Festive family events roundup: West Midlands
Consider this your go-to for festive family events in the West Midlands. It’s bursting with recommendations from the dayze community and includes light trails, winter wonderland, ice skating, carols, quieter sessions, pantos, shows, crafts, Christmas tree festivals, dog parades and more!
Our picks of the best family festive events in the West Midlands!
We've grouped the events on one page to make it super easy for you to find what you and the family actually want to do without losing your mind. Keep those suggestions coming, and we'll keep the good times rolling on this page!
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Free Elves workshop in Solihull, Resorts World: Sat 2 Dec - Sun 24 Dec.
Christmas Tree Festivals across Leamington Spa and Warwick (see our Christmas Tree Festival roundup below).
Christmas at Chedhams Yard, Wellesbourne, Warwick: Sat 16 Dec, 10:00 - 16:00. Carols around the wood fire, mince pies and activities (small charges for some). Entry is free and children can also meet Father Christmas.
Snowdog sculpture family trail across Birmingham City Centre. 8 Nov - 4 Jan.
The Valley Evesham, Christmas Dog Parade: Sun 10 Dec, 10:00 - 11:00. Free to watch or £3.50 to enter your dog.
Tesco, Meet Santa for free: Various dates and locations, with a free gift for the kids - make sure you book your slot!
Father Christmas at Cathedral Square Market, Birmingham free family day out and Meet Santa: On Sat 2 Dec, 11:00 - 15:00 Santa will walk around the square offering a chance for families to meet him free-of-charge - and giving out free gifts
Ikea, Wednesbury Big Festive Weekend + Breakfast with Santa +gingerbread decorating: Make sure you have an IKEA family card and book your slot for the free kids breakfast with Santa on various dates from 26 Nov. The Big Festive weekend 9-10 Dec is free and no need to book. But book your slot for the free gingerbread decorating sessions.
Stratford Upon Avon – Victorian Christmas Market
The Stratford Upon Avon Victorian Christmas market: Thurs 7 Dec - Sun 10 Dec. Stallholders wear Victorian attire, stalls and lots of entertainment around the town, including a funfair (costs apply).
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Coventry Cathedral. Sat 9 Dec 18:00 - 20:00. A Christmastide Celebration for Coventry & Warwickshire Children's Charity, £40 family ticket.
Black Country Living Museum. Glad Tidings Carols: Dec 8, 9, 15, 16, 22, 23. 8+years, £22.50 adults, £15.50 kids.
Carols at Warwick Castle: Sat 16 Dec, 18:00 - 21:00, outdoors £10 adults, £5 kids (under 11).
Carols by Candlelight Collegiate Church, St. Mary’s Warwick: Thurs 21 Dec, 19:30 - 21:00, £14.50+pp.
Carol concert in the Barnyard, National Trust, Moseley Old Hall, Staffordshire: Sun 10 Dec 11:00 - 13:00, free (normal admission applies).
Christmas in the Courtyard, Birmingham Back to Backs National Trust: Sun 10 Dec, 18:00 - 20:00, free (normal admission applies).
Symphony Hall, Christmas Carol Singalong: Sat 23 Dec, 15:00, £14.50+pp.
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Herbert Gallery, Coventry, Christmas decorations: Drop in sessions, 20-22 Dec, 10:30-15:30. Donation £2.50. Designed for ages 3+, but all ages are welcome.
Ju Ju’s Cafe, Birmingham Family Festive Christmas Wreath Workshop for children & parents. Sat 16 Dec, 14:00 - 17:00. For children aged 3+. £60 parent + child ticket.
Christmas decoration making at Kingsbury Water Park, Sutton Coldfield: Sun 10 Dec 10:30 - 14:00, 45 mins sessions all ages, perfect for 3+ years. £3.50 pp.
Brunswick Hub, Leamington, Free Christmas Ornament workshop: Thurs 16 + Thurs 23 Nov 18:00 - 19:00. Make decorations for the Brunswick Hub tree at the Leamington Spa Christmas Tree Festival.
