Looking for the best Christmas days out in the Midlands? If you’re frantically searching ‘best Christmas events near me’ to plan the festive season, and you’re lucky enough to live in the Midlands, then read on for all the Christmassy fun you could wish for…
We’ve taken a look across Staffordshire, Derbyshire, Lincolnshire, Warwickshire, West Midlands, Gloucestershire and Nottinghamshire to find the best Christmas activities to get you in the mood for some festive fun.
We need to pack as much enjoyment as possible into these last few months to ensure a brilliant end to the year. Take a look at these Christmas days out in the Midlands, and pick your favourite for a fun day trip.
Christmas Days Out in the Midlands
*UPDATED 20 SEPTEMBER 2023*
Spending Christmas in the Midlands? Here are the festive activities you need to know about!
Christmas Days Out in the Midlands
1. Amerton Railway Santa Special
STAFFORD, STAFFORDSHIRE
CONFIRMED FOR 2023: Every Saturday and Sunday in December, plus Christmas Eve.
Amerton Railway (Staffordshire) are hosting their Santa Specials again this year!
“Board a steam train at Amerton Station and travel to Toyland to meet Santa and receive a hand-picked gift! Everyone also receives a festive goodie bag while surrounded by beautiful Staffordshire countryside as the train meanders through the fields on a frosty winter’s day.”
– AMERTON RAILWAY
Amerton Railway’s Santa Specials are one of the most popular Christmas events in Staffordshire, so get yourself booked in soon to avoid disappointment.
– Tickets are per carriage compartment (you will need to purchase the whole compartment), and compartments cost between £25 and £55 depending on what size you need (seating between 3 and 8 people, with accessible compartments available).
– Amerton Railway Santa Specials will run every Saturday and Sunday in December, including on Christmas Eve.
– All the profits support the charity that maintains the heritage steam and diesel locomotives.
Check out Churnet Valley Railway for more Santa fun on the Santa Express.
2. Christmas at Cadbury World
BIRMINGHAM, WEST MIDLANDS
CONFIRMED FOR 2023: Weekends between 18th November and 23rd December, plus the 21st and 22nd December
For one of the best Christmas days out in the Midlands, head to Cadbury World in Birmingham. Every year a visit to Cadbury World remains one of the top Birmingham Christmas events.
Here you can learn how your favourite confectionery is made, play in chocolate rain and add your favourite treat to a pot of delicious warm liquid Cadbury Dairy Milk. Discover the origins or the cocoa bean amidst trees and waterfalls in the Aztec Jungle, before riding the Crunchie rollercoaster in their unique cinema experience, the 4D Chocolate Adventure.
It’s also one of the best places to see Santa in the Midlands as it transforms into a winter wonderland with a giant chocolate Christmas tree.
Remember to book your tickets to Cadbury World in advance to save the faff on the day!
“Enjoy a scrumptious day out that’s choc-full of festive fun this Christmas at Cadbury World! Discover our chocolatey zones and whole host of seasonal activities for all the family. Tickets include entry to the pantomime and a visit to see Santa in his exclusive stage show!”
– CADBURY WORLD CHRISTMAs
– Christmas at Cadbury World is included in your regular ticket booking.
– There are 17 Santa stage shows throughout the day from 11am ’til 5.40pm.
If you like to combine chocolate, Santa and days out, take a look at the festive events in Yorkshire for Christmas.
3. Christmas at Warwick Castle
CONFIRMED FOR 2023: 25th November 2023 to 7th January 2024
Warwick Castle has got loads going on this year for a fun and festive day out for all the family. There’s a light trail, the ice rink is back, and you can join in with ‘Stories with Santa’ too. There’s also a festive market for you to pick up that all important mulled wine.
You can book your Midlands Christmas day out at Warwick Castle here. Ice skating is £11, the light trail is £16.50, and the Castle is £21. If you want to include a visit to Santa in your day out, it’s £38 for the Castle and Santa.
- Come inside and enjoy the castle at Christmas
- Includes access to daily shows and attractions
- Pre-book online to guarantee entry (book with Confidence Guarantee)
BOOK YOUR TICKETS TO WARWICK CASTLE BEFORE YOU GO TO SAVE TIME AND MONEY
You could also do a Santa Sleepover this Christmas at Warwick Castle! How amazing does this sound? Warwick Castle is one of the best days out in November, and it’s even more magical at Christmas.
