Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q. What is The Magic of Christmas?
A. It's a completely new kind of live Christmas event, offering fun for all the family, including: theatre-based entertainment; attractions like carousels, puppet shows, inflatable ‘snow’ slides, a disco igloo, festive singalongs; plus a Christmas Market selling lots of seasonal goodies.

Q. When is it?
A. Friday 14th December to Sunday 23rd December 2007.

Q. Where is it?
A. Hall 4, at the NEC Birmingham.

Q. What happens when I arrive at the event?
A. The Magic of Christmas show is a timed entry event which means that guests will enter at a given time through 'The Magical Journey' - the first part of the event.  You are advised to arrive at the NEC complex a reasonable amount of time before your timed entry slot (printed on your ticket).  During The Magical Journey you will pass through a series of five chambers in groups of approximately 80 guests, entertained and accompanied by actors/performers.  The Magical Journey lasts approximately 25 minutes. Q. What happens after 'The Magical Journey'?
A. After the 'The Magical Journey', you enter the main part of the event, called 'The Magical Village'. This is a Christmas-themed entertainment area which includes attractions like carousels, puppet shows, live performances, inflatable ‘snow’ slides, a disco igloo, festive singalongs, plus a Christmas Market selling lots of seasonal goodies.

Q. How long can I spend in The Magical Village?
A. You may explore The Magical Village at your leisure, regardless of when your timed entry slot was.  As a rough guide, it is advised that you should allow approximately three hours at The Magic of Christmas show.

Q. For what ages of children is The Magic of Christmas suitable?
A. The Magic of Christmas show is aimed at a family audience, and is suitable for children aged between two and 10 years.  There's also Christmas shopping for parents and grandparents.

Q. Will the event feature real snow and ice, and will it be cold?
A. No, the event takes place indoors so outdoor winter clothing is not required once inside The Magic of Christmas.  The event features some artificial snow  but the 'snow' slides are inflatables.

Q. How much does it cost to go to The Magic of Christmas?
A. All admission tickets for adults and children are £17.50 per person.  Infants (aged up to 2 years) and disabled carers are free.  There are also family and group ticket discounts available.  Please refer to the Book Tickets page for more details.

Q. Once inside The Magical Village, will I need to pay extra for individual rides and attractions?
A. No.  All rides, performances and attractions are INCLUDED within your ticket admission price, as is a Show Guide for each guest (worth £6).  Therefore, once inside, you can save your money to spend in the fabulous Christmas Market and on sampling the sumptuous seasonal food and drinks on offer.  The only things not included within your admission price are: NEC parking; NEC cloakrooms; official merchandise; food & drink on sale within the event.

Q. Can I purchase official Magic of Christmas merchandise at the event?
A. Yes, there will be official Magic of Christmas merchandise available for sale at the event, including a limited-edition book 'Petal & Lester Save Christmas' which you may pre-order in advance with your tickets, for collection at the show.  Click here for more details about 'Petal & Lester Save Christmas'.

Q. Once I have enterted The Magic of Christmas, may I leave the event and re-enter?
A. No, unfortunately, The Magic of Christmas has a strict no re-admission policy.

Q. Will credit/debit cards be accepted at the event?
A. Credit/debit cards will be accepted by the restaurants within the event however not all retailers will accept card so it is advisable to take cash into the event should you wish to shop. Please refer to our Guest Information section for more details on the location of cash dispensers at the NEC.

Q. I'd like to stay in a hotel nearby rather than travel to and from the NEC in the same day. Can you recommend somewhere to stay?
A. Yes, there are hotels on the NEC campus and further afield. Please refer to the Hotel Accommodation page for more details.

Q. Is parking easy at the NEC and how much does it cost?
A. Yes, the NEC has its own car parks onsite and, once parked, a free shuttle bus transports you to/from the main NEC Piazza area in minutes.  Parking is £8.00 on the day, but discounted to £7.00 if you book advance.

Q. I have a general query about the event which this website does not answer – how do I contact the organisers?
A. You may contact the organisers at customersupport@magic-of-christmas.com or telephone 01273 622342.

Q. I wish to exhibit at the event, or find out about future exhibiting/sponsorship opportunities for The Magic of Christmas?
A. You may contact the sales team at sales@magic-of-christmas.com or telephone 020 7471 1082.