Looking for the best Christmas days out in the Midlands? If you want the best Christmas events near me, and you’re lucky enough to live in the Midlands, then read on for all the festive 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 fun as possible into the last few months to ensure the year ends better than it started. 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 NOVEMBER 2022*
Spending Christmas in the Midlands? Here are the festive activities you need to know about!
1. Amerton Railway Santa’s Special
STAFFORD, STAFFORDSHIRE
CONFIRMED FOR 2022: every Saturday & Sunday in December, and 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 Santas Specials are one of the most popular Christmas events in Staffordshire, so get yourself booked in!
– Tickets are per carriage compartment which seats 6 people. Prices are yet to be confirmed for 2022.
– You will need to buy the whole compartment.
– Amerton Railway Santa Specials are running on every Saturday & Sunday in December, and Christmas Eve.
– All the profits support the charity that maintains the heritage steam and diesel locomotives.
Check out Churnet Valley Railway for more Santa’s special fun on the Santa Express.
2. Christmas at Cadbury World
BIRMINGHAM, WEST MIDLANDS
CONFIRMED FOR 2022: 20th November – 19th December + 20th – 23rd 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.
“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
– Prebook your Santa visit, which is included in the price of the ticket.
– Panto tickets are not reserved.
– You will be sat in a socially distanced way.
If you like to combine chocolate, Santa and days out, take a look at the festive events in Yorkshire for Christmas. There’s a day out called ‘Chocolate Story’ that’d be right up your street!
3. Christmas at Warwick Castle
CONFIRMED FOR 2022: 26th November to 2nd January 2022
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. Ticket prices start at £16, rising to £23.50 if you want to include a visit to Santa in your trip.
- Come inside and enjoy the castle at Christmas
- Includes access to daily shows & attractions
- Pre-book online to guarantee entry
- Book with Confidence Guarantee
BOOK YOUR TICKETS TO WARWICK CASTLE BEFORE YOU GO TO SAVE TIME & MONEY
You could also do a Santa Sleepover this Christmas at Warwick Castle! How amazing does this sound? It’s one of the best days out in November.
“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 2022: 5 November 2022–8 January 2023
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 2022 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, masquerade balls through December and an amazing festive illuminated walk too.
“We are delighted to be opening our doors to you for a warm and heartfelt celebration of all things festive from 6 November. Christmas scenes will flow throughout the house with music from all ages, including festive favourites from the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire.
– CHATSWORTH HOUSE
From a warm and inviting Christmas Eve scene in the State Bedchamber, complete with stockings hung by the fire, to a decadent festive table fit for kings and queens in the Great Dining Room, we invite you to step into the spirit of Christmas at Chatsworth.
Prebooking is essential for the Chatsworth Christmas event and you will only be allowed to enter at your given time slot.
– Prices start from:
ADULT£26
CHILD£15
FAMILY £70(2 adults, 3 children)
READ MORE
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 2022: 25th November 2022 – 2nd January 2023
Winter Glow is a brand new festive experience complete with 4 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, a 120ft observation wheel and an indoor ice skating rink too.
There’s an indoor Skate Cafe serving hot chocolate and snacks and there’s also a festive food quarter to enjoy. 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.
– WINTER GLOW
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.”
6. Drayton’s Magical Christmas
TAMWORTH, STAFFORDSHIRE
CONFIRMED FOR 2022: 26th November 2022 – 24th December 2022
Drayton’s Magical Christmas will be coming back to Drayton Manor this year. If you like your Christmas fun with a side of fun rides, then this is the best Christmas day out in the Midlands for you.
“Discover falling snow, enchanting decorations, a dazzling 35ft symphony tree, cheeky elves frolicking around the park and over 25 child-friendly rides and attractions: including Europe’s only Thomas Land and our 15-acre zoo. Plus, Live entertainment and experience our brand-new live show – ‘A Christmas Wish’.
– drayton manor park
Then, end your day watching our magical firework display by the lake – featuring Father Christmas, Mrs Claus and the elves for a singalong show like no other!”
7. The Train Through Christmas Countryside
STAFFORDSHIRE
CONFIRMED FOR 2022: 3rd December 2022 – 24th December 2022 (various dates)
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.
“Mr Tickets and Prez have been working hard to get everything ready and there are tickets waiting for you! 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, which can seat up to six passengers.
- Prices range from £75 to £120 per compartment (not per person) regardless of occupancy
- Steam train ride from Wirksworth to ‘Santa’s Station’ and back, with a heritage diesel locomotive on the other end
- Private compartment for your family seating up to 6 passengers
- 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
- Look out for Mr Tickets and the Woodland Puppets
- Hot Chocolate and Cookies for every passenger on board
- Santa will visit every compartment & there will be presents for the children
- Show runtime including train ride approx 1 hour 45 mins
READ MORE: One of the best things to do at Christmas is to take a day out 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 2022: November weekends / December weekdays up to and including 8th December
Magic Alley Stratford upon Avon is a wonderful place for toddlers, kids and adults. Their Candy Cane Christmas is the highlight of the Stratford upon Avon calendar – check out this video…
“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
- – November weekends and December weekdays up to and including 8th December
- Ticket price £14 (regardless of age)
- – December weekends from the 9th onwards
- Ticket price £15 (regardless of age)
As you can see, Christmas events in the Midlands are booking up fast!
9. Christmas at Wollaton Hall
NOTTINGHAMSHIRE
CONFIRMED FOR 2022: 2 Dec 2022 to 1 Jan 2023
Wollaton Hall is open for Christmas 2022, 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.
