Children can enjoy festive fun at the Christmas Shout! programme while parents get on with some last minute shopping and present wrapping.

The programme, organised by Elmbridge Council, is packed with exciting activities for children aged five and up to get them in the mood with Santa’s visit and Christmas lunch.

Youngsters can take part in a range of activities from making their own Christmas decorations and baking festive treats for their family to enjoying a magical winter fun day at Painshill Park.

For children who want to keep on the move, games and challenges are on offer at Xcel leisure centre, while movie fans can head down to the cinema and see the latest blockbuster.

If that was not enough, theatrical children will perform their own Sleeping Beauty pantomime while artistic children design their own historical toy at Elmbridge Museum.

Councillor Jan Fuller, portfolio holder for leisure and culture, says: “Shout has lined up some great activities to keep children busy and help them capture the spirit of Christmas.

“Make your bookings now and let them share some festive cheer.”

To start 2014 with a bang and make it a year to remember, Shout! holds a New Year’s party with a disco, games, glitzy arts and crafts and party snacks.

Shout! Christmas programme; locations across the borough; dates from December 23 to January 3; prices vary, to book call 01372 474634 or download a brochure at elmbridge.gov.uk/shout.