Your bumper Midlands Christmas guide 2024: Markets, Santa visits, garden centres, real trees, pantos & more

The most magical time of the year is approaching, but don’t worry because we’ve got you covered.

Here’s our handy guide to everything Christmas 2024 (you can thank us later).

We have compiled this comprehensive Midlands-wide guide just for you, but if we’ve missed anything out or you’d like to be featured on the list then get in touch.

First things first - don't miss the 12 best Christmas light switch-on events in and around Birmingham - find out more on that here.

We will focus on five categories:

• Christmas Markets
• Days out/ best spots to see Santa
• Garden Centre extravaganzas
• Best places to get a real Christmas tree
• Local pantomimes

Christmas markets in the Midlands & beyond

Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market/ Ice Rink and Big Wheel

The Frankfurt Christmas Market is open from Friday, November 1 to Tuesday, December 24. It is set up in Victoria Square and is the biggest authentic German market outside Germany and Austria.

Birmingham Ice Rink and Big Wheel: This pair provide proof of that, with stalls and crowds now spreading out past Victoria Square and towards the Library of Birmingham in Centenary Square.

Alongside Brum’s biggest ice rink, you can also hop on the big wheel for unrivalled views of the city centre and beyond.

Find out more here: thebfcm.co.uk/birminghams-frankfurt-christmas-market/

Read more here: Birmingham German Christmas Market named UK's 'best to visit' according to Christmas Tree World

Winter Wonderland & Christmas markets in Nottingham

Dates to be confirmed. Last year it ran from Tuesday, November 7 to Sunday, December 31 on Old Market Square.

Nottingham’s premier Christmas entertainment attraction usually includes the Ice Rink and Sky Skate ice path, plus the popular Ice Bar, Sur La Piste and Altitude ski bars. The Christmas market stalls have something for everyone, with local and international traders supplying everything from hand-made gifts and delicious food to mulled wine or a classic hot toddy.

For more on this read our full story here.

nottinghamwinterwonderland.co.uk/

Chatsworth Christmas market

This market is on from November 9 to December 1

Soak up the atmosphere and start your Christmas shopping at Chatsworth Christmas market. Tickets must be booked in advance.

https://www.chatsworth.org/events/christmas-market/

Derby’s The Sadler Gate Christmas Night Market 2024

The stunning Sadler Gate Christmas Night Market returns on Thursday, November 28 from 5pm – 9pm. With over 80 artisan stalls as well as independent Sadler Gate retail & hospitality businesses, this really is an event that sets the mood and atmosphere for the festive season.

Sutton Coldfield’s first ever Christmas Market

You can park for free, make the most of free cycle hire and get free/discounted bus tickets to head to Sutton for this event. Find out all the details here.

Other Christmas Markets to mention:

• Digbeth Christmas Market: Everything Digbeth is back on Saturday 30th November. Read our full story here.
• Coventry Christmas Market: Located in Broadgate in the city centre, this market runs from November 18 to January 7,
• Stratford-upon-Avon Christmas Markets: The 2024 markets will take place on December 7–8 and December 14–15
• Warwick's Victorian Evening: A Christmas market with market stalls and fairground rides in the town square on Thursday, November 28
• Manchester Christmas Market, from November 8 to December 22
• Bath Christmas Market, from November 28 to Sunday, December 15
• York Christmas Festival, from November 14 - December 22
• Winter Wonderland, London: November 21 to January 5

2) Christmas days out/Santa visits across the Midlands

The Polar Express train ride

Polar Express train dates and times at Telford, Birmingham and Churnet Valley this Christmas. These magical trains tell the story of a young boy who sees a mysterious train heading for the North Pole stop outside his house.

He's the invited aboard by its conductor and joins other children on a visit to Santa Claus, who is preparing for Christmas. In 2016, the Telford Steam Railway became the first in the UK to run a live action recreation.

An authentic festive train ride departing from Birmingham Moor Street Station, the Polar Express train ride will head to Dorridge and back. Find out more here.

Read our full review here: Polar Express Birmingham: We went on magical Christmas train - here's everything you need to know

Christmas Nights at the Black Country Living Museum

Visit Black Country Living Museum in the West Midlands for a great Christmas day out this festive season. With a range of events on offer there’s something for everyone to enjoy as you explore Black Country Christmases through time.

