Christmas Before Christmas...

A couple of weekends ago we were lucky enough to be invited on a family day out to Westfield Stratford City. It's been a favourite shopping centre of mine ever since it opened because of the vast selection of shops, restaurants and attractions they have on offer. The three of us got up early and headed into London to enjoy a rather fun, and festive day.

First of all we headed to The Dreamworks grotto where we were met by Ralphy, one of Santa's helpers. He took our boarding pass and told us we were going to on a flight to the North Pole to visit Santa! (I think Rik and I were more excited by this Archie!) Throughout the experience there were interactive games to play on tablets around the rooms which I think is great for engaging older children, these included learning to ride a sleigh and designing your own Gingerbread man.  We were then led into a room with a big sleigh and were taken on an amazing 4D sleigh ride with Shrek, donkey and lots of the other characters from the movie.  It was so magical and it honestly felt like you were flying through the sky.

When we landed we were whisked into a room to meet Santa and his elves and the joy of seeing Archie sitting with Santa made me tear up a bit! He as only 4 months old last Christmas so we didn't take him to visit Santa but this year felt like the perfect age to take him for the first time. I was a bit worried he would cry but he really enjoyed it. He did go a little bit shy the little give he received definitely put a smile on his face. We all had a photo with Santa, which definitely made me feel about 5 years old again! After your grotto experience, there's a chance to purchase photo packages, and special momentos, so we couldn't leave without getting a souvenir photo and bauble to remember Archie's first visit to see Santa.



It really is such a fantastic experience, both for the children and Parents. From the minute you go in to get your personalised boarding pass you're made to feel incredibly special and welcome. I'd love to take Archie back every year, especially as he begins to understand more about what Christmas means, the excitement on the children's faces waiting to go in is what Christmas is all about. If you're thinking of taking your little one, the Dreamworks Grotto is open until December 24th at Westfield London or Westfield Stratford City

The rest of the day was spent walking around the Christmas Festival which was alive with entertainers, music and the yummy smells of popcorn and candy floss. There was lots going on and plenty of opportunities for the kids to have their photos taken with many larger than life Christmas characters. There's was lots going on, on the main stage, from dancers, carol singers and a brass band and you just couldn't help but get in the festive spirit. We also tried roasted chestnuts for the first time, and I don't know how I've lived without them all my life, they were delicious!

Our day of Christmas fun wore our little bear out, so Mummy and daddy enjoyed a bit of Christmas shopping whilst he slept. The centre looks really beautiful as well now the Christmas lights are on and the window displays are extra festive this year! We were truly shopped out by the end of the day! We picked up some lovely gifts, and if you're in need of a little inspiration, you can see them here in my Westfield Christmas Gift Guide! And if you'd like to see the day in action, check out our vlog below!

Love Kate x

We we kindly invited as a family to Westfield for the day. As always, all views and opinions are my own.