Immersive Winter Adventure ‘Enchanted Christmas’ Arrives In The UK

In this magical, virtual experience, guests will be taken on an adventure to the North Pole in a quest to save Christmas from the mischievous Krampus. 

It's utterly exclusive to Bristol Ice Rink from 21st November until 4th January 2026.

Enchanted Christmas is a virtual winter experience arriving in the UK from 21st November 2025 to 4th January 2026 at Bristol Ice Rink. 

Using special cutting-edge technology, guests join the Christmas elves on a festive adventure to the North Pole to help save Christmas from the wicked Krampus. 

From multiplayer games in Santa’s workshop and training virtual reindeers, to mesmerising light trails and discovering the sparkle of the Northern Lights on a VR ride, Enchanted Christmas is full of fun and magic for all members of the family to enjoy.

Developed and opened in Vienna by Attraktion, who are leading experts in creating immersive, story-driven experiences, Enchanted Christmas is an alternative festive experience to the traditional trip to Santa’s Grotto, brought to life through big screen technology, glowing pathways and multisensory games.

Kids and grownups register at the North Pole, meet their elf avatar, and go on a fun-fuelled journey. 

Lend a hand in the gift factory, help the Christmas elves solve tricky puzzles, dazzle in the Jingle Bells Dance, and take part in an exciting snowball fight.

With many more engaging stations along the way including Santa’s virtual sleigh ride and racing reindeer, to interactive walls that make the Christmas lights dance, Enchanted Christmas promises a heartwarming, digital adventure from start to finish.

Enchanted Christmas includes designated parent-and-toddler sessions, as well as sessions for SEND and neurodivergent people of all ages, with fewer participants and where sensory stimulation is carefully managed.

Tickets cost from £17.95 for adults and £14.50 for children, while discounted group and family bookings are available. For all ticket options, session times, and accessibility information, visit Fever. Early booking is recommended to secure preferred dates from 21 November 2025 through until 4 January 2026.

Located upstairs at Bristol Ice Rink at Cribbs Causeway, families attending Enchanted Christmas can add to a wonderful Christmas day out and experience the joys of ice skating at Planet Ice Bristol, or a meal at the many cafes and restaurants within the complex.

You can book tickets here:- https://feverup.com/m/495059

The BrewDog Christmas Beer Advent Calendar – 24 Days of Hoppy Cheer

Move over, chocolate! This Christmas, it’s all about beer with festive spirit. BrewDog has once again launched its legendary Craft Beer Advent Calendar, and it’s shaping up to be one of the season’s most sought-after gifts for grown-ups.

If you’re looking for something that’s both fun and flavourful, this calendar could be the perfect way to count down to Christmas Day, one can at a time.

What’s Inside the Box

The 2025 BrewDog Advent Calendar includes:

24 full-size craft beers, no minis here!

A BrewDog branded glass

An exclusive pin badge

There's also a discount voucher toward food or drink at BrewDog bars, where available.

Every day in December reveals a different can, ranging from iconic BrewDog favourites like Punk IPA and Hazy Jane Guava, to rich festive stouts and experimental seasonal brews. Whether you love a crisp lager or a deep, chocolatey stout, there’s something to surprise you each morning.

It’s beautifully presented, too, a sturdy, gift-ready box that weighs in at nearly 10 kg, so it’ll definitely make a statement under the Christmas tree.

Why It’s a Brilliant Christmas Gift

This isn’t just a novelty; it’s a beer-lover’s dream come true. Here’s why it stands out:

Full-size cans: 440ml of proper beer each day.

No duplicates: 24 different brews to explore.

Exclusive extras: a collector’s glass and badge for festive keepsakes.

Premium packaging: sturdy, colourful and full of seasonal fun.

Perfect for gifting or sharing: or keeping entirely for yourself!

For £64.99 from BrewDog’s official website 

Whilst it's not the cheapest advent calendar on the market, it offers real value for anyone who enjoys discovering new craft beers, or re-finding old favourites. 