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Wolverhampton city centre: Saturday 18 November
Stratford-upon-Avon: Saturday 18 November
Leamington Christmas Market: Sunday 19 November (17:30)
Rugby town centre: Sunday 19 November (East 17 to switch on!)
Nuneaton Christmas lights: Friday 24 November
Warwick market: Saturday 25 November
Dudley town centre: Saturday 25 November
West Bromwich: Saturday 25 November
Redditch: Saturday 25 November
Kenilworth: Sunday 26 November
Walsall Manor Hospital: Friday 1 December
Whitnash, Leamington Spa: Sunday 3 December
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Worcester Cathedral – Christmas Tree Festival: 7 Dec - 14 Jan, exc. Christmas Eve and Day.
St Mary’s Church Christmas Tree Festival, Old Square, Warwick: 23 Nov - 3 Dec (10:00 - 16:00, Sundays from 12:00).
All Saint’s Church, Priory Terrace, Leamington: Sat 10 – Sunday 18 Dec, 15:00-19:00. Free, donations welcome.
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Santa’s Sparkly Surprise, Belgrade Theatre Coventry: (inc. optional Santa meet and greet after the show) Thurs 7- Sun 24 Dec. Adults £12.50. Children: £15.50.
The Gruffalo, Warwick Arts Centre: Sat 2 - Sun 31 Dec, £11+pp.
Children’s Christmas Pantomime – Sinbad the Sailor, Nuneaton: Thurs 28 Dec 13:00-15:00, £6 (inc. kid’s packed lunch) at Oakridge Golf Club.
Nativity the Musical, Bridge House Theatre, Warwick School: 4+ years, Dec 8, 9, 14, 16, 17, 22, 23, 24, 31. £15+ adults, £13+ kids.
Jack and the Beanstalk, Royal Spa Centre, Leamington Spa: 4+ years, Dec 9, 10, 16, 17, 22, 23, 26, 13:00 - 16:00. £24pp.
Dick Whittington, Warwick Arts Centre: Jan 4, 19:30 - 22:00. £16-21pp.
Cinderella, Belgrade, Coventry: 22 Nov - 13 Jan, £15+pp.
Jack and the Beanstalk. Birmingham Hippodrome: 16 Dec - 28 Jan, £18+pp.
Sir Peter Wright’s Nutcracker, Birmingham Hippodrome: 17 Nov - 9 Dec. £25+pp.
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, Birmingham Rep Theatre: 14 Nov - 28 Jan. £20.50+pp.
Peter Pan at Resorts World Arena, West Midlands: Dec 22-23 (Boy George playing Captain Hook!) £28.80+pp.
Cinderella Panto, Malvern Theatres: 14 Dec - 7 Jan, £16.80+pp.
Motionhouse Starchitects Save Santa! Midlands Arts Centre: Thurs 16 Nov - Sat 30 Dec. £16.50, adults, £14.50 kids.
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Upton House and Gardens, New Year's Day walk with an expert tour guide: Mon 1 Jan 10.30-12.30. Adult £12, kids £8.
Bodenham Arboretum Worcestershire – Christmas Nativity Trail: Sat 25 Nov - Sun 7 Jan, 09:00 - 17:00. Take part in a quiz while you walk through the farmyard, where you’ll see the farm animals starring in live nativity scenes. £25 Family ticket.
Santa Dash for Myton Hospice, Leamington Spa: Sun 10 Dec at 10:30, dress in a Santa suit or Christmas T-shirt and run, jog or walk 5K around Victoria Park and Leamington Spa. £14 adults, £7 kids.
Snowdogs Wild in Art family walk, Birmingham City Centre: 23 Nov - Sun 7 Jan. Free! Download the map online and enjoy a festive sculpture trail inspired by the animated sequel to the late Raymond Briggs’ timeless picture book The Snowman™.
Jingle Bell Jog, Solihull: Sun 10 Dec Run, walk, dance, jog or jingle your way around our family-friendly 2.5km fun run through Solihull town centre. 4+ years £12 adults, £7 kids 4-12 years.
The Valley Evesham Christmas Dog Parade: Sun 10 Dec, 10:00 - 11:00. Free to watch and £3.50 to enter your dog. Dress up in festive gear is encouraged!
