We meet on the third Thursday of the month at Thame Town Hall
Thame Belles Christmas Guide 2016:
Events & Days Out
There is loads going on in and around Thame this time of year so whether you need to entertain multiple generations for an afternoon, are in need of some Christmas spirit or would like to learn a new skill we've got bags of ideas for things to do in December.
November 25th - December 2nd. For the very first time, Blenheim Palace will be illuminated for an unforgettable after dark festive trail along winding paths, beside tranquil waters and through extraordinary Parkland landscaped by ‘Capability’ Brown. Explore the scented Fire Garden; a circular carpet of dancing flames, adorned with lanterns, set against the backdrop of glittering ancient woodland outlined in Christmas colour that stretches high into the night sky.
Join us for a relaxed and beautiful shopping evening. Find unique gifts, be inspired and enjoy some festive spirit. Entrance fee is £3 and includes a festive drink and treat. Our stall holders are generously donating a handpicked selection of beautiful items for our raffle. The lucky winners will have to decide to gift or keep their prizes........ All proceeds to go to John Hampden PTFA for projects to keep our little ones learning all year long.
Friday December 2nd. Thame will host its annual community Christmas event which typically attracts over 2000 local residents and families. This year, the event will feature donkey ridess, a Santa’s Grotto, live music and entertainment from local performance groups, Go-Karts, a variety of stalls selling gifts and refreshments, a lantern parade by local primary schools and finally the big light switch-on!
From November 12th this shopping mall is transformed into a Winter wonderland. Lots of lovely decorations, an ice rink, Santa, soft play, and a cafe. Not to mention Hobbycraft and Lakeland opposite! A great day out for all the family
Wednesday-Sunday 9 Nov-2 Jan. Christmas is always a special time at Waddesdon and this year is no exception. The house and grounds are transformed with unique decorations, light displays and there are lots of seasonal events and activities to enjoy. Booking is recommended at Christmas, including for National Trust members.
Saturday 26th November, Sunday 27th November, Saturday 10th December, Sunday 11th December. Get Christmas off to a flying start with the Waterperry Christmas Market. Local artists and craftspeople will provide beautiful and unique gift ideas and there are inspirational presents-a-plenty in the Gift Barn and Gallery.
If our meeting has inspired you to make your own wreath then head to The Barns Centre for more expert guidance from florist Sue Robinson. Nov 29th & Dec 8th 7.30pm-10pm or Dec 2nd 10am- 12noon. £20 payable on the night
December 13th. Head to Denman for a fabulous extravaganza of Christmas creativity. With a cookery demonstration in the morning followed by craft in the afternoon, and a delicious two-course lunch in between, you can enjoy a unique day at Denman on an alternative festive theme without a glimpse of turkey or tinsel! £65 for WI Members, £75 for non-members
Belles Say:
Visit the incredible Christmas lights in the grounds of Waddesdon by Bruce Munro, the last chance to see this particular art installation. Then visit the Christmas market for gifts or just to warm up with something delicious. There's also amazing decorations all around the house itself, booking essential, but free if you're a national trust member.
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Mairi Lovatt-Smith, Thame Belles Committe Member
Hop abroad Santa's special train at the Chinnor Railway. Santa and his Elves will visit every family during the journey and they will provide quality presents for all fare-paying children and young people between the ages of 1-15 yrs. Everyone onboard can also enjoy a spiced hot berry cordial and a delicious mince pie served at your seat.
At Haddenham Garden Centre 19-20th November. a weekend of festive fun including: Fairground Ride, Children’s Farm, Face Painting, Santa’s Grotto. The grotto is also open 11am-4pm every weekend until Christmas
Christingle Service at St Mary's Church in Thame on Christmas Eve. 2pm, 3.30pm and 5pm. Plus midnight communion at 11pm
Get your family into the Christmas mood and kickstart your festive season at the annual Thame Festive Fun Run in aid of Florrie's Children's Team, supported by Thame Lions Club. Dress up as Santa, an elf or even a turkey and take all the family on this easy 3km route through Thame Town Centre.
Oh no she didn't! Oh yes she did! It wouldn't be Christmas without a good pantomime and this year the local legends 'The Thame Players' are putting on Sleeping Beauty. Follow the link for dates and times and how to book tickets.
If you've got little ones under five, take them along for Christmas Crafts and Messy Play on Saturday 10th December, 10am-12pm at John Hampden School. This wonderful event is held by the lovely people at the Red Kite Children's Centre and is completely FREE! Older siblings are welcome too. For more information give them a call on 01844 261163 or find their Facebook page.
Why not spend your Boxing Day enjoying some of the wonderful local countryside? There are plenty of footpaths and bridleways to use. End your constitutional with something warming at any of the lovely local pubs for a great way to wind down after the big day. Click on the link below for more information.
The infamous Thatch is back with a new take on New Year’s Eve. This year, join them for a top notch buffet and dancing until the wee hours. £40 per person including a glass of bubbles at midnight to toast in the New Year, and a Bacon Sarnie to take home.
Belles Say:
"Christmas begins for me with the Christingle Service at St Mary's Church in Thame on Christmas Eve. This year due to its popularity they are holding 3 services! 2pm, 330pm and 5pm. It's a lovely family service where you sing Christmas Carols and the Christingle is explained. They then invite the congregation to go up and collect a Christingle - which make great Christmas Day dinner table centre pieces."
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Deborah Laxton, Thame Belles Committe Member
Celebrate Christmas with Beverley Glock Cookery School. The wonderful Beverley has several courses for adults and children at her cookery school based in Princes Risborough or Berkhamsted. A wonderful chance to get ready for the festive meal or get the kids involved in the founding of the feast! Click below for more info.
The popular Artists and Makers Fair is in Thame Town Hall on 19th November and 3rd December and they have a two day fair at Bradmoor Farm Shop on 10th 11th December.
The Farol Christmas Festival & Toy Fair is a great evening for the whole family. We have wine tasting for the adults, and a childrens pedal toy race track to keep the kids occupied while you browse our well stocked showroom until Santa arrives on his (John) Deere at 6pm! There's free food and refreshments, one night only offers and much much more. Follow the link below for more information
The Barns Centre are holding a Christmas Fair with lots of lovely local people selling their wonderful Christmas presents. It’s on from 10am to 3pm on Friday 25 November. There will delicious home-made cakes and coffee on sale all day and a festive soup and roll lunch from 12noon to 2pm.
On Christmas Eve, fellow Belle Karen helps with an hour of singing carols around the Christmas Tree outside the Town Hall. It runs from 6-7pm and Thame Concert Band come along to play the music. You can enjoy a free glass of mulled wine whilst singing your favourite Christmas carols!