The magical Santa experience near me is quite an enchanting event that takes place during the holiday season. It is a unique opportunity for children and families to meet and interact with Santa Claus himself in a truly immersive and whimsical setting. One of the highlights of this experience is the Santa's workshop, which is beautifully decorated with twinkling lights, festive ornaments, and snow-covered scenery. Inside the workshop, children can engage in various activities such as writing letters to Santa, creating holiday crafts, and even helping the elves make toys. Upon entering Santa's workshop, children are greeted by Santa's cheerful helpers who guide them through the magical experience. They explain the different stations and activities available and ensure that each child gets a chance to interact with Santa personally.
Stonehenge was built on the flat lands of Salisbury Plain in stages starting 5,000 years ago, with the unique stone circle erected in the late Neolithic period about 2,500 B.C. Some of the stones, the so-called bluestones, are known to have come from the Preseli Hills in southwest Wales, nearly 150 miles (240 kilometers) away, but the origins of others remain a mystery.
In addition to the 8,000 people present, English Heritage said that approximately 154,000 people tuned in from around the world to watch the sunset and sunrise on the charity s livestream. Around 8,000 revellers gathered around a prehistoric stone circle on a plain in southern England to express their devotion to the sun, or to have some communal fun.
They explain the different stations and activities available and ensure that each child gets a chance to interact with Santa personally. The moment of meeting Santa Claus is truly special. Children get to sit on Santa's lap, tell him their Christmas wishes, and perhaps even receive a small gift or treat.
Antlers and fancy dress: Stonehenge welcomes 8,000 visitors for summer solstice
Druids, pagans, hippies, local residents and tourists celebrated for the night and greeted sunrise on Wednesday, which is the longest day in the Northern Hemisphere.
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By
- Associated Press
- Pan Pylas amd Kin Cheung June 21, 2023
Revelers gather at the ancient stone circle Stonehenge to celebrate the Summer Solstice, the longest day of the year, near Salisbury, England, Wednesday, June 21, 2023. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)
All hail the rising sun.
Around 8,000 revellers gathered around a prehistoric stone circle on a plain in southern England to express their devotion to the sun, or to have some communal fun.
Druids, pagans, hippies, local residents and tourists, many clad in an array of colorful costumes and even antlers, stayed and celebrated at Stonehenge for the night and greeted sunrise on Wednesday, which is the longest day in the Northern Hemisphere. Revelers gather at the ancient stone circle Stonehenge to celebrate the Summer Solstice, the longest day of the year, near Salisbury, England, Wednesday, June 21, 2023. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)
At dawn, the sun rose behind what is known as the Heel Stone in the northeast part of the horizon and the first rays shone into the heart of Stonehenge, one of the world’s most famous prehistoric monuments and a World Heritage Site.
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A sun-filled dawn followed a slightly misty sunrise, which was greeted with drumming, chanting and cheering.
“Stonehenge continues to captivate and to bring people together to celebrate the seasons, just as it has done for thousands of years,” said Nichola Tasker, director of Stonehenge at English Heritage, a charity that manages hundreds of historic sites.
“There was a wonderful atmosphere from sunset to sunrise, and everybody enjoyed a very atmospheric morning,” she added. Revelers gather at the ancient stone circle Stonehenge to celebrate the Summer Solstice, the longest day of the year, near Salisbury, England, Wednesday, June 21, 2023. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)
Local police said two people were arrested on suspicion of a public order offense after they were refused entry due to intoxication.
“Everyone has been joyous, enjoying the event and having a glorious time and it has been peaceful and safe,” said Wiltshire Police Chief Constable Catherine Roper, who attended the solstice for the first time.
Revelers gather at the ancient stone circle Stonehenge to celebrate the Summer Solstice, the longest day of the year, near Salisbury, England, Wednesday, June 21, 2023. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)
In addition to the 8,000 people present, English Heritage said that approximately 154,000 people tuned in from around the world to watch the sunset and sunrise on the charity’s livestream.
All over the U.K., optimism will reign supreme as summer officially starts. It’s no coincidence that the nearby Glastonbury Festival, one of the world’s biggest music events, opens its doors on Wednesday, too. Both Stonehenge and Glastonbury supposedly lie on ley lines — mystical energy connections across the U.K.
For the thousands making the pilgrimage to Stonehenge, approximately 80 miles (128 kilometers) southwest of London, it is more than looking forward to Elton John at Glastonbury or a few ciders in the sun. Many of those present at Stonehenge will be making the short 50-mile (80-kilometer) journey further west to Glastonbury over the coming days.
