A wishlist of wonderful Christmas events, for big kids and little people…

There are so many fantastic ways each year to celebrate Christmas and get yourself into the festive spirit, and having a little one seems to make me even more determined than ever to make a festive effort.

This year, there’s plenty we want to be doing, but here’s my pick of the best local events.

Enchanted Christmas at Westonbirt – with Father Christmas in a wooden hut in amongst the trees, fairy-lit paths through the woods, craft activities for children and the chance to meet a real reindeer this is a pretty special Christmas event. The trees look stunning all lit up and the woods become a magical place for little ones. (Every weekend through December)

Christmas Carolling at Barnsley House –  While a little pricey, this sounds like such a special way to get in the festive spirit, especially if you treat yourself to a night away while you’re at it. The annual Christmas Concert at Barnsley House starts with canapés and mulled wine, followed by a candlelight stroll to St Mary’s Church, lead by local choral group The Wassailers. Carols, readings and festive singing follows, before returning to Barnsley House for dinner (17 Dec, £95 per person).

Late Night Shopping at Bourton-on-the-Water – such a beautiful country setting, what could be more stunning than seeing the tree’s lights reflecting in the water, while you sip mulled wine? Peruse charity stalls and all the lovely shops in Bourton too, while a petting pony, Father Christmas and a Snow Queen make an appearance for little ones. (4 December)

Reading stories at Octavia’s Bookshop – a perfect time out for children and adults, writer and illustrator Ant Belmont will be reading from his new book, Nicholas, a gorgeous story designed to explain the impossible to any curious child who doubts in Father Christmas (12pm, 12 Dec).

Wreath-Making at Calcot Manor – I always feel like Christmas has really come home when I put the wreath on our front door. The idea of learning to make my own is really cool, especially with all the seasonal greenery in the woods around us. Calcot Manor’s lovely wreath-making course is on 1 December (£65pp).

Christmas Eve Nativity at Cirencester Parish Church – on Christmas Eve we’ll be singing our way into the start of Christmas proper with a service at the striking parish church in Cirencester. The setting is stunning and it will be lovely to see the Munchkin gawping at the lights, the people and the real donkey…. (4pm, 24th Dec)

Have I missed anything? Let me know below…