WHEN you're two and a half, there's nothing better than Peppa Pig and anything vaguely related to the porker so beloved by pre-schoolers.

Throw Father Christmas into the mix and it's toddler excitement overload.

Paultons Park unveiled their festive programme last weekend and we took our little girl along to sample the winter wonderland and all it has to offer.

The look on Poppy's face when she entered Santa's Grotto was a picture and the toddler joy continued all day. The grotto is new and improved for this year, with an animated Rudolph the red nosed reindeer joining the party.

Families enjoy a delightful stroll through a snow-filled landscape as they join the reindeer on his journey to find Santa in time for Christmas Eve. There are penguins, polar bears and furry woodland creatures galore before you enter the high tech toy store which is producing train sets and bikes at an impressive rate.

Each child has plenty of time with Father Christmas, who is keen to find out who's on the good list and what they'd like to arrive down the chimney come December 25.

Even though she was a bit shy on meeting the man himself, Poppy proclaimed to the elf at the exit 'I love Father Christmas' before dashing off to collect her gift.

The rest of the day wast mostly spent enjoying the delights of Peppa Pig World where each of the seven fantastic outdoor rides, plus soft play and other features, are all open, with the obvious exception of the muddy puddles, which requires temperatures at least 20 degrees higher.

It's a fantastic time of year to visit if you have small children. Some of the attractions for older children like The Lost Kingdom, Edge and Cobra are closed, but queues are short and there's plenty of festive fun to be had as well as lots of other attractions open.

The 4D Show Street Cinema is hosting screenings of the Christmas adventure film, Sleigh Ride, where Blitzen the reindeer and elf Bobo help Santa and save Christmas and there's a daily Christmas Show at the Paultons stage.

Adults accompanying their tinies are treated to a complimentary hot punch and minced pie and there's seasonal music, a giant musical Christmas tree and other features to get you in the festive spirit.

I know one little girl who will be talking about this magical day until well after our next date with Saint Nick.

LORELEI REDDIN

Christmas at Paultons will be taking place on selected days until Friday December 23.

Tickets start from £19.25 and include entry to Rudolph’s Adventure and Peppa Pig World, as well as a gift for the children.

Visit paultonspark.co.uk.