• Glad Tidings– enjoy the museum after hours for a cosy evening of entertainment.
• Santa Hunts– explore the museum on a small guided tour to find Santa.
• Unwrapping Christmas– discover daytime activities and stories with Christmas cheer! General admission tickets for Unwrapping Christmas will go on sale later this year.

Find out more about Christmas Nights at the Black Country Living Museum

Christmas at Warwick Castle

Warwick’s Castle, a medieval fortress dating back a thousand years, is also in on the festivities. There’s a light trail, an ice skating rink, and a storytelling event with Santa. There’s also a sleepover with Santa. Booking is required for all events.

Find out more about Christmas at Warwick Castle.

Christmas celebration at Cadbury World

Cadbury’s iconic attraction will be hosting a plethora of Christmassy-chocolate crossover events in November and December. Find out more about Cadbury World here.

See Santa at the West Midlands Safari Park

Visit Santa in his grotto for a hot chocolate, mince pie and special gift after the four-mile safari route.

Find out more about meeting Santa at the West Midland Safari Park

Christmas at Twycross Zoo

Read more: The Christmas day out at Twycross Zoo that's packed with Xmas fun & includes 12 months entry

Bluebell Dairy, Derbyshire

Bluebell Dairy is running the Santa’s Enchanted Christmas this year on selected dates from November 30– December 24. Find out more here

Light Post Farm with Gloworm Festival, White Post Farm

Experience the magic of Christmas at White Post Farm with Gloworm Festival‘s enchanting Light Post Farm light trail, available every Thursday to Sunday from 21st November to 22nd December. Wander through the 1km festive farm trail illuminated by sparkling lights, and enjoy a variety of seasonal delights. Mansfield Rd, Farnsfield, Newark NG22 8HL

SnowDome Tamworth

Tamworth Snowdome’s Winter Wonderland and now it is in its 19th year. There’s a snow trail, Santa show and Christmas village. For more visit the website here.

National Forest Adventure Farm

The National Forest Adventure Farm is a truly magical trip. This magical journey, lasting over an hour and a half, transports you straight to the heart of the wondrous North Pole!Your adventure is filled with festive fun and surprises, from exploring a charming Victorian Village and decorating delicious gingerbread treats to fixing toy machines in the Elves workshop, having delightful conversations with the magical talking Polar Bear and truly so much more. The North Pole Adventure is an award-winning, enchanting Christmas experience located at the National Forest Adventure Farm in Burton-on-Trent, Staffordshire. For more visit the website here.

Hatton Adventure World, Warwick

This Christmas, Hatton Adventure World is being transformed into a brand new Enchanted Christmas Kingdom from November 30. There will be a 3D Glowing Forest, an unforgettable magical adventure, including their Creation Station Show. For more information go here: https://hattonworld.com/

Mini Meadows Farm, Northampton

This Christmas, visit Mini Meadows Farm for their Christmas Experience 2024. Step inside our Elf Kingdom, discover the candy cane maze, and immerse yourself in a festive fantasy world where you and your little ones will: After visiting Santa Claus, you’ll visit his toy shop and children can choose an early Christmas present. Enjoy an interactive and immersive, one hour long Christmas walk-through experience. Tickets are now on sale with further information here

Conkers, Derbyshire

Wrap up warm and get ready for your Elf adventure at Waterside Winter Wonderland, where Santa’s Chief Elf and his team will send you through Watersides Enchanted Forestand the Valley of Christmas Lights to discover Santa’s Woodland Grotto. For more visit the website here.

Magic Alley, Stratford

Children and adults alike can start their adventure through an enchanted world ultimately leaving footsteps on a white blanket that sparkles under the glow of a thousand lights. As you journey deeper into this magical land, the air is filled with the melodies of festive songs, leading you to the most cherished of all encounters – a visit with Father Christmas himself. “Once Upon a Christmas” is more than an event—it’s a gateway to a world where the spirit of Christmas lives on forever. For tickets visit here.

Elf the Musical at BP Pulse Live

Elf the Musical is coming to BP Pulse Live (formerly Resorts World Arena) this Christmas, following sell-out arena tours and a record-breaking two West End seasons. The arena spectacular features Santa’s 'magical flying sleigh', an audience snowball fight and a giant 'candy cane journey' from the North Pole set against amazing video-film backdrops on a large LED screen. The short run takes place from Friday, December 20 to Sunday, December 22. Find out more and book tickets via the website.

