Christmas at York Museum Gardens- Visited 21/12/2017

Me and my Husband love York and have always stayed there on short weekend breaks. However this year due to Hugo being born and me being so huge whilst pregnant we were not able to go as I would have had to waddle about and struggle. So when I saw this event advertised on Facebook I jumped at the chance, one I love York, two I love Christmas lights , three my two year old Aurora loves the 'pretties' as she calls them and Four it sounded like a great family day out and it did not disappoint. We booked our tickets online months before the event and obtained a e-ticket that we just needed to print out and bring. Nice and easy. The event started on 16th November and finished on 1st January 2018 however judging by how busy and successful it looked I am sure it will be back again at the end of this year. Being a disorganised family we were rushing about to leave home which is in Chesterfield to travel by car to York which takes roughly 55 minutes, when just 5 minutes before we werereaching the park and ride I looked back at my Daughter and realised argh she hasnt got her shoes on. Taking a swift detour we drove to the York Designer outlet and parked in their park and ride car park. We had both never been to this designer outlet before so didnt have a clue what shops were in there. There was alot of adult shoe shops but not many kids. When finally I noticed a Sketchers and looking in the window there was a full array of pretty shoes on show that I knew Aurora would love. We took her in and she chose the most girly shoes ever with unicorns on and pop princess embroided on the inside of the tongue of the high top trainers, but the WOW factor was that they lit up when she walked. The shop assistants were brilliant and helped make sure we were getting the right size for her as it was abit confusing as they were US sizes. Aurora was a very happy little girl and Mummy was too as I treated myself to some new trainers with some early Christmas money I had received from my Mother/Father in Law. After this we got even more distracted as there was a Vintage fair just outside which had lots of lovely old different rides. We went on several and Aurora loved it especially the steeple chase ride which was very fast. The rides were cheap aswell £3 for both of us for one ride. Then it was off to the bus stop for the park and ride, there was a formally queue and we waited and waited and waited by this time Aurora was getting bored and Hugo getting bit hungry but finally at quarter to five the bus arrived. The bus took 29 minutes to get to the centre of York and I was slightly panicking as our walk at the gardens was for an allocated time 17:00 pm. The park and ride bus was nice and cheap and was easier than driving into York by car. Arriving at the Gardens the ticket attendants were friendly and I apologised and explained to them about the bus and they were very understanding and said it was fine. I don't think it mattered to keep to the time too  much anyway, it wasn't like when you go the theatre or a music event and your only allowed in a certain time after it has started. Which is good news for people who have kids and who struggle to be on time. The entrance was lit up with Welcome in coloured lights and there was food and snack stalls and places to sit. Walking through the gardens there was music bellowing out and lights moving with the music. The illuminated trail was easy to follow and was suitable for a pushchair so I would presume it would also be suitable for wheelchair users. You can walk at your own pace and there are plenty of benches to sit on and take a rest. Lots of photo opportunities and even the chance to see Santa however we didn't bother with that and passed the exhibit as there was quite a big queue and at the moment Aurora is scared of Santa (she doesn't like beards!) 😂. One dislike was the toilets which were porta loos they were filthy, which is to be expected with how busy the event was but still not nice when you have kids and especially as the baby changing facility did not have a bin, infact I didn't see a bin throughout the walk after we changed both nappies so we had to put them in the bottom of the pram. However this was my only dislike and I thoroughly enjoyed the walk and can't wait to go next year. 

My Rating : 😸😸😸😸😸

Likes: Great for the whole family, Music, lights and sensory, bubbles in one exhibit. Walked at our own pace. Enjoyed watching Aurora dance to 70's dance music with the glitter globe hung on a tree. Christmas cabins selling food, drink and decorations. Vegan stall.

Dislikes: Toilets.

So I would definitely highly recommend this if your looking for something different to do whilst the kids are off. It is suitable for all ages and fascinating to watch the lights coordinate with the music. Very clever and fun to watch. 

For more information and details of future ticket sales I have provided the link to the website below:

http://christmasatyorkmuseumgardens.co.uk/about