A Few Things to Keep in Mind

It’s heavy, at roughly 10 kg, make sure it’s delivered somewhere convenient!

It sells out fast, these calendars have a habit of disappearing by mid-November.

Taste variety, adventurous palates will love it, but if you’re only into lager, it may be too mixed.

Adults only, it goes without saying, this one’s not for the kids.

Perfect For…

Craft beer fans who want to try something new every day.

Couples who love sharing a festive tipple.

Office Secret Santa swaps with a difference.

Anyone who’s a bit “chocolated-out” by mid-December!

You could even make it part of a festive ritual, perhaps a “beer and Christmas film night” every evening through December, or a weekend beer-tasting with friends.

Where to Buy

You can order the BrewDog Craft Beer Advent Calendar 2025 directly from the BrewDog online shop. Delivery is available across the UK, with dispatches beginning in early November.

Stock is limited each year, so if you’re thinking of gifting one, it’s best to buy sooner rather than later.

For those who love their beer as much as they love Christmas, the BrewDog Advent Calendar is pure festive fun, a perfect combination of craft, creativity and Christmas cheer.

Whether it’s under the tree, on the kitchen counter, or shared between friends at the office, this calendar will keep spirits bright all December long.

Just remember to enjoy responsibly, and perhaps pair that Christmas Eve brew with a mince pie!

You can order it at their online shop here https://www.brewdog.com/products/craft-beer-advent-calendar-2025

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Wrap Them in British Style: Why Your Loved Ones Deserve Barbour This Christmas

Discover why Barbour jackets, gilets, shirts, and accessories make the perfect Christmas presents. Give your loved ones the warmth, style, and heritage of Barbour this festive season.

And checkout the special Wallace and Gromit Christmas video at the base of this post!

The Gift of Timeless British Heritage.

Few names capture the essence of British craftsmanship quite like Barbour.

Founded in 1894 by John Barbour, this family-run company has long been synonymous with countryside adventures, seaside strolls, and effortless refinement.

A Barbour gift is more than just stylish outerwear, it’s a gesture of warmth, reliability, and heritage that will be appreciated for years to come.

Practical Luxury for Everyday Life

Barbour perfectly blends comfort with practicality.

Waxed and quilted jackets are built to withstand the chill of winter.

Gilets offer lightweight warmth for layering through the season.

Shirts and knitwear add timeless country style to smart-casual wardrobes.

And caps, gloves, and scarves make ideal finishing touches for both men and women.

Every Barbour piece is designed for real life, built to last and to look as good on a bracing Boxing Day walk as it does on a city outing.

A Gift That’s Built to Last

Barbour stands for durability and sustainability. Their iconic waxed jackets can be rewaxed and repaired, often lasting for decades. That’s a rare quality in today’s fast-fashion world, and it’s something truly worth giving this Christmas.

By choosing Barbour, you’re gifting quality and longevity, a promise that your present will be treasured for many years to come.

The Perfect Gift for Everyone on Your List

Barbour’s range makes it easy to find something personal for everyone:

For traditionalists: the Bedale or Beaufort jacket.

For the modern commuter: lightweight quilted or waterproof designs.

For outdoor enthusiasts: a classic wax cap, tartan scarf, or weatherproof bag. There are even shirts, t-shirts and gifts for your dog, too.

Every item carries that unmistakable Barbour charm, refined, practical, and distinctively British.

Wrapped with Care and Meaning

Barbour’s packaging alone feels festive, and the moment they open it, your loved one will know they’ve received something special. You’re not just giving outerwear; you’re giving comfort, quality, and a little touch of heritage to cherish.

Why Barbour Belongs Under the Tree This Year

Whether you’re treating someone special, or yourself, a Barbour gift is an investment in both style and sentiment.

Give warmth. Give quality. Give Barbour. 

There's something my wife and I have noticed. When we wear our Barbour clothing whilst visiting retail establishments or restaurants is the level of service just that keener? We think it is. Because luxury earns respect.