“Turn your festive day into a magical family overnight stay in a cosy wooden lodge. In the morning, wake to the sound of sleigh bells, with your Elf wake-up call. Santa’s merry elves will arrive with Christmas wishes and a gift for little ones. Later, spend time with Mr and Mrs Claus to enjoy a special Christmas tale.“
– WARWICK CASTLE
READ MORE: 8 BEST CHRISTMAS MARKETS IN ENGLAND
4. Christmas at Chatsworth
BAKEWELL, DERBYSHIRE
CONFIRMED FOR 2023: 4th November 2023 – 7th January 2024
Chatsworth House is one of the absolute highlights of the Peak District, and makes for a great Christmas day out in the Midlands.
Christmas at Chatsworth will be booked through online timed tickets this year. And, brilliant news, the Chatsworth Christmas Market is back open for 2023 too. Check out our dedicated review of Christmas at Chatsworth here.
“Where better to start your Christmas shopping than at the Chatsworth Christmas market? With over 100 market stalls offering a wide range of Christmas gifts and decorations, it’s a great way to start the festive season. You can also explore our own exclusive ranges in the Stables shop with a wide range of home and fashion gifts, and lots of lovely stocking fillers.”
– Chatsworth christmas market
As well as the Christmas market in the Midlands, there’s also the house to explore, and an amazing festive illuminated walk too.
“Discover 24 rooms filled with Christmas wonder and the sights, sounds and scents of the season. Travel under archways adorned with candy canes, handmade Christmas stockings and mistletoe. Explore a winter wonderland and glittering Christmas tree brooch forest. At the heart of the house, you’ll find Father Christmas’ workshop; a hive of activity as preparations are underway for the all-important Christmas Eve deliveries, perhaps you can lend a hand? Keep your eyes peeled for his little helpers, who you may spot making mischief as you explore the house.”
– CHATSWORTH HOUSE
Prebooking is essential for the Chatsworth Christmas event and you will only be allowed to enter at your given time slot.
Prices start from £34 for an adult, £19 for a child, and £84 for a family of 2 adults and 3 children.
READ MORE
Here are the most exciting days out in Derbyshire
See how well you know the English winter with this FUN WINTER QUIZ!
5. Winter Glow
MALVERN, WORCESTERSHIRE
CONFIRMED FOR 2023: 24th November 2023 – 6th January 2024
Winter Glow is a festive experience complete with lots of amazing attractions held in one central location at the Three Counties Showground in Malvern. This winter wonderland features an Illuminated Light Trail, a personalised Santa experience, an indoor ice skating rink, and much more.
There’s an indoor Skate Cafe serving hot chocolate and snacks and there’s also a festive food quarter to enjoy. And mulled wine is available, of course. Check out the website at winterglow.co.uk for the latest info, including who’s playing the themed party sessions and DJ nights. Doggies welcome!
“Head out to our Main Gate Station, hop on board our festive Arctic Express Land Train and be whisked over to Santa’s busy Christmas toy shop. Our friendly elves will let Santa know you’ve arrived whilst you explore the many sights, sounds and smells of the workshop. When Santa’s ready, and sitting comfortably in one of his beautifully themed rooms you’ll be taken to see him for a personalised encounter. Children will be amazed by the intel Santa already has on them, they’ll share a magical chat, pose for a photo and of course will leave with a present picked especially for them to open on Christmas Day.”
– WINTER GLOW
6. Christmas at Drayton Manor
TAMWORTH, STAFFORDSHIRE
CONFIRMED FOR 2023: Dates TBC
Drayton Manor always go BIG at Christmas, and this year they have confirmed they’ll be bringing back a magical festive experience. If you like your Christmas with a side of fun rides, then this is the best Christmas day out in the Midlands for you.
No dates have been confirmed as of the time of writing, but something is definitely coming, so keep an eye on their website for all the booking details when they are finally released.
7. The Train Through Christmas Countryside
STAFFORDSHIRE
CONFIRMED FOR 2023: Weekends from 25th November 2023 – 24th December 2023 (including Fridays, and Thursday 21st)
The Train Through Christmas Countryside is put on by WyvernRail plc at The Ecclesbourne Valley Railway. It’s your chance to ride through the Staffordshire countryside with a festive feel, and some amazing entertainment along the way.
Check out the trailer for the experience they put on a few years ago…
“Your train departs from Wirksworth beautiful snowy station so now join us and step into our wonderful world of Christmas imagination. Get your ticket ready, make a wish, hold on tight and get ready to ride The Train Through Christmas Countryside together!“
– ECCLESBOURNE VALLEY RAILWAY
- Tickets are sold per compartment.
