Whether your plans involve you doing F all. Or you want to inject a few Christmas outings into your diary.

These are the best things to do, see, and watch this month.

Royal Lancaster Festive Afternoon Tea

“This is the perfect festive pit-stop to combine with Christmas shopping.
The cakes are so delicious. I loved the Christmas tree, which has a hint of brandy, and the Santas hat is as tasty, as it is cute.
I’d recommend going with a friend, rather than kids and upgrade your tea with some sparkling wine or champagne.
Then head back to the shops, if you dare.”

TMC Co-Founder Jessica Lawes

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Picture Perfect Christmas at The National Gallery

“I took my girls to this and it’s such a lovely thing to do. At the beginning we got some festive treats from a cute Muriel’s Kitchen pop-up..
The play lasts about an hour and is based on Avercamp’s iconic 17th century oil painting, ‘A Winter Scene with Skaters near a Castle’. It was so magical and very funny.
At the end Father Christmas came through the auditorium and all the children were so excited to see him. To finish the children were all given Christmas activity books to go home with.
It’s only £15 and definitely worth going to if you’re in London at some point over the festive period.”

TMC Wokingham Host, Luzaan Shaw

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Bongos Bingo

“Looking for a big night out but no idea where to go these days? If you haven’t been to Bongos Bingo it’s well worth going through the rigour of organising your friends WhatsApp group and getting a date in the diary.
I went to one in Manchester and it was honestly the best night I’ve had in a long time. But beware you’ll have a hangover to match, so make sure you have someone to look after the kids the morning after.
It’s the blowout you need and more!”

TMC Co-Founder Lauren Webber

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New Park Manor

Wish you could be one of those families that goes away at Christmas. Well, you could make your dreams a reality at New Park Manor. Providing luxury for adults and fun for kids, they excel at looking after both you and your children. This year they have an elves workshop, festive films in the cinema, creche slots in their regular den, spa bookings available (for adults), mulled wine and much much more!

Book now

One of the best ways to feel Christmassy this December is to go for a wintery festive walk. Most large or national parks have illuminations now and still have lots of availability. Meaning you can head down on a whim without the stress of booking ahead. Our kind of planning!

Dunham Massey, Cheshire

The route begins with a giant deer sized welcome in the North Park. Don’t miss the new neon Gallopers in the gardens and make sure you take a walk through the bright and beautiful Gladioli Tunnel.

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Bedgebury, Kent

Enjoy an after-dark trail at Bedgebury National Pinetum. Over a million twinkling lights and seasonal sounds will fill the air with festive fun.

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Hyde Hall, Essex

Hyde Hall’s Christmas Light Trail is a magical technicolour walk filled magnificent lit trees and twinkling lights.

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Pinocchio – 9th December

Oscar-winning filmmaker Guillermo del Toro has reinvented the classic story of Pinocchio. A great one for the whole family.

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Emily in Paris – 21st December

It’s back! And the storyline might be really naff but the outfits are so good and are created by Patricia Field, who was responsible for the original series of Sex In the City. And the male cast is pretty… Well, we don’t really need to explain that, do we?

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Glass Onion A Knives Out Mystery – 23rd December

A new Knives Out murder mystery, starring Daniel Craig, Kate Hudson and a ton of other big names. A great light-hearted watch to tune into with a big glass of wine.

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The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse – date tbc

A short film of the iconic story book will come to BBC iplayer this Christmas. A magical and festive watch that will be a really beautiful one to see.

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Dermot Kennedy

If it all gets too much over the festive period just whack the kids in the car, put on Dermot Kennedy’s new calming and uplifting album, and drive the children to their grandparents.
Or failing that, the local garden centre (again!).

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MOTHER by Claiborne Swanson Frank

Because no one has time to read at Christmas, here’s a book that’s pictorially lead. Filled with stunning photography by Claiborne Swanson Frank, the book celebrates motherhood and the greatest gift that it brings – love!

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Koko Sleep

Popular children’s podcast Koko sleep are releasing a range of Christmas stories throughout December to help both you and your children wind down for the day.

Listen Now

The Mum Club Christmas Events

Our hosts have been busily organising amazing events for December, there’s wine and cocktail clubs, wreath making, Christmas brunches and even a light show supper club. Giving mums the break they need. We’re here for you every step of the way.

Find your local event

Yoto’s 24 days of free content

This month Yoto has its very own virtual calendar on their app. Unwrap free audio every day. Musical tracks, free chapters and entire stories will become available! No Player? No problem! You can still stream audio from the app.

Download it now