Fun-filled Christmas Outings for Family and Friends!
Hope Goldsmith

Christmas is coming up quick and it is time for outings with friends and family to watch the Christmas panto or go to your local Christmas festival. No matter how old you are, Christmas is an exciting time of year and there is nothing better than spending time with family and/or friends doing Christmassy activities. There are plenty of magical Christmas activities and here are a few to choose from:

 1. The Rhodes Centre's production of Jack and the Beanstalk

The Rhodes Centre is a busy place at Christmas time when they do their annual pantomime production which is extremely popular with people of all ages. Last year, they did their production of Dick Whittington, which did tremendously well, just like previous productions such as last year’s Aladdin.
This year they have taken on the story of Jack and the Beanstalk and if it is anything like their previous performances, it should be amazing!

The lead role of Jack will be taken on by Katie Miller who has appeared in the chorus of multiple Rhodes productions. Herts and Essex alumni Georgia Collins will play the role of Jill, Jack’s admirer who unfortunately gets kidnapped by the giant and has to be rescued by Jack. Other returning cast members include Phil Dale, Will Eden and Jeanne Stacey.

So get your tickets quickly as it is not on for long, the last show date is 2nd January 2016 Tickets cost from £15 and times will vary. Book tickets online on the Rhodes Centre website, http://www.rhodesbishopsstortford.org.uk/events/jack-and-the-beanstalk/, and get your family and/or friends together to enjoy the wonderful experience of a Rhodes panto!

2. Horrible Christmas at Cambridge Corn Exchange

For those people with a love for history and Christmas, this would be the perfect experience for you. Get a more in depth visualisation of how all the different eras of history celebrated this amazing time of year by enjoying a performance by Birmingham Stage Company and Derby Theatre. They really do bring history to life!

Tickets are still available but they are going fast, so visit https://www.cambridgelivetrust.co.uk/cornex/events/horrible-christmas to buy your tickets. Prices start at £17 for a child and £22.50 for adults and other family options. The last show is 9th January 2016 so don’t miss out on the truly amazing experience that is Horrible Christmas!

 3. The North Pole Christmas Festival in Cambridge

If theatre and panto does not tickle your fancy and get you in the Christmassy mood then don't fear, here is a chance to make some magical Christmas memories. The North Pole Christmas Festival is a perfect place for families to celebrate Christmas. From an ice skating rink to fairground rides, from Santa’s Throne Room to a Ye Olde Traditional English Market, there is something for everyone to enjoy! Prices for ice skating and amusements can be found at http://www.visitcambridge.org/whats-on/christmas-in-cambridge/the-north-pole-christmas-festival.

So gather your family and/or friends and take a trip to Cambridge to visit The North Pole Christmas Festival.  However, be quick as it finishes 4th January 2016 and trust me, this is something you shouldn’t miss!