- Prices range from £50 to £140 per compartment (not per person) depending on how many seats you need and which area you wish to sit in.
- Steam train ride from Wirksworth to ‘Santa’s Station’ and back, with a heritage diesel locomotive on the other end.
- Experience the magic from the moment you arrive on the platform to the moment you leave. Sing along with the Porters as they dance, sing and entertain throughout the journey telling the story of Santa’s railway.
- Hot Chocolate and Cookies for every passenger on board.
- Santa will visit every compartment and there will be presents for the children.
- The journey length is approximately 1 hour 15 minutes.
READ MORE: One of the best Christmas days out in the Midlands and beyond is to take a day to explore England’s most beautiful villages. They look so magical with a layer of snow over them…
8. Christmas at Magic Alley
STRATFORD UPON AVON
CONFIRMED FOR 2023: Saturday 25th November ’til 20th December 2023
Magic Alley Stratford upon Avon is a wonderful place for toddlers, kids and adults. This year you have the choice of their ‘An Introduction to Father Christmas’ for children under 5, their ‘Christmas in the Crystal Kingdom’ for children over 5, their ‘Christmas in the Crystal Kingdom with quest’ for children aged 3 to 7, and their ‘Special Educational Needs’ sessions for children over 5.
Stratford Upon Avon is easily one of the best days out in Warwickshire, and this experience is one the kids won’t forget.
“Enter The Ice Kingdom and make your way through our magical 10 rooms completing the Christmas quest. On the way you will happen upon various characters and magical creatures before meeting Father Christmas. All children receive a present and then continue on their journey culminating in a visit to the snow covered Enchanted Forest where you can play in the snow and have a snowball fight!”
– MAGIC ALLEY
- Various dates available depending on the type of session you are interested in between 25th November and 20th December
- Ticket price £15-£17 depending on the date (regardless of age)
As you can see, Christmas days out in the Midlands are booking up fast!
9. Christmas at Wollaton Hall
NOTTINGHAMSHIRE
CONFIRMED FOR 2023: 1st December 2023 to 1st January 2024
Wollaton Hall is open for Christmas 2023, woohoo! You can get a 10% discount here if you’re a local resident, and find out all the latest information too. It makes for one of the most exciting days out in Nottinghamshire.
“With over ten brand new installations and a whole new look, this interactive light trail invites you to expect the unexpected and allow the Christmas spirit take over as you take a stroll through the grounds of Wollaton. Surprises are around every corner, and festive food, warming cocktails and picture perfect moments add to the exciting and unique spectacle that will have you captivated as you enjoy a magical Christmas with family, friends and loved ones at this seasonal classic with a contemporary twist. Internationally renowned and award-winning Creative Director Katherine Jewkes will work alongside light art pioneers, Luminism to create an exciting immersive experience guaranteed to thrill the senses as you explore the trail and witness the historic building bathed in light.”
– WOLLATON HALL
Enjoy Wollaton Hall in 2023! The park will bring new smiles of delight as it is transformed into a magical wonderland set to captivate visitors with awe inspiring illuminations, so this is definitely one of the best Christmas days out in the Midlands.
10. Santa at Snowdome
TAMWORTH, STAFFORDSHIRE
CONFIRMED FOR 2023: 11th November 2023 to 7th January 2024
Santa’s Winter Wonderland at Tamworth Snowdome is one of the best days out in the Midlands for Christmas. Not only has it got one of the best indoor ski slopes in England, it also has a wonderful Santa experience.
With a Snow Trail, a Santa show, and a Christmas Village, you’ll have a great time at the Snowdome during your Christmas days out in the Midlands.
“Play and slide around in real snow as you explore Santa’s Christmas snow trail featuring snow slides, fun displays and falling snow! Take a walk through the enchanted forest, enjoy a fun game of snowballs, hitch a ride on a sledge and have fun sliding about in the snow tubes… great fun for all the family!”
– SNOWDOME
Check out these custom Christmas pin badges!
Christmas is a time to spend time with loved ones and exchange gifts that can make a difference. A customisable pin badge will make a wonderful gift for family, colleagues, or friends. The pin badges can be created with traditional Christmas elements like the Christmas tree, candy canes, or Santa Claus.
They can also be personalised with any other element you want, such as the logo of a company, team mascot or family motto. You can decorate your jacket, shirt, jumper, and backpack with the pin badges. If you run a business, these pin badges are also the perfect giveaway to promote your brand. They can be ordered easily with online pin manufacturer PinBadges.co.
