It’s a bright chilly December afternoon and we’ve come to experience the Santa Spectacular events at Willow’s Activity Farm. Our journey through this Winter Wonderland begins with a walk towards Santa’s Grotto amid pine trees thickly dusted in snow.

A giant smiling Teddy bear wearing a red scarf and leaning on a Candy Cane guards the entrance. We are then immersed into a narrow woodland path made up of twigs and branches rich in rustic decorations. Pine cones brushed with silver and twinkling lights arch over us decorated with robins, foxes, owls and deer. We’re greeted by an elf along the way. This shady woodland subtly changes into a Narnia-esque white and pale blue enclosure; I look up in wonder at its intricacy and the rich detail of silver ferns, snowflakes and stars.

We turn a corner into an opening where several alcoves display contrasting Yuletide scenes. Santa’s reindeer in the North Pole takes shelter in a cabin beside a red post box overflowing with letters to Santa. Long, jagged icicles hang low alongside snow boots hanging by their laces.

I love the next Yuletide scene populated by magical sprites and fairies wearing powdery pink costumes and gowns embellished in rose gold. I marvel at the shimmering mauve baubles and snow-white swans with gilded feathers in flight amid luminous pinpoints of light. If I were a small child I would be in a trance-like state by this ethereal scene and ready to burst with excitement knowing that Santa is close by and awaiting my arrival!

The festive displays end with a grand old rocking horse lit up in pink and decorated with snowflakes, bright pink sequined baubles and white and silver striped candy canes. Mini white unicorns fly over a flourishing candy-pink cherry blossom tree sheltering an abundance of presents wrapped in gold paper.

We turn around and suddenly are greeted by three rosy-cheeked elves, they have strange accents, turned-up noses and huge pointy ears. “Welcome!” they giggle. We can feel ourselves drawing closer to the magic and I’m beginning to feel a sense of child-like wonder. They tell us what a joy it is to lead children to Santa’s grotto. They are of course ‘in character’ and I enjoy playing along. I love the Lapland accent. They sound like Bjork! Even my teenage daughter has a wide-eyed look of innocence on her face that I haven’t seen for a while.

We are led to Santa’s door by Dash; such a handsome elf! Suddenly the wooden door appears before us with a huge golden key hanging from a Christmas wreath. Dash knocks loudly and invites us to go in first. There he is Father Christmas! Wow! “Helloooo!” I yell excitedly. He’s sitting content in his cosy richly decorated grotto. My daughter seems shy and hesitant. I chat about my Christmas wishes and about how we’re all looking forward to a huge Christmas lunch. I sit there taking my time to chat with St Nick, and wish for world peace, oh yes and perhaps a nice Tesla in my stocking too! “It’s very environmentally friendly!” I assure Santa. He chuckles as he hands me the golden key to his toy shop. I can imagine how this must feel to a three-year-old. Total magic!

On my way to Santa’s toyshop I chat with a woodland fairy and ballerina, they look so theatrical and festive in their beautifully designed costumes and I feel as if I am backstage in some London production of The Nutcracker!

We are led to a huge red door and place the key into an illuminated lock. The door opens and there before me Santa’s workshop magically materialises! A huge space filled to the brim with a vast selection of toys from train sets to beautiful dolls. Children must pinch themselves when they reach this point as Santa has truly delivered! I’m amazed by the sheer scale of it all, and wide variety of presents available.

We are left to take our time to choose a gift to take home with us. As I have a browse various friends and family members come to mind. I’d love to give my old friend Candida a horse and stable set, and as soon as I spot the most beautiful baby unicorn with snow white fur and a gilded horn and hooves for my God daughter, I have to have her! My daughter is in the boy’s section and has chosen a fleet of mini racing cars! Such a tomboy! Things don’t change, even as a child she used to like boys’ toys and used to give me that look wondering what she was supposed to do whenever I’d give a doll.

We say our goodbyes to the elves and step into the next marquee to the ‘Create-a-cuddle’ workshop. We have a look at a choice of soft toys from penguins to reindeer; my daughter chooses a traditional teddy and she then fills him with padding. We decide to call him Fezziwig, one of our favourite Dickensian characters. You can record a festive song or message on a small device and nestle it into the padding. We go and take a seat and decide to record the first few lines from Clement C. Moore’s “Twas the night before Christmas.” As I press the Teddy’s tummy, out comes my daughter’s voice reciting the poem. It’ll make the perfect Christmas surprise for Grandma!

After decorating a gingerbread man cookie, then eating it with a frothy hot chocolate, we are invited to write Santa a personal letter. Then it’s time to meet Mischka, a real Alaskan huskie! We join in with a small group of children, lovingly stroking her. Mischka is placid by nature and seems to enjoy the attention; she’s especially responsive to the children and toddlers, turning towards them even when their little fingers pull hard on her thick coat.

We end our afternoon at Willows on the festive woodland tractor ride. It chugs through the countryside into a cold misty pink and grey sunset. We spot sheep, pigs, reindeers and even llamas along the way amidst sparkling fairy lights. I sit there quietly enjoying the rural scene, cosily wrapped up in my woollen scarf. How I love this time of year. I smile at my daughter. Today has truly been a day to treasure; it’s been the sort of afternoon where happy childhood memories are made; memories made to last, memories to lift your heart as you reminisce one day many years into the future.

  • Marisa Laycock moved from south west London to St Albans in 2000. She enjoys sharing her experiences of living in the city.