You can buy Barbour products here:- https://www.barbour.com/gb/

Give Them the Gift of Heat This Christmas with a Sambal Gift Set From Makan Malaysia

Give them the gift of fire this Christmas! Perfect for chilli heads and spice lovers, their Sambal gift set includes one of each of  the Sambals, from Makan Malaysia.

Here's a little bit about each of their Sambal sisters:

The Sambal: A spicy Malaysian chilli sauce packed full of heat and layered with flavour. Sambal can be found all over Malaysia and every home and restaurant will have their own version. 

Their version has a depth of flavour that means it's great on it's own but can also be used for wide variety of recipes - including spag bol! HOT

Sambal Belacan: A very hot chilli sauce with deep umami notes from fermented shrimp paste.VERY HOT

Anchovy Sambal:This chilli sauce is made with crispy anchovies and belacan for a rich and addictive umami flavour. THey would recommend having this with your Nasi Lemak as the lower spice level means you can pour it all over your rice! LEAST HOT

Spice level 2 Chillies rating

Priced at £24.00 Inc. Vat.

But there's even more for you to select your tasty Christmas gifting from!

Satay and Spice Gift Set

The perfect gift for that flavour lover in your life! This kit includes a range of their best selling sauces to create easy and delicious restaurant quality Malaysian meals!

Use the satay marinade to marinate your protein, serve with peanut sauce and add sambal for some heat! Or all the sauces can also be eaten separately, explore their recipes at https://makanmalaysia.co.uk

From curries and stir fries to dips and dressings, the creations are endless! 

The spice level is 2 Chillies rating 

Priced at £24.00 Inc. Vat.

You can check out their entire range and order your Christmas gifts and pantry essentials here https://makanmalaysia.co.uk/pantry

More News on Vegan Christmas Delights. This Time From Squeaky Bean

Vegan Charcuterie Board with Squeaky Bean Pastrami Roses:

4 x packs Squeaky Bean Pastrami Style Slices

One round of vegan cheese (try Palace Culture Kimcheeze)

Humous (shop bought or home made)

One bulb of garlic

Olive oil

Pomegranate seeds

Chickpeas

Yellow or red tomatoes on the vine

Yellow and red pepper

Carrots (Chantenay or baby carrots work well)

Olives (unearthed Chilli Olives)

Crackers of your choice

Salt and pepper

Method:

Wash the carrots, peppers and tomatoes. Slice the carrots (or use whole Chantenay or baby carrots) and peppers. 

Preheat the oven to 200c.  Cut the top off the bulb of garlic to expose the cloves inside the skin. Place in a roasting tin, drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Roast for 40 minutes or until the cloves are soft and golden.

Drain a tin or jar of chickpeas. Pat them dry with kitchen towel, ensuring they’re fully dry. Toss with olive oil and season with salt. Place the chickpeas in a thin layer in a roasting tin and add to the oven for 20 to 30 minutes until crispy. Season with spices of your choice (paprika works well). 

Prepare the pomegranate seeds 

Remove the Squeaky Bean Pastrami Style Slices from the pack and roll the slices into rose shaped swirls. 

Using a charcuterie board, assemble all the ingredients, including the roasted chickpeas and garlic, onto the board to display.

Top with the Pastrami roses as the centrepiece. 

Serve with crackers of your choice. 

Vegan Style Beetroot and Salmon Style Flakes with Labneh:

Ingredients:

Plant-based salmon flakes (Squeaky Bean Salmon Style Flakes, obviously!)

Cooked Beetroot (three whole fresh cooked beetroots, or one pack of supermarket bought beetroot, without vinegar if possible)

Olive Oil

Balsamic Vinegar

250g Vegan Greek Style Yogurt (Plain)

One Fresh Unwaxed Lemon (Zested & Juiced)

Salt

Pepper

Chilli Flakes

To garnish (optional):

Pomgranate seeds

Pine nuts

Rocket leaves

Fresh dill

Method:

Make the vegan labneh by adding 250g Greek style vegan yogurt to a bowl. Then add the juice of half a lemon and stir.