Christmas Lights and Light Shows in the Midlands
11. Enchanted Christmas, Westonbirt Arboretum
GLOUCESTERSHIRE
CONFIRMED FOR 2023: 24th November to 23rd December 2023 on selected evenings
Explore the Enchanted Christmas displays at Westonbirt Arboretum this year – fun for all ages. Father Christmas will be located along the woodland trail and there’s also a cool Christmas Village to explore too. It’s one of the best Christmas days out in the Midlands, as well as being one of the best Christmas days out in the Cotswolds.
“Weather the storm to help to reunite Father Christmas with his lost reindeer and experience mesmerising light displays and stunning spectacles along the way!
– Westonbirt Arboretum
Oh no! Father Christmas has lost his Reindeer among the trees of Westonbirt following an almighty storm. Not even Rudolph’s bright red nose can guide them back together. We need your help to reunite Father Christmas with his Reindeer, recover lost presents and save Christmas! If you do, you’ll go down in histor-tree! Set out on an adventure through the illuminated trees of the arboretum, speak to the trees and tree elves for clues, but watch out for the storm and don’t get lost! If you manage to locate all the Reindeer you may catch a glimpse of Father Christmas himself!“
Westonbirt is one of the best arboretums in England!
12. Christmas at Belton House
LINCOLNSHIRE
CONFIRMED FOR 2023: 24th November 2023 to 31st December 2024
Have yourself a merry little Christmas at Belton House in Lincolnshire, and complete your walk under the stars with a spiced winter warmer or hot chocolate. This is a truly special day out in the Midlands for the family, and a great way to get in the mood for the festive season.
“Look forward to some time together with loved ones, as you explore a magical trail with new lights for 2023. Discover larger-than-life flowers, a jolly flock of glittering robins, and wander through rainbow coloured trees – all new this year.”
– BELTON House
READ MORE: The Most Wonderful Christmas Days Out in England
13. Winter Light Trail, Shugborough Estate
STAFFORDSHIRE
CONFIRMED FOR 2023: 1st December 2023 – 24th December 2023
In Staffordshire this year, you can enjoy a magical Christmas in the Midlands with a touch of splendour. The Winter Light Trail will take over the grounds of the Shugborough Estate, inviting visitors on a mesmerising journey.
You’ll follow a one-mile-long trail through the estate’s historic grounds, taking in the stunning illuminations and lighting elements set to ambient music.
Tickets to the Shugborough Estate Winter Light Trail must be booked online in advance.
Winter Light Trail ticket prices:
- Adult: £16.75 – £21.25
- Children aged 3–15 years: £12.25 – £15.75
- Children aged 0–2 years: Free
- Family ticket (two adults and two children): £56.50 – £69.50
Christmas Markets in the Midlands
14. Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market
VICTORIA SQUARE, BIRMINGHAM
CONFIRMED FOR 2023: 2nd November 2023 – 24th December 2023
In Birmingham, you can find the largest authentic German Christmas Market outside of Germany. Anyone looking for some Christmas gifts will find beautiful decorations and handcrafted items to choose from, but the real reason to go is for the fab food and drink.
Victoria Square is filled with the most delicious smell of Christmas as stalls sell traditional German food. You can sample authentic bratwurst, pretzels, schnitzels, and hot chestnuts. You can even get half-metre sausages, if that sounds good to you – and if you’re thirsty there are four pint jugs of beer or sweet little mugs of flavoured gluhwein too.
Birmingham is one of the best Christmassy days out in England.
15. Nottingham Winter Wonderland
OLD MARKET SQUARE, NOTTINGHAM
CONFIRMED FOR 2023: 7th November 2023 – 31st December 2023
Nottingham Winter Wonderland is back! It’s the largest Christmas event in the East Midlands with over 70 Bavarian-inspired food and gift stalls, an ice rink and carnival rides – all in the centre of Nottingham. What more could you want?!
The Sky Skate Ice Path encircles Nottingham Winter Wonderland in the Old Market Square. VIP ice-side seating on a covered terrace is also available. For views of Nottingham from above, you can buy tickets to ride the observation wheel.
The ice rink is bigger than it’s ever been before, and festive stalls will showcase treats ranging from tasty bites to plants, home accessories and eco art.
As far as Christmas in the Midlands goes, it doesn’t get much more festive than Nottingham Winter Wonderland. Access to the market area is free and tickets for rides and attractions can be purchased onsite (or online if you want to beat the queues).
