Press Release 30 November 2018
Wishing you a Wonderful Wiltshire Christmas
With a wealth of yuletide celebrations and activities to enjoy, Wiltshire really is the perfect place to enjoy a very special Christmas.
VisitWiltshire is highlighting a festive selection of the county’s unique mix of modern and traditional events; from light festivals and lantern parades to nativity plays and pantomimes.
Christmas lights are being switched on around the county and late-night shopping launches, Wiltshire’s historic cities, towns and villages receive an extra sprinkling of winter magic.
In Devizes there is a Christmas Window Competition which is being judged by the Mayor on 3 December, so worth visiting when shopping for festive gifts in the many independent shops in town.
Salisbury Christmas Market – running until 6 January, is filling the Guildhall Square with colourful stalls swathed in twinkling lights. The market comprises of beautifully decorated wooden chalets with choices ranging from intricate jewellery to beautiful handmade furniture, delicious mince pies and luxurious liqueurs. There is also new Ice Skating in Salisbury with a festive-themed outdoor rink in operation on the same dates as the Christmas Market. Tickets can be purchased from www.visitwiltshire.co.uk/salisburyicerink.
Longleat’s Festival of Light is a truly unique event. Running to 6 January, ‘A Fantastic Voyage’ is the Wiltshire attraction’s most ambitious Christmas event ever. From Ancient Egypt, complete with an awesome 20-metre-tall Great pyramid, to a rocket voyage around the solar system and its planets, the fantastic new theme incorporates more than a dozen walk-through tableaux. There’s the chance to travel under the sea, go back in time to the age of dinosaurs, visit the frozen Arctic and witness a castle besieged by knights in armour.
Discover the fascinating history of ‘Saint Nick’ at Avebury. Running until 1 January is Christmas Traditions at Avebury: the Story of Saint Nicholas . Enjoy a walk around the Henge and stone circles then head to the Manor to discover more about the story of Saint Nicholas and explore the traditions and stories associated with this much loved Christmas character.
Christmas Comes to Stourhead until 23 December, with the opening of a selection of ornately decorated rooms showing how the Hoare family celebrated Christmas through the ages. A walk around the winter garden will also feature plenty of festive cheer, with many of the garden buildings adorned with wreaths and festive decorations.
Santa Claus is bringing with him some magical sights from the North Pole for the Christmas Trail and Grotto at Fairwood Lakes 1 – 23 December. Spot the hidden polar bears and enjoy a magical trail to discover Santa’s secret grotto in the woods.
Swindon’s Wyvern Theatre’s is staging the ever-popular pantomime Aladdin starring Adam Woodyatt from 8 December – 6 January. Featuring magnificent scenery, beautiful costumes, a lamp-full of laughter and an Aladdin’s cave of spectacular surprises, it’s the perfect treat for the festive season and a wish come true for all the family!
- For more information on all the festive events and activities taking place throughout the county go to www.visitwiltshire.co.uk/whats-on/christmas
- Check out our Christmas and New Year Special Offers at www.visitwiltshire.co.uk/special-offers/christmas-and-new-year-special-offers-o3311
For further information or to arrange a press visit please contact Florence Wallace, Travel Trade & PR Manager, flowallace@visitwiltshire.co.uk Tel: 01722 341309 or 07436 588860
Editors Notes:
VisitWiltshire is the official Destination Management & Marketing Organisation for Wiltshire representing 600 partners. It is a public/private sector membership organisation. VisitWiltshire's priority is to grow the county's Visitor Economy by raising awareness of the destination and generating additional tourism visits and spend. Wiltshire's Visitor Economy currently generates an estimated £1.5billion and supports over 29,000 jobs.
Images for Christmas can be downloaded from our Flickr gallery via this link https://www.flickr.com/gp/129320754@N03/tG3647. Photos may be used in print and/or online for the promotion of tourism to Wiltshire and any photos used must be credited to www.visitwiltshire.co.uk, unless otherwise stated in the title of the photo. Full terms and conditions can be found here.