Then add lemon zest, salt and pepper to taste.

To assemble the platter, thinly slice the beetroot using a knife or mandolin and then place onto a plate or board.

Dress the beetroot slices with a little olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, pepper, and chilli flakes.

Top with the labneh and vegan salmon flakes. 

Garnish with pomegranate seeds, pine nuts, rocket leaves and dill.

We at That's Christmas 365/That's Food and Drink suggest you keep a good selection of Squeaky Bean products in your fridge, especially over the Christmas period. For example, our Vicar is vegan and he might call in over Christmas!

Celebrate Christmas the Hampshire Way With Candover Brook & ChalkStream®

This Christmas, two leading Hampshire producers are inviting us to look beyond Champagne and smoked salmon, and choose something closer to home, namely delicious trout and English Sparkling Wine.

Candover Brook, the award-winning English Sparkling Wine, and ChalkStream®, suppliers of the region's finest trout, are joining forces to set a new festive tradition. 

It's an invitation to celebrate with flavour, provenance and purpose. Sustainability never tasted so good.

Together, they've created the brand-new Candover Brook & ChalkStream® Canapé Box, a ready-to-enjoy set of festive essentials, designed for effortless entertaining or thoughtful gifting.

The Canapé Box includes:

ChalkStream® Cold Smoked Trout 200g

ChalkStream® Cold Smoked Trout Paté 150g

Trout Caviar 50g

Pack of 16 blinis

Tracklements Dill & Mustard Sauce 140g

1 x 750ml bottle of Candover Brook Brut NV

Simply layer smoked trout or trout pâté onto the blinis, add a spoon of trout caviar or a drizzle of dill and mustard sauce, and pair with a glass of Candover Brook Brut NV. A combination crafted for Christmas gatherings, New Year's Eve celebrations, or gifting to friends and family.

Both Candover Brook and ChalkStream® are inspired by Hampshire's rare chalk stream landscapes, among the most fragile habitats in the world. Each is committed to protecting and regenerating the environment that sustains their craft, from vineyard to river.

Availability

Price: £75

Delivery: UK mainland (excl. Highlands & Islands), allow 5 working days

Shelf life: Cold smoked trout, 7 days minimum (suitable for freezing); pâté, 3 days

Allergy advice: Blinis contain WHEAT, MILK, EGG

Order online:  www.chalkstreamfoods.co.uk 

A Christmas rooted in place, shaped by care, and joyfully shared. And a new tradition for your family.

Oh, No! We Have a Vegan Guest for Christmas Dinner! What Vegan Delights Can We Give Them?

Panicking about feeding a vegan guest this Christmas? Discover delicious vegan Christmas dinner ideas, from Wellington to pudding, to make your festive feast a hit for everyone.

It’s nearly Christmas Day, your turkey is defrosting and suddenly someone mentions that your cousin’s new partner is vegan. 

Panic sets in, what on earth can you serve them? Don’t worry! Hosting a vegan guest at Christmas doesn’t have to be a culinary crisis. 

With a little planning, you can serve a feast so delicious that everyone at the table will want a bite.

Start with a Showstopping Main Course

Gone are the days when a vegan main course meant a token nut roast. Today’s plant-based centrepieces are every bit as festive and flavourful as the traditional turkey.

Vegan Wellington: Filled with mushrooms, lentils, chestnuts and herbs, wrapped in golden puff pastry — it’s rich, hearty, and wonderfully Christmassy.

Stuffed Squash or Aubergine: A roasted butternut squash stuffed with spiced couscous, cranberries, and toasted nuts looks stunning on the table.

Vegan “Turkey” Roasts: Supermarkets now stock a variety of pre-made vegan roasts from brands like Plant Chef, Linda McCartney and No Meat Company, just pop them in the oven and add gravy.

Sides That Everyone Can Enjoy

Most traditional trimmings can be made vegan-friendly with just a few tweaks.

Roast Potatoes: Use olive oil or vegan butter instead of goose fat. They’ll still be gloriously crisp.

