For the past ten out of twelve years, we’ve been to Galgorm for Christmas.
Winter Wonderland is our family tradition!
Post-Christmas, when you catch up with friends and colleagues after the break, the general consensus is that whilst they had a good time, it was stressful in one way or another.
Most families have their own traditions, but usually the build-up to Christmas poses, for most, a multitude of different questions—some good, some possibly not so good. Add into the mix children wanting their independence, and a common reply becomes: “Do we have to?”
For us, as a family and with our extended family, it’s simple—we go to Galgorm for Christmas.
We have four children: the eldest is 12, twins are 10, and the youngest is nine.
For the past ten out of twelve years, we’ve been to Galgorm for Winter Wonderland, it's our family tradition. On the two occasions we’ve missed (and I can assure you, the backlash from young and old was not polite!), it was due to childbirth or the ill health of an elderly relative.
We go for three days—we arrive on Christmas Eve and check out on Boxing Day. Not only do we check out on Boxing Day, we also book for the following year!
From the second we arrive to the minute we leave, it’s simply magical. It’s something that neither young nor old would ever want to miss. The staff are amazing, the hotel is stunning, the ambience is magical, the food is wow—and just for three days, I start to believe.
The main question over the years from people who haven’t stayed there is: “Does Santa visit?”
Not only does he visit, but we see him on Christmas morning after taking the train down to meet him!
To try and convey to people how good it is, they genuinely don’t believe us—so here is a summary of our tradition:
• Arrival (Christmas Eve): After being welcomed by the staff and checking in, our bags are whisked away to our room. As a family group, we meet in McKendry's Bar for a catch-up and a drink around one of the open fires.
• Afternoon Tea: Once everyone has arrived, we make our way to afternoon tea, which is simply wow.
• Swim & Room Magic: After afternoon tea, with the clan fed and watered, we visit the magnificant Thermal Spa Village and then back to our room. When we arrive, the Christmas tree lights are twinkling, and a selection of treats awaits. Over the years, these have included reindeer shortbread with everyone’s names iced on them!
• Christmas Eve Dinner: A sumptuous affair, with a choice of restaurants, where the festive spirit continues. Then, it’s off to bed—because the big fella is due. Returning to our room, we find the beds turned down, a glass of milk for Santa, carrots for the reindeer, and sparkly glitter so they know where to land!
• Christmas Morning: He’s been! Presents everywhere! A stocking on our door, and breakfast awaits, with an immense choice topped off with a complimentary glass of champagne—it is Christmas, after all!
• Santa Express: We take the Santa Express to visit the big fella, receive outstanding gifts, and have our annual photo with the man himself. Then it’s back to the hotel for another thrip to the spa for one and all.
• Christmas Lunch: Incredible! As we gather after lunch for another drink somewhere in the hotel, everyone insists they couldn’t eat again for a week. Meanwhile, the children are whisked off to the VIP screening of a film in the Rolls Royce, while we adults sit back and relax. Shortly after, the kids return with pick ’n’ mix galore—strangely, mostly eaten by the adults!
• Christmas Night Buffet: A buffet dinner which nobody claimed earlier they could eat—but everyone does! We socialise with the other guests and, on the odd occasion, even enjoy a sing-song.
• Boxing Day: Reluctantly, we depart.
Do we believe? For three days, I do. I simply cannot explain how good it is—the atmosphere, the staff, the food, the activities, and just pure fun. Stunning. Simply stunning!
