Santa’s Magical Kingdom

The walk to and from the parking station to the Showground may seem a long way for little legs, but it’s quickly forgotten in the glitz and glitter of ‘snow’ falling in a short walkway of sparkling trees, white reindeer, polar bears and snow princesses. Add the constant (dare I say ‘blare’?) of Christmas music, the squeals emanating from the many rides and the buzz of families having fun, and you have the new addition to Sydney’s Christmas extravaganzas.

And it is an extravaganza! Along with the rides, a triple slide and an inflatable maze – all of which are included in the ticket price – there are photo booths and some things for sale, including a giant glow stick (which our 4 year old is convinced is a Star Wars force beam) which the kids love!

Best of all (and also included in the ticket price), is the circus. Hidden away behind a red velvet curtain is a ‘manufactured’ auditorium capable of seating hundreds around a very stable and secure stage. Here, Santa appears with the Christmas fairy who uses her ‘magic’ to bring to life a ‘doll’ in a cellophane box. She is the first of the very clever and thrilling circus acts. Lithe and very flexible, she uses multiples of hula-hoops in an amazing and complicated routine. This is followed by a juggler, a trapeze artist and a ‘clown’ who balances on an increasingly high ‘mountain’ of chairs.

But that’s not all! From backstage men drag and enormous domed ‘cage’ that is firmly fixed by secure ties to the four corners of the stage. Inside this first one, then two then three motorbikes are ridden in increasingly fast and more complicated routines, one of which includes a girl standing in the centre of the cage. This was the highlight of the circus for our two boys, who had their toy motorbikes out at 6.30 this morning zooming around the living room, despite not getting to bed until after 10 the night before!

There is one food outlet with the usual menu of take away foods, but it’s not particularly expensive. A ‘slushy’ stall, however, which includes a ‘souvenir’ drink container is a bit of a rip-off. We (and many other families) had the foresight to take some goodies from home and thus avoided queueing and any extra expense.

Enclosed in two of the showground halls, this is an entertaining addition to the busy-ness and fun that is part of the holiday season. It may be a little expensive for some families, but most of the ‘fun’ things are inclusive and the circus certainly adds value for the money outlaid.

Carol Wimmer

www.santasmagicalkingdom.com.au