus was delighted to be up so high. However, he did bang his head on the low ceiling while climbing up the staircase. The height of the bridges made him a little nervous. Still, once at the top, the views were breathtaking. The atmosphere was enchanting. The entire experience felt like stepping into a fairytale.

Make Your Own Baubles

The Alnwick Garden seemed a bit bare during the day. It was clear that something truly special would unfold once night fell. Twinkling rope lights lined the garden around the trees. They created an enchanting vibe. This setup promised a magical after-dark transformation. Cyrus had the chance to make his own bauble, which he filled with lavender, feathers, and glitter. He was so proud of his creation.

Wonderful Time at Attractions

All in all, our festive visit to Lilidorei and The Alnwick Garden didn’t disappoint. We missed the Christmas Light Trail this time. However, we still had a wonderful time exploring the magical world of Lilidorei. We learned about Christmas traditions. We also enjoyed the attractions.

The total cost for entry was £33. The 2-4-1 deal made it all feel like great value for money. We’re already looking forward to our next visit. Next time, we’ll be sure to book earlier. We don’t want to miss out on those dazzling lights!

---

Planning your own festive adventure? Don’t miss out on the magical experience at The Alnwick Garden and Lilidorei. Be sure to book in advance for the Christmas Light Trail and enjoy a day full of holiday cheer. Check out The Alnwick Garden’s website for more details and make your plans for next year. You won’t want to miss it! For other family days out, click here.

---

Factfile

• Location: The Alnwick Garden, Northumberland
• Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily (Check the website for special holiday hours)
• Ticket Prices:
  • Adult (The Alnwick Garden): £11
  • Child (The Alnwick Garden): £11
  • Adult (Lilidorei): Free with The Alnwick Garden admission
  • Lilidorei (Additional Costs): Santa’s Grotto and special attractions are extra
• Facilities: Café, Gift Shops, Disabled Access
• Best Time to Visit: Christmas Light Trail (Advanced booking recommended)

---