“Christmas returns to Nottingham with the largest event in the East Midlands! Best of all entry to Nottingham Winter Wonderland is FREE!! Featuring your favourite rides, bars and shopping spots from previous years, this is the perfect place to soak in the Christmas spirit.“
– VISIT NOTTINGHAMSHIRE
Looks like there’s lots going on for Christmas in Leicester, and you can enjoy the best days out from Leicester all year round too.
READ MORE: The Best Days Out from Nottingham
16. Stratford upon Avon Victorian Christmas Market
STRATFORD UPON AVON, WARWICKSHIRE
CONFIRMED FOR 2023: Thursday 7th December 2023 – Sunday 10th December 2023
For a Christmas event in the West Midlands that transports you to a bygone era, head to the Stratford upon Avon Victorian Christmas Market, which runs throughout the town centre.
Over 300 stalls will showcase a host of seasonal products, complete with local traders outfitted in Victorian attire.
You’ll be able to watch merry street performers throughout town as well as festive on-stage entertainers on Rother Street. There’s also a traditional funfair and a carousel for the little ones.
17. Christmas Garden Centres in the Midlands
Garden Centres are well known for being super Christmassy. If you’re looking for a Christmas afternoon out this year, then think about heading to one of these wonderful garden centres dotted around the Midlands. They’re also a great place to pick up a few Christmassy gifts too.
- Planters at Bretby, Burton On Trent
- Derby Garden Centre, Derbyshire
- Dobbies, Chesterfield
- Brookfields Garden Centre
- Notcutts Garden Centres, Wheatcroft
- Reuben Shaw & Sons LTD
- Gates Garden Centre and Palmers Garden Centres, Enderby
- Trentham Garden Centre, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire
- Garden King, Swadlincote, Derbyshire
- Bridgnorth Garden Centre, Shropshire
- Woodthorpe Garden Centre
Christmas Shops in the Midlands
18. Denstone Hall Farm Shop
In Uttoxeter, Staffordshire, the Christmas department at Denstone Hall Farm Shop & Café is now open. It’s a cute little shop, and you can combine it with a local walk to make it a great Christmassy morning / afternoon out.
19. Primsisters Country Decor
Primsisters Country Decor in Belper (Derby) is a wonderful shop in the Midlands, but even more so in the run-up to Christmas. The moment you set foot in this hidden gem of a store, it feels like you have been transported straight into your favourite fairytale.
This time of year, the upstairs area is transformed into an immersive and enchanting Winter Wonderland, filled with elegant, classy and sometimes eccentric, festive decorations and delicate touches, as far as the eye can see.
20. I Believe Belper, King Street Belper
This Christmas shop in Belper is located at The Corn Exchange, King Street in Belper – I Believe Belper – and it always has seasonal items and little gifts for filling stockings.
Adult Christmas Nights Out in the Midlands
21. Rand Farm Park
CONFIRMED FOR 2023: Friday 8th December 2023
Lincolnshire-based Rand Farm Park have revealed an Adults Only Christmas Date Night. With all the kids out of the way you can meet the animals on the farm, run around the indoor play areas and enjoy music, a licensed bar, food and toast marshmallows.
Christmas Days Out in the Midlands
Any more? We’d love this article to become an ultimate guide to Christmas in the Midlands, so please do let us know if you have any more Christmassy things to add – especially if you know any great Santa’s grottos near you!
READ MORE: The Best Christmas Days Out in Hampshire
Quick List: 20+ Wonderful Christmas Days Out in the Midlands for 2023
- 1. Amerton Railway Santa’s Special
- 2. Christmas at Cadbury World
- 3. Christmas at Warwick Castle
- 4. Christmas at Chatsworth
- 5. Winter Glow in Malvern
- 6. Drayton’s Magical Christmas
- 7. The Train Through Christmas Countryside
- 8. Christmas at Magic Alley
- 9. Christmas at Woolaton Hall
- 10. Santa at Snowdome
- 11. Enchanted Christmas, Westonbirt Arboretum
- 12. Christmas at Belton House
- 13. Winter Light Trail, Shugborough Estate
- 14. Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market
- 15. Nottingham Winter Wonderland
- 16. Stratford upon Avon Victorian Christmas Market
- 17. Christmas Garden Centres in the Midlands
- 18. Denstone Hall Farm Shop
- 19. Primsisters Country Decor
- 20. I Believe Belper
- 21. Rand Farm Park