The Enchanted Christmas House

Janey Lee Grace is the author of Look Great Naturally without ditching the lipstick and runs www.imperfectlynatural.com  She is also the mum of 4 kids under 13    Here she reviews The Enchanted Christmas House in London

One bit of me wants to run screaming for the hills at Christmas time but I do have four kids and the 2 little ones are still enchanted and so bring on The Enchanted Christmas House. We did the Lapland UK experience last year  (and it was  wonderful, totally magical, snowy and properly freezing with some fab ice skating thrown in and real husky dogs to pat) so hubby was not looking forward to another afternoon of elves and small children. He suggested he took a newspaper and sit in a nearby cafe while I endured 'the hell'. He needn't have worried, within seconds of arriving at The London Art House in Islington we were greeted with mince pies and decent coffee while the kids ran agog into the winter wonderland, a veritable treasure trove of activities. 

The 8 year old quickly dressed up as Buzz Lightyear while the 6 year old girl had a quick turn at karaoke before doing a quick drum session, then we all watched a show with the very professional theatrical types, Mother Christmas and various elves before being sectioned into two groups for our next activities - where kids decorate ginger bread men or christmas baubles, various characters appear for amusement ( we particularly liked the Snowman and the Christmas tree !)  In ' Aladdins Cave' it was quite remarkable how with one rub of the giant golden lamp he managed to conjure up exactly what one of the children had asked for - a dancing elephant, amazingly she had the same name as the little girl who had made her wish !!   Refreshments were available throughout and we had our own audience with santa who had a very shiny beard and gave the kids a decent gift. (won't tell !)    Only slight criticism it was the same gift as last year but after the initial disdain the kids acquiesed it was a good one so hey ho.

After some more theatrical entertainment et al it was time for the kids dinner,  pasta with tomato sauce and more mince pies and yummy cakes for after.   There was mulled wine for the adults and some nice humous and pitta bread nibbles. 

All in all its a fantastic few hours, get in quick, there are 3 slots a day and its worth it just to experience the incredible venue, (you will need a small child as an excuse though and I recommend no kids over 9 - its really aimed at the younger ones) but I guarantee you'll be planning your next birthday, anniversary whatever in that gorgeous space, if so please invite me, I want to go back !
www.christmas.enchantedhouse.net/