LaplandUK, the enchanting Christmas experience nestled in the Swinley Forest, Crown Estate, Ascot, has become a beloved destination for families seeking a magical holiday adventure. Over the years, thousands of families have had the privilege of stepping into this immersive wonderland. However, last December, LaplandUK received some very special guests - none other than the Wales family! The Prince and Princess of Wales, accompanied by their three children - Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis - made their way to the magical forest in Ascot.

Just a stone's throw away from their Adelaide Cottage home, the royal family indulged in over four hours of enchanting activities, surrounded by other visitors. While their appearance did not go unnoticed, LaplandUK, known for its respect for privacy, ensured that the family's experience remained intimate and undisturbed. Co-founders and executive producers of LaplandUK, Mike and Alison Battle, fondly recall the royal visit as an honour.

They expressed their delight, stating, It was wonderful that they could enjoy this special moment as a family during Christmas time. LaplandUK has had the pleasure of hosting numerous A-list celebrities, including Elton John, David Furnish, the Beckhams, and Paul McCartney. However, the Battles remain unfazed by the star-studded clientele. To us, the children will always be the VIPs, although sometimes they bring their famous parents along too, they shared with HELLO! magazine.

Their aim has always been to create an authentic and believable Christmas experience that captures the hearts of families worldwide. Securing tickets to LaplandUK is no easy feat. They sell out within minutes of going on sale in January. So, what makes this experience so extraordinary that families return year after year, with visitors flocking from over 52 countries? According to Mike and Alison, LaplandUK is constantly evolving, with their storytelling deepening and developing.

Each year, the production improves, driven by their commitment to creating a world that feels real. They continuously introduce new details to enhance the experience. This year, they are unveiling a hand-painted toy factory, inspired by their visit to the town of Oberragamau, Germany, where traditional tales were told through hand-painted illustrations on house walls. LaplandUK will now share its own stories of Mother Christmas, Father Christmas, and the Elves in this captivating setting.

But fear not if you missed out on tickets this year. Mike and Alison have thought of everything. They want to spread the magic of LaplandUK to children far and wide, even those who cannot visit the event. Through their podcast, 'Elfcasts From The World of LaplandUK,' children everywhere can listen to new tales leading up to Christmas. The couple, along with their children who also work in the family business, are tirelessly working to make LaplandUK even grander in the next five years, ensuring that as many children as possible can experience its wonders.

Excitingly, plans are underway for a second LaplandUK location in the UK, as interest in the live show has poured in from around the world. Additionally, the Battles are exploring opportunities to bring their stories to life through film and digital content. They also have plans to establish a foundation with the mission of placing a stocking on the bed of every child spending Christmas Eve in a UK hospital.

Their ultimate goal is to fulfill the Christmas dreams of children worldwide, expanding their horizons and spreading joy in the years to come.