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Vintage Trains Polar Express Train Ride: Birmingham Moor Street Station. Friday - Sun every weekend throughout November + December. Tickets £29+ pp.
Echills Wood Railway, Santa Trains: , December 2, 3, 9, 10, 11:00 - 16:00. £12.50pp, inc Santa visit for kids under 12.
Severn Valley Railway Santa Trains: 25 Nov - 24 Dec, includes stage show and return vintage train to travel from Kidderminster to Arley and small gift for every child. £144+ table for 4 people.
Evesham Vale Light Railway. Open every weekend 10.30 - 16:00. Ticket prices: £3.30 adult, £2.70 child return (aged 2-15 years). Under 2’s free!
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Broadgate Coventry Outdoor Skating: And meet Santa. 5+ years. Dedicated parent and toddler sessions too, Sat 25 Nov - Sat 24 Dec. 5+ years dedicated parent and toddler sessions too. £22+pp.
Glide, slide and go wild Glide rink, West Midlands Safari Park: An eco-friendly alternative to ice. Fri 24 Nov - Sun 7 Jan. Various prices and times.
Ice Skate Birmingham Centenary Square Ice Skate: Thurs 2 Nov - Sun 7 Jan. £13 adults £11 kids (0-12 years).
Warwick Castle open-air rink: £11pp (weekdays) £20pp (weekends) for approx 45 mins. Sat 25 Nov - Sun 7 Jan.
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Leamington Lantern parade: Sun 3 Dec, 16:15 - 19:00.
Rugby Lantern Parade, Sat 9 Dec, 17:30.
Warwickshire Festive Tractor Parade. Tues 12 Dec 12 starting Berkswell and Balsall Rugby Football club at 17:30.
Festive tractor run, Nuneaton, Bedworth and Atherstone: Fri 8 and Sat 9 Dec.
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Coombe Abbey Enchanted Light Trail, Coventry: Sat 25 Nov 2023 - Tues 2 January 2024. 16:30 - 20:00. Takes about 60-90 minutes. Family ticket £56.50 (weekdays) £69.50 (weekends).
Birmingham Botanical Gardens Luminate Live Trail: Sat 25 Nov - Tues 2 Jan 2024. 16:30 - 20:00. Takes about 60-90 minutes. Family ticket £56.50 (weekdays) £69.50 (weekends).
Webbs Wychbold – The Enchanted Gardens Peter Pan Light Trail: Fri 17 Nov 2023 to Weds 3 Jan 2024. Family ticket £55. Children with additional needs: The trail opens exclusively on Friday 17 Nov.
Warwick Castle After Dark Light Trail: Sat 25 Nov - Sun 7 Jan 2024. £16.50+ pp.
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Coombe Abbey, Coventry, Festive Sunday Lunch with Santa: Sun 10 Dec - Sun 17 Dec. Almost sold out! £55.00 adults, £27.50 kids.
The Warwickshire Golf + Country Club Meet Santa: Breakfast with Santa, Sun 3 Dec, 09:00-12:00 £24.95 kids, £19.95 adults cheaper for members), Lunch with Santa, Sun 17 Dec 13:00 - 16:00, £27 adults, £24.95 kids (cheaper for members).
Tesco meet Santa (various locations): FREE, including an age-appropriate gift (0-8 years). Must book a time slot in advance.
Lunch with Santa, Wooton Hall Country Club, Henley in Arden: Sun 17 dec 13:00 - 16:00. £12pp.
St Mary’s Guildhall, Coventry, Meet Santa: Available on Saturdays throughout December, 2-23, £16 kids, £6 adults.
Magic Alley Stratford - Christmas in the Kingdom Meet Santa: For under and over 5s + £16+pp. Sat 25 Nov - 20 Dec, 10:20 - 13:30.
Dudley Canal and Tunnel Trust Meet Santa. Board the boat through festive tunnels to enjoy the Winter Nights by Christmas lights event. After your boat ride, disembark to join Father Christmas and the elves in the festive workshop. Every child receives a gift, whilst adults enjoy a mince pie and hot drink. Dec, 1-3, 8-10, 15-23. £16.50pp.
