Getting ready for the Enchanted Christmas

It’s always a very busy time for the events team just before the Enchanted Christmas.

We don’t actually put the lights up for the trail ourselves, but a huge amount of planning goes into the whole event. The big test night for the Enchanted Christmas trail was Wednesday, when many of the staff walked the trail to make sure everything was just perfect. The walk is wonderful, with many lovely new ideas and lighting effects. It always amazes me how they manage to capture so many different moods and effects in the different trees and settings. I especially like the glowing reindeer, and I think the children are going to love this feature!

Christmas chalets and food concessions are all set up, along with a very pretty Victorian-style children’s carousel. I’m hoping that these new arrivals will add even more sparkle to the Christmas atmosphere. Some good exhibitors are here as well; selling everything from jewellery and homemade Christmas cakes to local wild berry liqueur (I wouldn’t mind some of that). The chestnut man is back as well, my favourite.

Another new feature for this year is a halfway stop on the trail where Westonbirt Ice Cream will be offering trail walkers hot drinks and snacks from their stunning 1950s Airstream trailer. That should look wonderful lit up in the trees!

We’re all very excited about the opening night and having real reindeer back this year is a real treat. I’m looking forward to seeing how our visitors react to our green Father Christmas for the first time. Rose from the Plant Centre has been working hard and has made a brilliant foliage head dress for him.