From flower garlands to gingerbread village: Put the SPARKLE back into Christmas

Go back in time to discover what life was like for children in Victorian times, walk through a magical house lit by candles in Northumberland and discover Oxfordshire's winter wonderland. 10 winter days out to enjoy this December. 1. 

Discover Christmas trees that sing and jet fountains that dance in time to the music at Oxfordshire's Blenheim Palace. Discover the wonderful winter wonderland trail, illuminated through the winding paths of the parkland.

The magical Christmas trail, which runs takes in the scented Fire Garden, the lake aglow with brightly-lit boats and a romantic cascading waterfall. Booking in advance advised. Most dates available up to January 2. christmasatblenheim

Be amazed by the stunning, 60 ft flower garland hung inside this tudor house in Cotehele, Cornwall. Up to 35,000 flowers grown here are used every year to create this amazing Christmas garland. If you like decorating your house with paper chains, you'll be stunned by this floral version, on display until 31 December (excluding Christmas Day and Boxing Day). It's a tradition that started here 60 years ago, back in 1956. 

Gardeners grow and dry the flowers used in the display. This year, for the 60th anniversary - it promises to be an extra special masterpiece. 

For more information, please visit nationaltrust.org.uk.

See the twinkling lights on the trees make the abbey glow at Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal in Yorkshire. Their 

Music and Lights, show runs in December this Saturday, 10 then on 17, 18, 27 & 31 December, from 3.30pm-5pm (last entry 4pm). 

Get into the Christmas spirit at Fountains as you tuck into a hot pulled pork sandwich and a mulled wine from the visitor centre before wandering through the estate. Catch some live festive music with beautiful coloured light all around. Price: Free event (normal admission charges apply).

For more information, please visit nationaltrust.org.uk. 

Tiptoe into classic fairytales on a walk outside the Killerton Georgian mansion in the Devon hills. This Grimm fairytales-themed Christmas trip runs until 5 January (excluding Christmas Day and Boxing Day), daily from 11am.

Journey through rooms inspired by these classic stories by the Brothers Grimm to see the Killerton mansion transformed. The magic continues outdoors with a Grimm-themed activity trail under twinkling lights. Price: Free event (normal admission charges apply). Booking essential to see the house.

For more information, see nationaltrust.org.uk.

Follow the sweet aroma to the show stopping gingerbread village at Nostell Priory and Parkland, West Yorkshire. This year's 'Nostalgia at Nostell' will be held on the weekends of 10-11 & 17-18 December, from 10am-4pm.

Step in to a nostalgic Christmas with hand crafted treasures, including knitted decorations. Tie your family memories on their traditions tree and get cosy by the real fires in the Lower Hall.

Outdoors, look out for Father Christmas's maker elves hiding in the gardens and have your picture with the hand crafted reindeer around the courtyard Christmas tree. For more information, please visit nationaltrust..org.uk

See The Twelve Days of Christmas come to life at Mottisfont, Hampshire from now until 3 January (excluding Christmas Eve and Christmas Day), 10am-5pm. 

The rooms here have been decorated, inspired by this classic song, setting the stage for a flamboyant Christmas party. Discover decorated rooms and gardens - from the glittery dresses of 'Nine ladies dancing' to beautiful bird decorations, even 'Seven swan a-swimming' on Mottisfont's river.

Children can create their very own 'Lords a-leaping' on a new activity trail, packed with things to find and do as it takes families through all the song's famous verses.

See nationaltrust.org.uk/mottisfont 7.

Head to Bath for some Christmas shopping. This week marks the last few days of the Christmas markets which bring an added buzz to this beautiful Georgian city. 

Take a warming glass of mulled wine by the riverside or check out the ski chalet outside the Abbey Hotel before a shopping trip around the 170 traditional wooden chalets. The very last day of the Christmas markets there is this Sunday, December 11. bathchristmasmarket.co.uk

Victorian Christmas weekend in Liverpool. Listen to the Christmas carols and nibble on a sugar mouse as you discover how children celebrated Christmas in Victorian times at Speke Hall garden and estate this Saturday and Sunday, 10-11 December, 11am-4pm.

Come for a weekend of festive family fun, with an indoor Christmas trail featuring Maurice the mouse, storytelling and a chance to see Father Christmas. Outdoor, there'll be stalls, mulled wine, hot chestnuts and stocking filler gifts galore.

Price: Free event (normal admission fee applies) £4 per child to visit Father Christmas. For more information, please visit nationaltrust..org.uk/speke-hall 

Discover Christmas by Twilight at Wallington in Northumberland on Friday teatime, December 9 or 16 December, 5pm-7.30pm. 

Visit Wallington after dark and see the historic house beautifully decorated for Christmas and illuminated by "candles". Soak up the special Christmas atmosphere as you enjoy festive music in the Central Hall, have a go at some crafts and hear stories with Mrs Christmas.

Price: Free event (normal admission charges apply)

For more information, please visit nationaltrust..org.uk/wallington

Soak up the festive atmosphere and stock up on local crafts at Rowallane Garden, Co. Down. Yuletide Market, 10 - 11 December, 12pm-5pm.

You can even make your own Christmas wreath at the annual Yuletide Market.

With local craft and food stalls, family festive activities and wreaths made by the Rowallane gardening team, it's the perfect place to get into the Christmas spirit. You might even bump into Santa.Price: Free event (normal admission charges apply). 

For more information, please visit nationaltrust..org.uk/rowallane-garden