Exotic Zoo, Telford Christmas 2023. Sat 2 Dec, various time slots. Father Christmas takes up residence in their Igloo and children encounter several real animals before meeting the man himself. £15pp (including small gift).
Santa’s Grotto at Touchwood, Solihull: Sat 25 Nov - Sun 24 Dec. £6 per child.
Coventry Transport Museum: Visit Santa: Vintage Sleigh Ride Experience. Sat 25 Nov - Sat 23 Dec, 10.30 - 15.30. £13 per child (inc. 2 adults).
Santa’s Grotto, McArthurGlen, Cannock, West Midlands: Friday 1 Dec - Sat 24 Dec, 11:00 - 17:00. £2.50 per child (inc. gift).
Santa Safari at Hawkstone Park and Follies Christmas: Fri 1 Dec - Sat 23 Dec. After a warming festive drink you’ll be whisked off in one of our Land Rovers across the Park, under the Wishing Arch and up the steep hill to Santa’s spectacular network of caves to the grotto where every child is greeted by Santa and gets a gift. Twilight car for up to 8 people £175.
Children’s Play Village, Warwickshire: Fr 1 Dec - Sat 23 Dec. Enjoy a play session with a visit from Santa at the fab play village.
Festive Stories with Santa at Kenilworth Castle: 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, 17 + 23 Dec. £9.50 per child (inc. gift) and must book in advance.
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Santa’s Quiet Grotto, Dobbies Garden Centre, Atherstone: Fri 8 Dec 14:30 -17:30. £11.99pp.
Sensory stories and rhymes Christmas story special, Herbert Gallery + Museum: Tues 12 Dec 10:30 - 11:00. £1.50pp.
Magic Alley Stratford, Special Educational Needs sessions for children over 5s: Sun 26 Nov from 10.20 to 14.35 + Wed 13 Dec from 15:00 - 18:45. £15+pp
Webbs Wychbold - The Enchanted Gardens: Fri 17 Nov, the trail will be open exclusively for children with additional needs. £55 family ticket.
Warwick Castle Light Trail - Quieter session: Mon 4 Dec, 16:30 - 20:00. £16.50+pp.
Meet Santa SEN sessions, Children’s Play Village, Warwickshire: Sun 17 Dec 12:30 - 15:00. £28.50 kids (inc. play session, visit and gift), £7.50 adults.
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Attwell Farm Park, Worcestershire Winter Barn Workshop + Father Christmas: Fri 24 Nov - Sun 24 Dec. Meet Father Christmas, Explore the Elf Station or Build a Teddy Bear! All experiences include farm park entry. Various prices.
Winter Funland at the NEC arena: Sat 9 Dec - Mon 1 Jan. UK’s biggest indoor funfair, covering 25,000 square metres! There's also a huge ice rink, a Santa grotto and a festival circus. Each session lasts for four hours. Family ticket £116.
Chatsworth House: Giant Advent Calendar Christmas, Light Trail and Santa Grotto with a light installation animating 24 Christmas scenes from 24 windows of the house. Sat 4 Nov - Sun 7 Jan. £84 family ticket.
Christmas at Warwick Castle: Meet Santa, Christmas market, light trail plus open-air ice rink underneath the towers and turrets. Sat 25 Nov 25 - Sun 7 Jan. Various prices.
Drayton Manor’s Winter Wonderland: Selected dates between 25 Nov - 31 Dec. Santa’s grotto, Wishmas Express illuminating light trail and festive joy in Thomas Land. Various prices.
Winter Glow, Malvern, Worcestershire: Fri 24 Nov- Sat 6 Jan. Santa experiences, ice skating, illuminated light trail and more! Various prices.
The Snowdome, Staffordshire Santa’s Wonderland: Sat 11 Nov - Sun 7 Jan Real snow, real animals and the ALL NEW winter wonderland show. £21.95pp.
Children’s Play Village, Warwickshire: From the elf training school and the singing princess to meet Santa, the amazing play village will be transformed into a festive wonderland. Various sessions and times and prices start £16.95+ kids and £5 adults from 23 Nov - 31 Dec.