Santa Trains at Severn Valley Railway

The popular Santa Trains will be back at Severn Valley Railway for 2024. Departing from Kidderminster, families will get to hop on board and make their way to watch a panto at Arley Station. The experience includes a present for each child, and reserved seating for the whole family. New for 2024 is a Relaxed Santa Train too. Alternatively, you can enjoy the Enchanted Express from Bridgnorth where you'll meet Santa and his friends on board. Featuring narration by the voice of Dame Julie Walters, this also includes a present for each child. There's also Carol Trains running from Kidderminster to Highley. All the events take place on selected dates from November 20 through to Christmas Eve. Find out more and book via the Severn Valley Railway website.

Santa at the Sea Life Centre

Visit Santa at the Sea Life Centre in Birmingham. The event runs from November 30 to December 24. Find out more and book via the Sea Life Centre website.

Christmas at Chatsworth House

Christmas at Chatsworth involves the house being decorated for the season, a garden light trail, a farmyard and an adventure playground. The event runs from November 9 2024 to January 5 2025 and, if you visit between November 9 and December 1 inclusive, your ticket also includes access to the Christmas market. Find out more and book via the Chatsworth website. All tickets must be booked in advance.

Winter Glow, Malvern

Winter Glow is back at the Three Counties Showground in Malvern this Christmas. There’s ice skating, a light trail, Santa's grotto, festive fairground, market . There’s also an 18-hole UV crazy golf course. The event runs from November 22 to December 31, 2024 and is free to enter. Activities start from £6.50. Find out more and book tickets via the Winter Glow website.

Christmas at Blenheim Palace

New for 2024 is 'The Great Skate' - a new covered ice rink in the palace's Great Court .Find out more and book tickets via the Blenheim Palace website. Runs from November 15 2024 to January 1 2025.

Carols by Candlelight at Rufford Abbey

Head to Rufford Abbey in Newark. Escape the holiday rush and immerse yourself in festive cheer with an afternoon of enchanting music by the Carlton Male Voice Choir. Rufford Abbey Country Park, December 15 to December 22

The Jingle Bell Express, Nottingham

The Jingle Bell Express, departing from the Nottingham Transport Heritage Centre in Ruddington, will be getting passengers in the festive spirit every weekend in the lead up to Christmas from Saturday, November 30.

Families will enjoy a heritage train ride through the Nottinghamshire countryside accompanied by Santa and his elves.

Read the full story on this here.

Christmas at WILD zoo in Wolverhampton

Each Santa ticket purchased is for x1 Child (2yrs - 15yrs Included) to meet Santa including x1 child zoo admission ticket and gift from Santa. Tickets include entrance to the zoo and entrance to the festive flight show (the bird shows here are amazing!)

For more visit the website here

Luminate trail at Birmingham Botanical Gardens

As darkness descends, visitors can weave their way through an immersive light experience through the gardens. This mesmerising trail features stunning light elements and interactive light play all set to a beautiful soundtrack.

For more click here.

It’s Panto season! Oh no it isn’t, oh yes it is! (well, nearly!)

Beauty & the Beast at Wolverhampton Grand Theatre

The Wolverhampton Grand Theatre proudly presents Beauty and the Beast, featuring Gladiator’s Giant alongside panto favourites Tam Ryan and Ian Adams. Visit: https://www.grandtheatre.co.uk/whats-on/beauty-the-beast/

From 30 November 2024 to 5 January 2025

Peter Pan at Birmingham Hippodrome

After a successful season last year, Birmingham’s own Alison Hammond is back at the Birmingham Hippodrome’s panto, starring as The Magical Mermaid! Alison joins the Hippodrome’s panto star and award-winning comedian Matt Slack, who is returning for his eleventh season. This year, Matt will be helping Peter Pan defeat Captain Hook as Smee. 21 December 2024 to 2 February 2025

https://www.birminghamhippodrome.com/calendar/peter-pan-two/

Peter Pan at Theatre Royal Nottingham

This Christmas, take to the skies with Peter Pan and his beloved friends in a swashbuckling adventure that promises to delight the whole family. From7 December 2024 to 12 January 2025

https://trch.co.uk/whats-on/peter-pan/

Cinderella

Derby Arena- Everyone gets to go to the ball with Derby's annual pantomime spectacular. Friday, December 6 - Tuesday, December 31

https://www.derbylive.co.uk/whats-on/cinderella2024/

Jack at the Beanstalk

Pantomime coming to White Post Farm this November. Friday 15th November, Saturday 16th November & Sunday 17th November 2024. The famous Lemon Jelly Pantomime is back at White Post Farm this November….this time bringing you the classic that is Jack and the Beanstalk! 55 minutes of Panto fun for the kids, and of course the adults too…you do not want to miss it. Everyone aged 1 year and older will need their own ticket. Book online here! Mansfield Rd, Farnsfield, Newark NG22 8HL

Birmingham Rep

Over at The Rep, two festive productions are set to light up the stage. First, there's The Snowflake, based on Benji Davies' beloved story. Running from 5th December to 12th January, it tells the tale of a snowflake, a young girl, and her grandfather, all searching for their own place in the world. It's a perfect choice for younger audiences and those seeking a gentler Christmas story.