“Wollaton Hall will host its first magical Christmas lights trail, as the formal gardens are transformed for the first time ever into an enchanted light spectacle – Christmas at Wollaton Hall. Visitors will be able to enjoy a unique socially distanced outdoor light installation with an enchanting, winter paradise including a 2km (1¼ mile) illuminated trail of discovery created with four magical lands, specially designed to fit into the natural landscape of the Hall and Gardens.”
– WOLLATON HALL
Enjoy at Wollaton Hall in 2022
Brand-new trail
The park will bring new smiles of delight as it is transformed into a magical wonderland set to captivate visitors with awe inspiring illuminations.
Twilight Viewing Package – an intimate twilight viewing of Christmas at Wollaton in a limited capacity time slot to create that extra special experience. Includes drinks voucher and parking. Restricted dates.
10. Santa at Snowdome
TAMWORTH, STAFFORDSHIRE
CONFIRMED FOR 2022: 12th November 2022 to 1st January 2023
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 this Christmas 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
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 easily with online pin manufacturer PinBadges.co.
Christmas Lights and Light Shows in the Midlands
11. Enchanted Christmas, Westonbirt Arboretum
GLOUCESTERSHIRE
CONFIRMED FOR 2022: 25 November to 21 December 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 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!“
Cancelled Christmas events in the Midlands
– The Magical Lantern Festival in Birmingham is unfortunately cancelled this year. As one of the best Christmas days out in the Midlands, fingers crossed it’ll be open again in 2023. It’s usually one of the biggest Christmas events in Birmingham.
– Derby City Council have confirmed there will be a Christmas Lights switch on on the 12th December. Join in with the festivities from 3:30pm in the city centre for a variety of entertainment, leading up to the big switch-on at 6pm.
– The turning on of the Diwali and Christmas Lights display in Leicester have been confirmed for October 24th 2022.
12. Christmas at Belton House
LINCOLNSHIRE
CONFIRMED FOR 2022: 24 November 2022 to 1 January 2023
Have yourself a merry little Christmas at Belton House in Lincolnshire, and complete your walk under the stars with a mulled wine 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.
“Christmas magic returns as Belton is dressed in glitter and sparkle, and it’s our favourite time to spend with loved ones and relive traditions.
– BELTON House
Now is when you wrap up in your brightest winter woollies and head off into the parkland for a bracing walk, then warm up afterwards with a hot chocolate in the Joinery. After that, why not bring the family to the new Creation Station in the mansion kitchens where everyone can get creative with a paintbrush, or write a letter to Father Christmas and let him know what you love most about Christmas?
This year we’re placing a Memory Tree in the stable yard. You’re invited to write and hang a memory that commemorates a happy time, or in honour of someone who can’t be with you.“
READ MORE: The Most Wonderful Christmas Days Out in England
13. Winter Light Trail, Shugborough Estate
STAFFORDSHIRE
CONFIRMED FOR 2022: Fri, 25 Nov 2022 – Sun, 1 Jan 2023 (closed on Christmas Day)
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: £19.50
- Children aged 3–15 years: £14.50
- Children aged 0–2 years: Free
- Family ticket (two adults and two children): £62.00
Christmas Markets in the Midlands
– Is the Birmingham Christmas Market going ahead this year?
14. Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market
VICTORIA SQUARE, BIRMINGHAM
CONFIRMED FOR 2022: Thurs, 3 Nov 2022 – Fri, 23 Dec 2022
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 2022: Thurs, 15 Nov 2022 – Sat, 31 Dec 2022
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?!
New for Christmas 2022 is the Sky Skate Ice Path that 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. Check out the latest news on the link.
READ MORE: The Best Days Out from Nottingham
16. Stratford upon Avon Victorian Christmas Market
STRATFORD UPON AVON, WARWICKSHIRE
CONFIRMED FOR 2022: Thurs, 8 Dec 2022 – Sat, 10 Dec 2022
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 at Trentham Magical Light Trail
STAFFORDSHIRE
Confirmed for 2022: 2nd December 2022 – 1st January 2023
Follow the magical light trail at Trentham Gardens this year to enjoy Christmas markets, festive bites, illuminated walks, and the return of the 32-ft-tall Christmas tree.
The trail includes 15 different light displays choreographed to specially composed music, showcasing Trentham’s historic gardens and lake in a new light. Nothing short of spectacular, the Christmas tree is illuminated by 20,000 bulbs, and over 100,000 bulbs add colour to the roses in the Trellis of Light.
As an extra for the kids, Trentham will be hosting a fairground with exciting rides and activities. You can also book a private igloo to soak up the view of the Italian Garden while digging into a festive sharing platter.
Oh, and dogs are welcome too! Christmas in the Midlands with pets doesn’t get much better than this.
Ticket prices start from:
- Adult: £22.10
- Children: £14.60
- Family: £66.40
- Groups of 15+ adults: £19.50 per adult
- Igloo: £200 for up to eight people for 90 minutes (price per igloo)
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– 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
Check out this brand new Christmas shop opening in Belper – I Believe Belper.
Adult Christmas nights out in the Midlands
21. Rand Farm Park
Lincolnshire-based, Rand Farm Park, have revealed an Adults Only’ Christmas Date Night. With all the kids out of the way you can enjoy the animals on the farm, run around the indoor play areas and visit Santa’s ‘Secret’ Toyshop to meet the big man himself.
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
Quicklist of the best Christmas Midlands events
- 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 at Trentham Magical Light Trail
- Christmas Garden Centres in the Midlands
- Christmas Shops in the Midlands
- 18. Denstone Hall Farm Shop
- 19. Primsisters Country Decor
- 20. I Believe Belper
- Adult Christmas nights out in the Midlands
- 21. Rand Farm Park