It's that time of year again! Christmas is just around the corner and 'tis the season where parents find their calendars full of festive activities to choose from.

From pantos to Christmas markets, the Isle of Wight is not short of family-fun events and with so much choice, picking which ones to go to can be a challenge in itself.

With an excited three-year-old, who won't sit still but gets bored very easily, I know all too well what it's like! 

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There are few activities that keep her occupied longer than five seconds — but one which did manage it successfully (a Christmas miracle in itself) was Tapnell Farm Park's latest immersive experience.

There's no time like the present puts the fate of Christmas in the hands of your little ones (God help us all)!

The experience starts with 'brave adventurers' being briefed with a short video message from Father Time asking us to help save Christmas.

(Image: Tapnell Farm Park) Watching a video message from Father TimeWatching a video message from Father Time (Image: IWCP) Without giving too much away, we were guided through multiple time vortex's by a character named Tempo.

Equipped with purple torches, we were tasked with solving puzzles to acquire sands of time and defeat the mischievous Time Bandit!

Each room was cleverly crafted and transported us to a different realm — you'd never know we were actually in a barn!

Holly the Husky — a favourite from the attraction's previous experiences — was also back for another year.

A particular highlight was being led through the winter wonderland that is North Pole.

Once successful, we were lucky enough to meet Santa Claus himself who knew lots about what our daughter had been up to in the last year.

Holly the Husky and my three-year-old at Tapnell's latest immersive experience. (Image: IWCP)Holly the Husky at a previous eventHolly the Husky at a previous event (Image: Tapnell Farm Park) After posing for a family photo (which you can purchase at the end), Santa thanked her for saving Christmas and told her to go and pick a present in the Elf Emporium!

Although it was nearly Christmas 2025 by the time she decided what she wanted, she left with a big smile on her face (and a big fluffy unicorn)!

Lasting around 40 minutes, the experience really is like nothing else on the Island and is fun for all ages.

If you need help getting into the festive spirit, then look no further!