Posted on Thursday 7th December 2023
Santa in front of Tamworth Castle
Families and couples looking for fun days out in the run-up to Christmas are being reminded of the many wonderful things to do in Staffordshire.
With more than 130 festive events and activities to choose from, there’s a day out for everyone and something to suit all budgets. So, whether it’s trips to meet Santa, Christmas markets, festive steam train journeys, illuminations, or a good old fashioned panto there’s plenty to choose from.
And to make it easy for people, the county’s tourism organisation Enjoy Staffordshire have created a downloadable map giving people an easy way to see what events are going on nearby.
At the Alton Towers Resort, families can enjoy an unforgettable Christmas break, where the Santa's Sleepovers include a chance to meet Santa, plus Christmas panto, selected family rides, and admission to the waterpark.
At the National Memorial Arboretum in Alrewas, Illuminations will bring a kaleidoscope of colour, with a light trail that shows the memorials, gardens and woodland as never seen before. Lichfield Cathedral is also joining in the festivities with their own Christmas Light Show.
If it’s Christmas markets people are after, there’s the festive Castle Artisan Market in Newcastle, markets at World of Wedgwood, Weston Park and the twilight market in Leek. People can also bag a bargain at the Trentham Shopping Village or join The Trentham Estate’s first Christmas Festival, with ice sculptures, live music and entertainment.
At Churnet Valley Railway, people can meet singing chefs, the dancing conductor, and Santa himself, as The Polar Express Train Ride takes families on a magical journey through the Staffordshire Moorlands.
In Tamworth, Santa’s Wonderland is back at the SnowDome and there will be plenty of real snow, real animals and the all new winter wonderland show suitable for all the family. And over at Drayton Manor Resort, it’s a Christmas Wonderland with Santa in his grotto, the Wishmas Express light trail, and fun on the favourite family rides at Thomas Land.
Philip White, Deputy Leader at Staffordshire County Council and Vice Chair of Enjoy Staffordshire said:
“Staffordshire has a brilliant tourism offer all year round including some of the UK’s biggest theme parks, along with many smaller attractions and venues, all right on our doorsteps and Christmas is one of the best times of year to enjoy what we have to offer.
“With a great mix of indoor and outdoor events, there’s something for all the family and for all budgets. I’d definitely urge families to download the map with all the events and start exploring our amazing county.”
To find out more about events and dates in Staffordshire visit the Enjoy Staffordshire’s website.