CHESHIRE'S Tatton Park has started its countdown to Christmas and what promises to be a festive feast of fun.
Here's what the iconic attraction has in store for visitors in the run up to the big day. Tickets and reservations can now be booked at www.tattonpark.org.uk.
A Christmas garden tale
THIS festive feel-good family event is based on Nick Butterworth's much-cherished book 'One Snowy Night', where Percy the Park Keeper helps his animal friends escape the cold on a chilly Christmas Eve.
You will need a trail sheet, winter woollies and a keen eye to spot Percy's animal friends along the way.
Warm up toasting marshmallows by the fire, before heading off to spot Percy's gift from the animals under the Christmas tree. Children will receive a tasty treat from Percy at the end. This event starts on November 27.
A natural home for Percy
Tatton has been running Percy Park Keeper events since April, with a series of interactive trails that have brought Nick Butterworth's wonderfully illustrated stories to life for thousands of visitors, young and old.
One Snowy Night: A Christmas Garden Tale runs from November 27 until January 3 next year.
The multi award-winning author and creator of Percy stories, Nick Butterworth, explains his inspiration for writing One Snowy Night and how Tatton Park is a very natural home for Percy the Park Keeper this Christmas:
He says: "I was on a winter walk in our local park. As I followed a frosty path, I saw alight through the mist ahead. Closer, I saw that it came from the open door of a little hut.
"I peeped inside and saw that someone had made a very cosy place in the middle of this chilly setting. An armchair. Pictures on the wall. A table. And, most welcoming of all, the happy sound of a whistling kettle coming to the boil.
"My imagination began to work. You could live in a hut like this. This lovely park would be your garden. And of course, the animals who live in the park would be your friends... I went home, grabbed an old exercise book, and started to write."
Sana is on his way
Father Christmas and his elf helpers are joining Tatton Park's farmyard friends once again. This popular family event is selling fast with limited dates available between November 27 and December 21.
Not only will you meet the big man himself in his grotto, but there's also a live nativity scene to enjoy in the stable. Hop into Santa's sleigh for a selfie when he's not looking, and then stop off at the 18th century mill to make reindeer food to take home with you ready for Christmas Eve.
Cafe in the Barn
In honour of Father Christmas staying for a few weeks, the farm is converting its education room and kitchen into a Christmas cafe. The Clydesdale Barn overlooks the paddocks, between the farmyard and adventure playground, and will be serving mince pies, cakes, mulled wine, tea and coffee.
"Christmas is magical on the Farm" says Tatton Park Farm Manager, Jayne Chapman, "with the animals around the nativity and Santa in his grotto, it's the perfect start to your Christmas festivities."
A very festive concert
The Northern Chamber Orchestra is performing a traditional festive concert in the Tenants' Hall at Tatton Park. Due to popular demand it has added a matinee concert this year at 3:30pm as well as the 7pm performance.
Expect excerpts performed by the NCO, festive songs sung by the Choir of St Nicholas Catholic High School, Northwich, and much-loved carols for all to sing. The concert takes place on December 10. Tickets include a glass of winter punch.
Carols in the Stableyard
Singing wasn't allowed last year, so all the more reason to come along to Tatton Park's Christmas Carols in the Stableyard on Sunday December 19, where you're invited to belt out some of your all-time-favourite carols with friends and family.
It's a free event, where song sheets will be handed out to willing carollers and singing is accompanied by the King Edward Musical Society band and choir.