In contrast, The House at The Rep will host a darker, more thrilling festive offering: A Christmas Carol: A Ghost Story, from 14th November to 5th January. This spine-chilling retelling of Dickens' classic tale, adapted by Mark Gatiss, promises to captivate audiences with its supernatural special effects and a cast including Matthew Cottle as Scrooge and Rufus Hound as Jacob Marley.

For more visit the website here.

Robin Hood: The Merriest Panto in the Land

Finally, at the Royal Sutton Coldfield Town Hall, this panto will bring traditional panto fun from 7th to 31st December. Packed with songs, slapstick, and a dangerous archery competition, this family-friendly production promises plenty of laughs. The show will feature local stars, including Anna Kumble and James Bartlett, ensuring it's one of the highlights of the holiday season.

Must-visit garden centres:

Woodborough Green Garden Centre near Nottingham

New Christmas shop with Santa’s grotto to open on Saturday, October 5.The new shop will also feature a grotto, where young visitors will meet Santa, take part in a North Pole-themed workshop and receive a gift to take home. Customers can even enjoy an early Christmas dinner after taking a look around the new shop. You can find more information about the new Christmas shop on the Woodborough Green Garden Centre website.

For more on Woodborough’s Christmas shop you can read our full story here.

Christmas Magic comes to Bournville Garden Centre

The best time of the year is nearly here, and Bournville Garden Centre is excited to announce its new Christmas store opening on October 12. https://www.britishgardencentres.com/centres/bournville-garden-centre/

Sapcote Garden Centre, Leicester

Staff say it now has possibly the largest and most comprehensive Christmas display area in the Midlands. https://www.sapcotegc.co.uk/

Webbs of Wychbold - Droitwich Garden Centre

We got a first look at this place this year: Read our full behind-the-scenes review here.

This place has an amazing Christmas shop - it’s an entire department, not to mention the Enchanted Light Trail and the real Christmas trees for sale. For more visit: webbsdirect.co.uk/enchantedgardens/

Best places to buy a real Christmas tree

Picking your own Christmas tree can be a day-out for the family in itself

Ones in and around Birmingham:

• Hagley Christmas Trees, Worcester Road (A450), Stourbridge DY9 0EG
• Webbs of Wychbold - Droitwich Garden Centre
• Woods Farm supplied Covent Garden in London with a 60ft Christmas tree last year – growing at their farm in Shirley for over 40 years. Bills Lane, Shirley, Solihull B90 2PP
• Friezeland Farm, less than an hour from Birmingham. If you’re up for it, you can even dig or cut it yourself, Wellsborough Rd, Nuneaton CV13 6PD
• Pottery Farm. From November 24, Pottery Farm will be open 9 to 5, seven days a week. 66 Mucklow Hill, Halesowen B62 8BN

Where to buy your Christmas tree in Notts & Derbyshire

• Bawtry Forest Christmas Trees, Retford, just turn up and choose your perfect tree. Yorkshire and Nottinghamshire's largest supplier of locally grown trees, Babworth, Retford
• Egmanton Christmas Trees, near Tuxford, Open seven days a week from 25 November. Farm Egmanton, Juglans, Newark NG22 0EZ
• Oak Tree, Woodborough, Open Wed-Sun, 10-2pm. Park Ave, Woodborough, Nottingham NG14 6EB
• Clayton Fold, High Peak. Worth a trip for the views alone! All the trees at this fab farm on the Derbyshire/Cheshire border are chopped to order
• Chatsworth Farm Shop, Pilsley - Chatsworth House estate and there’s a farm shop. Pilsley, Bakewell DE45 1UF
• Mr Christmas Tree, Ockbrook. This family-owned business grows their own Christmas trees at Spondon Wood Farm near Derby.

Want to add your event to the list? Get in touch at [email protected]