Christmas & New Year events

As winter draws in, Staffordshire comes alive with festive magic.

For Christmas in Staffordshire, you'll find everything from dazzling light switch-ons and sparkling trails to cosy markets, pantos and family shows – there’s something special happening in every corner of the county.

Get ready for fun-filled Christmas days out, magical nights, and memories to treasure.

 

11 Christmas Family Days Out in Staffordshire 

1. Alton Towers Resort 

Alton Towers Resort transforms into a winter wonderland full of lights, rides, shows and festive fun for everyone. Stay overnight with Santa’s Sleepover or plan a magical day out full of joy and surprises (selected dates from 28th November).

2. Drayton Manor Resort

Step into a world of Christmas magic at Drayton Manor Resort. Meet Santa and his cheerful elves, enjoy sparkling lights, gentle rides and heart warming shows - all set within a magical winter setting (selected dates from 22nd November).

3. National Memorial Arboretum

Take a peaceful evening stroll through the beautifully lit ground of the National Memorial Arboretum for Illuminated Arboretum (5th-22nd December). Stunning light displays show the memorials, gardens and woodland as you've never seen them before.

4. Trentham Estate

Experience the magic of the Winter Light Trail at Trentham Estate (21st November-4th January), where twinkling lights and enchanting displays transform the gardens into a glowing wonderland. Enjoy music, lights and festive cheer at the Trentham Christmas Street Party (13th November), and say hello to Santa and his helpers in the grotto from 15th November.

5. Churnet Valley Railway

Climb aboard The Polar Express at Churnet Valley Railway for a magical journey to the North Pole! Enjoy the hot chocolate and join in with the singing chefs and the dancing conductor - not to mention Santa himself (selected dates from 8th November).

6. Lichfield Cathedral

Spectacular projections and beautiful lights illuminate the West Front of Lichfield Cathedral (15th-21st December) as acclaimed animation team Illuminos tell the story of an amazing little robin.

7. Weston Park

Enjoy Weston Park's Christmas Dine & Stay experience (12th-13th and 19th-20th December), featuring a five-course seasonal dinner, drinks and canapés, carol singers in the Marble Halls, and a cosy overnight stay in one of Weston’s elegant bedrooms. And there's a traditional celebration with Christmas carols and lunch on 21st December too.

8. Statfold Country Park

All aboard the Magical Santa Express at Statfold Country Park (27th November-23rd December), stopping at the brand new vintage fairground, the North Pole Post Office, and Santa's Grotto.

9. Lower Drayton Farm

Jingle Ville is back at Lower Drayton Farm (selected dates from 29th November), with festive bus rides, Christmas films, photos with Santa, and the chance to make your own Christmas decorations and cuddly toys.

10. World of Wedgwood

Santa himself will be reading a heart-warming Christmas story at World of Wedgwood (selected dates from 29th November), with gifts and photo opps in a twinkling woodland.

11. McArthurGlen West Midlands

Meet Santa and his elves in the grotto at McArthurGlen West Midlands from Thursday 27th November. Each child will receive a photo and gift, and you'll be helping raise funds for local charity Kids Village too.

 

More things to do for Christmas in Staffordshire

Head for Santa's Grotto at Peak Wildlife Park (22nd November-24th December), and go on the magical North Pole Adventure at the National Forest Adventure Farm (selected dates from 29th November).

Walk in a winter wonderland at the Snowdome (selected dates from 15th November), on real snow! 

And take a step back in time for a war-time Christmas filled with nostalgia, carols, and old-fashioned charm at the Potteries Museum & Art Gallery (7th December).

If you love getting creative, Staffordshire’s festive craft events are perfect for you.

Himley Hall hosts a beautiful Christmas Craft & Gift Fair (15th-16th November) – ideal for finding unique handmade gifts and decorations – on 15th & 16th November, while you can roll up your sleeves and make a festive masterpiece in the Wreath-making Workshop at Gladstone Pottery Museum (6th December).

Surrounded by festive cheer, these workshops are a lovely way to slow down, get creative and bring home something personal for the season.

 

Christmas Pantos in Staffordshire

No Christmas in Staffordshire is complete without a good old-fashioned panto! Filled with fun and laughter, these much-loved shows are a great way to make special memories with family and friends.

1. New Vic Theatre

Dive under the sea for The Little Mermaid, a magical adventure with music, laughter and a touch of circus magic at the New Vic Theatre (14th November 2025-24th January 2026).

2. Gatehouse Theatre

Join Princess Aurora a snoozy princess and her fairy friends, a brave hero and a few mischievous characters in this glittering production of Sleeping Beauty at The Gatehouse Theatre (5th December 2025-4th January 2026).

3. Regent Theatre

Get ready for the ball! Glittering costumes, catchy songs and plenty of laughs, Cinderella at the Regent Theatre (12th December 2025-4th January 2026) promises a spectacular Christmas outing filled with magic and music.

4. Assembly Rooms

Climb with Jack on a giant adventure full of jokes, music and larger than life fun for Jack and the Beanstalk – a great post-Christmas outing for the whole family at the Assembly Rooms in Tamworth (30th December 2025-18th January 2026)

5. Garrick Theatre

The Garrick Theatre’s much-loved panto Cinderella returns from 21st November 2025-11th January 2026 with dazzling sets, cheeky humour, and fun for all ages! Expect a fairy godmother with flair, hilarious panto dames, and plenty of audience laughter from start to finish.

 

Christmas Lights Switch-ons in Staffordshire

Staffordshire is set to sparkle this festive season with Christmas Lights Switch-On events taking place across towns and districts throughout November 2025.

 

What's On in Staffordshire for Christmas

Discover the perfect Christmas event in Staffordshire on our What’s On page, where there are over 100 ideas to get you into the festive spirit. 

 

Featured Staffordshire Christmas Events

Experience the magic and sparkle of the festive season with these Christmas events in Staffordshire, with wonderful light trails, pantos, Christmas lights switch-ons, Santa's Grottos and more!

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