For druids, modern-day spiritualists linked to the ancient Celtic religious order, Stonehenge has a centuries-long importance, and they performed their rituals around the solstice in their traditional white robes. It’s effectively all about the cycle of life, of death and rebirth. A reveler waits for sunrise as people gather at the ancient stone circle Stonehenge to celebrate the Summer Solstice, the longest day of the year, near Salisbury, England, Wednesday, June 21, 2023. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)
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This year, the summer solstice at Stonehenge started at 7 p.m. Tuesday and ran through 8 a.m. Wednesday. For this one night, worshippers are allowed to spend time inside the stone circle. Some chanted or played their acoustic guitars or banged their drums. Alcohol was prohibited, as were sound systems. Blankets were allowed, but no sleeping bags, please. And definitely, no climbing on the stones.
Revelers meditate next to stones at sunrise as thousands gather at the ancient stone circle Stonehenge to celebrate the Summer Solstice, the longest day of the year, near Salisbury, England, Wednesday, June 21, 2023. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)
The rules have been tightened over the decades, certainly during the coronavirus pandemic. Back in the less-restrained past, tens of thousands would travel by foot, car, bus or motorcycle to worship at the solar temple, or just have a bit of fun.
Stonehenge is a symbol of British culture and history and remains one of the country’s biggest tourist draws, despite the seemingly permanent traffic jams on the nearby A303 highway, a popular route for motorists traveling to and from the southwest of England.
Stonehenge was built on the flat lands of Salisbury Plain in stages starting 5,000 years ago, with the unique stone circle erected in the late Neolithic period about 2,500 B.C. Some of the stones, the so-called bluestones, are known to have come from the Preseli Hills in southwest Wales, nearly 150 miles (240 kilometers) away, but the origins of others remain a mystery.
The site’s meaning has been the subject of vigorous debate, with some theories seemingly more outlandish, if not alien, than others.
Revelers meditate next to stones at sunrise as thousands gather at the ancient stone circle Stonehenge to celebrate the Summer Solstice, the longest day of the year, near Salisbury, England, Wednesday, June 21, 2023. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)
English Heritage notes several explanations — from Stonehenge being a coronation place for Danish kings, a druid temple, a cult center for healing, or an astronomical computer for predicting eclipses and solar events.
The charity said the most generally accepted interpretation “is that of a prehistoric temple aligned with the movements of the sun.”
After all, the stones match perfectly with the sun at both the summer and winter solstices.
Stonehenge has a comprehensive Visitor Centre. It includes a tour, gallery, artefacts and objects found, and a gift shop with large cafe. They offer Wifi, bus shuttles every 5 minutes, and a timed entry ticket slot, with last entry 2 hours before closing time.
Santa himself is a warm and friendly character, always ready to engage with the children and make them feel special. Beyond the Santa meet and greet, the magical experience also offers other fun activities to enjoy. There may be storytelling sessions where Santa himself narrates holiday tales, live performances by festive characters, or even a chance to take a ride on Santa's sleigh. Overall, the magical Santa experience near me is a delightful event that brings the holiday spirit to life. It is a chance for children to embrace the magic and wonder of Christmas and create cherished memories with Santa Claus..
Reviews for "Create Lasting Memories with a Magical Santa Experience Near You"
1. Emily - 1 star
I was extremely disappointed with the magical Santa experience near me. The organization was terrible, with long lines and disinterested staff who seemed like they would rather be anywhere else. The Santa himself was the biggest letdown. He looked old and tired, and barely interacted with the children. It felt like we were being rushed through the experience, and there was no magic or sparkle to be found. Overall, it was a complete waste of time and money.
2. John - 2 stars
I had high expectations for the magical Santa experience near me, but unfortunately, it fell short. The decorations were lackluster and uninspiring, and the whole event felt poorly planned. The elves were not enthusiastic or engaging, and the atmosphere was just not festive. And the Santa himself seemed disinterested and bored. The whole experience lacked the magic and joy that I was expecting. I wouldn't recommend it to anyone looking for a truly magical Santa experience.
3. Sarah - 1 star
Wow, what a disappointment! The magical Santa experience near me was anything but magical. The whole event felt chaotic and unorganized, with long waits and crowded rooms. The Santa was not what I expected at all. He seemed tired and unenthused, and there was no effort put into making him look jolly or charismatic. The whole experience felt rushed and impersonal. It was a complete waste of money and I would not recommend it to anyone.