Christmas Events for Families in the Midlands

With Christmas around the corner; I wanted to share my favourite places to visit & enjoy with the children, the family and the extended family. Whether it be an hour or two of enjoyment or a whole day out; these are my recommendations.

Blithbury Reindeer Lodge; this is a place I tend to visit each year. The Christmas’s event by night have the most magical experience & feel about them. It usually bloody rains when we go; but there is always mulled wine, a roaring fire & lots of things to do to brush away those winter chills. 

Upon arrival you are usually offered reindeer food; buy it. The reindeers are so general and a pleasure to feed and a great chance for kiddies to get involved too. The reindeers range from babies to older more sophisticated Santa reindeers (lots have started in films too)! You walk around at your own pace  which is good, especially with a pushchair.  There is a Santa school which has a workshop  & a stunning little room all purpose build to house the festive songs, Santa’s reindeer equipment and all the stories they tell.  

There is also a Santa visit, choose your own toy shop & then crafting. It is a very popular place and well worth a  visit, if you can get in! I often book a few months ahead. But there is still availability. 

Click the link;  Reindeer Lodge

The Snow dome Tamworth; Winter Wonderland. 

This is something we have booked to do again this year. There is still availability but very limitled. I was super late booking and managed to get 8.45am on Christmas Eve. We will be up early anyway! 

The session consists of real snow play to begin with; lots of games set up in the snow; little displays, lights almost like the northern lights; sledding and pull along inflated rings. Little slopes and ramps for the snow players too! Then you are given a sound to move you on to the next activity which is an all signing all, dancing show! The show is themed each year & last year; we loved it. It’s small and intimate, in a lovely warm room to blow away the chills of the snow play. The children love the colourful show and it’s really interactive. Following on from the show, there’s a farmyard indoor; all still Christmas themed & colouring activities to do too! A chocolate great was given last year and then a photo in a huge sleigh! 

From start to finish it really is fine tuned; amazingly busy, lots to keep the kiddos & adults entertained and just overall a really good experience. You leave with a smile on your face & then walk near enough into a Starbucks for essentials hot chocolate, obviously! 

Snow dome Winter Wonderland

Gullivers Kingdom Christmas; this is something that we did a few years ago. There’s the rides, or most of them open for the little ones to go on, Elf school, Mrs Claus’ Kitchen, Snow Machines ⛄️ & a chance to meet the big man; SC himself. Guillivers Christmas

Santa Train’s

We have decided to go on a Santa Train this year. I haven’t done one before but, our local railway are putting on an enchanted ride; magicians 🎩, mulled wine 🍷Santa & Wonderlands galore! It’s something different to do and sounds like a lovely afternoon of adventure with the smallest ones! 🚂 

The one we have opted for is Santa Train

National Trust Events

We have always visited our local National Trust; Kedleston Hall. We go every Christmas and take part in their ‘Breakfast with a Santa’. It’s an incredibly popular and sells out in September. But the reason for telling you, is that lots of the trusts do this event. But you will need to check your local availability. Use the find a grotto link; Find my Grotto

Garden centres are amazing places to visit and it seems that this year lots of them have really gone to town on their displays. I’ve found some really beautiful and child friendly places;

Derby Garden Centre 

Byrkley Garden Centre 

Findern Garden Centre 

And look out for the pick your own Christmas tree sites too! We are truly going very American and now we have lovely farmers & growers with uncut trees for you to go and choose and cut down to take home; so please look out for these places too. There’s something nice about going to cut (or getting someone else) to cut your tree. It’s fresh, will last longer & it’s seen open & in all its glory! 

But let’s be honest, lots of these things are pricy. Do t go crazy, lots of family things will be on in local areas for free or just a few pounds! Keep your eyes peeled and remember it’s about family & spending time together;’it how much you spend or how many gifts you buy. ❄️☃️🎅🏼