Vegetables: Honey-roasted carrots? Swap honey for maple syrup. Creamy mash? Use plant-based milk and a dab of vegan spread.

Stuffing: Make it with vegetable stock and oil rather than butter or sausage meat. Add chestnuts or cranberries for a festive twist.

Gravy: Use a rich vegetable stock base with soy sauce, herbs, and a splash of red wine for depth.

Don’t Forget the Pudding!

Christmas wouldn’t be complete without something indulgent to finish. Fortunately, there are plenty of vegan options that even the most traditional guests will love.

Vegan Christmas Pudding: Many supermarket versions (such as those from Co-op or Waitrose) are already vegan by accident! Just check the label.

Chocolate Yule Log: Bake (or buy) a dairy-free chocolate sponge and roll it with vegan buttercream.

Festive Trifle: Layers of vegan sponge, plant-based custard, jelly made with agar-agar, and a topping of whipped coconut cream make a light, colourful dessert.

Cheese Board Alternatives

If you usually end your meal with a cheese board, why not offer a vegan version? Many vegan cheeses now have convincing textures and flavours, from tangy cheddars to creamy camemberts. Pair them with oatcakes, chutney, grapes and a glass of port or vegan-friendly wine.

Festive Drinks to Toast With

It’s easy to overlook drinks, but some wines, beers and liqueurs are not vegan due to animal-based fining agents. Thankfully, most UK supermarkets label vegan-friendly options clearly. Popular brands like Echo Falls, Blossom Hill, and Baileys Almande are great safe bets.

Catering for a vegan guest at Christmas doesn’t mean missing out on the joy of festive food. It’s a chance to try something new, impress your guests, and maybe even discover your new favourite dish. The key is to focus on flavour, colour, and creativity, just as with any Christmas feast.

So don’t panic, your vegan guest will leave your table happy, full, and feeling just as festive as everyone else!

Why Buying Gift Cards for Christmas Could Leave You Open to Fraud

Gift card fraud is on the rise this Christmas. Learn how scammers tamper with supermarket gift cards, how to spot the warning signs, and how to protect your festive purchases from being stolen.

For many of us, gift cards are the perfect fallback Christmas present. They’re quick, easy, and give the recipient the freedom to choose exactly what they want. 

But this year, experts are warning that gift card fraud is on the rise, and buying cards from supermarket racks or open displays could leave you, or your loved ones, at risk of losing money before the card is ever used.

How Gift Card Fraud Happens

Fraudsters have found increasingly clever ways to exploit the way gift cards are displayed and sold. In many supermarkets and high street shops, gift cards are hung openly on shelves where anyone can handle them. Criminals can carefully remove a card from its packaging, record its number and barcode, then reseal it to look brand new.

When you later buy and activate the card at the till, the scammer, who’s been monitoring that card online, can immediately transfer or spend the balance, often within seconds. By the time your recipient tries to use their gift, it’s empty.

Why It’s a Growing Problem

Supermarkets and retailers often leave gift card displays unsecured and unmonitored, particularly during the busy Christmas period. With thousands of shoppers moving through the aisles, it’s easy for fraudsters to tamper with cards unnoticed.

Unlike debit or credit cards, gift cards usually don’t have any PIN protection or buyer security. Once the balance is gone, it can be nearly impossible to recover. Some retailers even allow activation online, creating another opportunity for fraud.

Warning Signs to Look Out For

Before popping a card in your basket, take a moment to inspect it carefully. Warning signs include:

Damaged or resealed packaging, look for tears, loose edges, or missing glue.

Scratched or altered barcodes, fraudsters sometimes cover them with stickers.

Misaligned numbers, if the visible card number doesn’t match the one printed on the packaging, avoid it.

Cards stored in odd places, if they’re away from tills or near customer exits, they could be more vulnerable to tampering.

How to Protect Your Christmas Purchases

A few simple precautions can make all the difference this festive season:

Buy gift cards directly from the brand’s website or their official shop, rather than a supermarket display.

