You might enjoy some of the many activities that are on offer for children says Liz Nicholls

Sorry to sound a little, er, less than festive, but at this time of year it can feel as though you’re never more than 10ft from a screaming child. Sometimes it’s in the aisles of Aldi, while some browbeaten mother is dragging a kicking, stomping kid away from the confectionery. Other times, it’s someone else!

Well, I’m only pointing this out because – I feel – it’s better to acknowledge right now that your Christmas will not resemble a Sainsbury’s advert, all the generations rubbing along nicely without a tantrum in sight. So don’t beat yourself up about it, OK? Good.

Well, with this is mind, the county is chock-full of some endearing activities for you to enjoy with the children, and you might even find yourself enjoying them yourself. As well as the amazing pantomimes (Robin Hood at Oxford Playhouse is a real winner), make a date for Santa vs Scrooge at Oxford Castle Quarter. This interactive treat in the depths of the former prison takes you on a journey to meet Tiny Tim, the Fairy God-mother and a joke-telling Angel. Your task is to cheer Ebeneezer up or else end up locked in the cells… with no turkey for Christmas dinner, only sprouts! Luckily, with a bit of magic, Santa can help show you the reasons to be cheerful and earn you some goodies in the process. Last slots are this Saturday, 5.30pm, 6pm and 6.30pm. £5 per person.

Just around the corner is The Snow Factory at The Castle Quarter. With Twitter abuzz with elf sightings and the plight of the elves (many of whom are on the dole with no chance of a white Christmas) the answer is here. Because of the disastrous consequences of global warming, the elves have set up camp making the snow which can flutter down on to waiting families while reactions are beamed on to the side of the Malmaison with a projector. This is free and there is sure to be many a child (and parent and grandparent) dancing in delight.

Or, catch Santa at Didcot Railway Centre where the ever-popular Days out with Thomas will take to the rails this Saturday and Sunday. (OX11 7NJ. Call 01235 817200).

Santa will also be on the rails at Bucks Railways Centre in Quainton on the same days with extra Mince Pie Special Rides on December 28 and 29. If you’re further north, a worthwhile trip is to Bicester Avenue Garden Centre with its Carnival fun weekends featuring free fun such as a carousel, biscuit makers and carol singing. There’s also Father Christmas in his grotto (£7 per child). (OX25 2NY/ bicesteravenuegarden centre.co.uk).

Millets Farm in Frilford, near Abingdon, is heart-warming with its real ice rink, and the chance to skate with Frosty the Snowman until tomorrow. The farm centre’s Family Christmas night will be held on Sunday with a welcome drink and mince pie, unlimited skating, family magic show, games, a barbecue meal and dessert plus a goody bag for all children to take home. You can also satisfy any munchies with a mean bacon bap as you debate whether to enter Santa’s grotto.

You can always count on the Global Retreat Centre in Nuneham Courtenay to come up with a refreshingly uncommercial take on Christmas. This year the centre, which is also home to Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University, is busy preparing for its pantomime The Snow Queen, which is about the real meaning of Christmas. However, word has spread and tickets for the show next weekend are fully booked.

Meanwhile, don’t forget the county’s wonderful green spaces for a breather (Shotover Park is a must for a stroll, pony-watching and epic views of Oxford) or follow Santa’s reindeer to Cotswold Wildlife Park, near Burford (OX18 4JP or 01993 823 006) this weekend.

And, all together now: A very Happy Christmas, one and all.