Green Father Christmas to launch Westonbirt's Festive Fun

Westonbirt Arboretum’s Enchanted Christmas launches Friday 26 November

A special green Father Christmas and his festive friends will switch on the lights of the illuminated trail at this year’s Enchanted Christmas event at Westonbirt Arboretum.

On Friday 26 November, from 4.45pm, Father Christmas will launch the event dressed in his traditional green costume to celebrate Westonbirt’s trees. He will be accompanied by real reindeer and two elves - the lucky winners of a poster competition run by the Westonbirt Magazine.

Westonbirt, The National Arboretum, which is managed by the Forestry Commission, will become a wonderland of festive lights during the Enchanted Christmas. The event takes place on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings from 26 November to 19 December.

Alongside carols and festive treats of mulled wine and roast chestnuts, visitors will be able to take the illuminated trail around the Old Arboretum. The trail takes in some of the gems of Westonbirt’s collection, spectacularly highlighting the beauty and shape of the trees.

After the big switch-on, Father Christmas will meet and greet youngsters. He’ll also be at every other evening throughout the four week event.

Julie McKellar, events coordinator, commented:

“Westonbirt is world renowned for its fantastic tree collection. This year Father Christmas will wear his original green colour to celebrate the abundance of trees and nature found at our National Arboretum.”

Westonbirt’s Enchanted Christmas takes place from 5 to 8.30pm, with the last entry at 7.15pm. The illuminated trail is accessible for wheelchairs. Manual wheelchairs or mobility scooters can be booked in advance by calling 01666 881218.

Admission is £8 for adults, £7 for concessions and children are £4. Discounted entry is available for pre-booked groups over 10 people and Friends of Westonbirt Arboretum members receive half price entry on Fridays.

Advance tickets can be purchased online at www.forestry.gov.uk/westonbirt-events-news .

Other Westonbirt treats to get you in the festive spirit...

• Visit the Westonbirt Plant Centre to buy a sustainably sourced real Christmas tree, on sale from 26 November between 10am and 5pm.
• There will be Christmas market stalls on site, or pop into the Forest Shop, which will open until 8.30pm during the event with a host of great Christmas gift ideas.
• Make it an extra special evening with a Christmas carvery at Westonbirt's Maples restaurant. Open from 5.30 to 7.30pm during the Enchanted Christmas and serves a two-course traditional dinner. The cost is £15.95 for adults or £8.95 for children (vegetarian option available). Booking is essential, so call 01666 880558 or email maplesrestaurant@btconnect.com 
• Children’s Reindeer Trail: Discover the reasons behind many of our winter traditions and help Father Christmas find his missing reindeer. Available from the Great Oak Hall from 1 to 24 December and free after admission
• Christmas Traditions family event: Join in our tree celebrations and create your own Christmas crafts to take home. Saturday 4 to Sunday 5 December, 11am to 4pm and free after admission. 

Explore Gloucestershire
4 November 2010

• Also see : Westonbirt Arboretum

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