"Oh Christmas tree" in Trafalgar Square

This has to be one of the country's best Christmas traditions. Every year, since 1947, the people of Norway have given the people of London the gift of a tree, which is placed in the centre of London's Trafalgar Square. It is given by their capital city, Oslo, as a token of gratitude for Britain's support during World War II.

The tree is a Norwegian spruce - over 20 ft in height - and is decorated with traditional Christmas lights, which look magical - and light up the winter's dark nights. It stays in the Square until 12th night - January 6th, when it is removed and recycled.

During December groups of carol singers from across the country, stand underneath the tree and sing to raise money for their favourite charities.

Visiting the tree is totally free - and a really good way to get into the festive mood.

For more information visit: www.london.gov.uk/trafalgarsquare/events.

If it's difficult to get into London, councils across the country put up Christmas trees in the centre of major cities, so check out your local paper for timings and locations.

"Behind you!" - Go to a pantomime

Pantomimes are a truly traditional British way to get into Christmas - and generally appeal to kids and adults of all ages. It's a great opportunity to take your children to the theatre and enjoy a live show - usually with lots of singing, dancing, "boo-ing" - and often free treats thrown into the crowd.

Many of the big cities have really lavish pantomimes featuring major soap and TV celebrities, which are really great fun. It's often worth listening to local news or checking out the local paper, as many run special promotions on family tickets - especially for the matinee (afternoon) performances.

Or you could support your local theatre and visit one of the smaller, cheaper performances, like this year's "Mother Goose" taking place at the tiny theatre in Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire: www.chippingnortontheatre.co.uk.

Christmas on ice

Open air ice-skating is a trend that seems to have been sweeping the country over the last few years. The rinks are put up on a temporary basis for the Christmas season and are great fun - especially after dark, when twinkling Christmas lights add to the atmosphere. The good thing is that even for younger children, it gets dark so early that they can also enjoy the whole experience.

The rink at Somerset House in London seems to have started the trend, but now there are rinks right across the country - including York, Liverpool, Manchester, Bristol, Newcastle and Warwick. See enjoyengland.com for more details.

You don't need your own equipment - just warm clothes and gloves (especially if you fall over) - as skates are available to hire. Many of the rinks are sponsored by the local council and offer concessions or family tickets.

Festive fun at your local library

If the weather takes a turn for the worse, but you need to get the kids out of the house for a change of scenery, there are lots of options at your local library.

From face painting, to crafts and singing sessions, to story telling, libraries across the country are planning a range of really exciting and entertaining activities that are also FREE!

You don't have to live in the area to take part, so if you're visiting relatives and are stuck for ideas, give the local library a call.

In Birmingham, the city library is running a series of events for younger children, which give them great ideas to take home and occupy them, when you need a bit of a relax. See www.birmingham.gov.uk for more information.

Lights - and action!

Another totally free seasonal event is visiting the Christmas lights in your local town or city. As they tend to be sponsored by local councils and businesses, the results are spectacular - and can be visited time and time again. If you all wrap up warm you could even have a winter picnic.

Many cities tie in the lights with a whole array of events and sideshows - from stalls to singing.

This year Manchester is having its own oriental style lights in the city's Chinatown area, as well as a special giant wheel (like the London Eye), offering views over the city. For more information visit: www.manchester.gov.uk