Ask for cards kept behind the counter instead of those on open shelves.

Check the packaging and refuse any that look damaged or resealed.

Keep your receipt, you’ll need it if the card doesn’t work or has been drained.

Register the card immediately if that option is available, and check the balance straight away.

What to Do If You’ve Been Scammed

If you discover that your card has already been used, contact the retailer’s customer service team immediately with your receipt and details. While not all retailers will replace stolen balances, some will investigate or issue a new card.

It’s also important to report the incident to Action Fraud, the UK’s national fraud reporting centre, at actionfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040. Reporting helps prevent future scams and can highlight security flaws that need fixing.

A Safer Way to Give This Christmas

Gift cards can still make thoughtful presents, especially when purchased safely. Buying them directly from trusted retailers, checking for tampering, and keeping proof of purchase will help ensure your gift brings festive cheer rather than frustration.

Because nothing spoils Christmas quite like discovering your “perfectly practical” present has already been spent by someone else.

The Perfect Christmas Gift: Choosing Classical Literature Books They’ll Treasure

Give the gift of timeless reading this Christmas with beautifully bound classic literature books. 

Discover the best editions and ideas for every reader, from Austen to Dickens, Brontë to Dumas.

Give the Gift of Timeless Reading This Christmas

If you’re looking for a Christmas present that combines elegance, thought, and lasting appeal, a beautifully bound classic book is a perfect choice. 

Classical literature never goes out of fashion. It speaks to the heart, challenges the mind, and offers a connection to generations past, all while looking stunning under the Christmas tree.

Whether you’re shopping for a lifelong reader or someone just beginning to explore the classics, this guide will help you select the ideal literary gift.

Why Classical Literature Makes a Perfect Christmas Present

Classic books are more than just stories, they are cultural treasures. Their themes of love, courage, adventure and morality remain relevant today, making them ideal gifts for readers of all ages.

Benefits of gifting classical literature:

Timeless appeal, these stories never age

Educational and inspiring content

Beautiful editions that enhance any bookshelf

Affordable yet luxurious presents

Match the Book to Their Personality

Choosing the right classic is all about understanding the person receiving it. Here are some perfect pairings:

For the Romantic: Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen or Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë, tales of love, independence, and resilience.

For the Adventurous: Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson or The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas, perfect for those who love drama and escapism.

For the Thinker: Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky or Meditations by Marcus Aurelius, for those who enjoy exploring the depths of the human mind.

For the Gothic Enthusiast: Dracula by Bram Stoker, Frankenstein by Mary Shelley, or The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde, perfect for fans of dark beauty and mystery.

Choose a Beautiful Edition

The beauty of a classic lies not only in its words but in its presentation. Look for editions that feel luxurious and festive:

Penguin Clothbound Classics, elegant fabric covers with foiled designs.

The Folio Society, collector-quality editions with artwork and slipcases.

Wordsworth Collector’s Editions, affordable hardbacks in bright, jewel-like colours.

A well-chosen edition turns a simple book into a keepsake that will be cherished for years.

Add a Personal Touch

Make your gift even more meaningful by writing a short note inside the cover, perhaps sharing a favourite quote from the book or explaining why you chose it. Pair the book with a small extra, such as:

A hand-crafted bookmark

A tin of festive tea or coffee

A cosy reading blanket

These thoughtful touches transform your present into an experience rather than just an item.

Introduce Young Readers to the Classics

Classical stories can also make magical presents for children. Illustrated editions of The Wind in the Willows, Peter Pan, or Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland spark imagination and introduce young readers to timeless tales.

Many publishers offer abridged versions, so even early readers can enjoy the beauty of the classics without being overwhelmed.

A Gift That Lasts a Lifetime

This Christmas, move away from fleeting gadgets and give something that endures. A classic book is a treasure to revisit year after year, and its story, much like Christmas itself, is one that never fades.

Wrap up a piece of literary history, add a ribbon, and give the gift of imagination, wonder, and wisdom.