Last updated: 11 November 2024
Your perfect holiday guide to Newcastle under Lyme is here! Explore all the top festive events and activities. Whether you're a familiar face or a new visitor, our guide ensures you experience the holiday spirit in Newcastle under Lyme.
Popular Events: Step into a world of enchantment at Christmas Wonderland, where twinkling lights and festive decorations create a magical atmosphere for all ages. Experience the charm of the Illuminated Arboretum, featuring stunning displays that bring the gardens to life during the evening hours. And the Santa's Sleepovers is something you definitely don't want to miss, offering a unique overnight adventure filled with seasonal cheer and festive activities. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Newcastle under Lyme Holiday Light Displays
Christmas in Castle
- What to Expect
- Interactive festive window trail with local artist-designed symbols.
- Description
- Christmas in Castle is a vibrant celebration in Newcastle-under-Lyme featuring a Christmas light switch-on, festive window trail, lantern parade, and various family-friendly activities.
- Where
- Newcastle-under-Lyme | More Info : Christmas in Castle
Christmas Lights Switch-ons
- What to Expect
- Twinkling lights and live music in a festive shopping village setting.
- Description
- Join us for an evening of twinkling lights, live music, and festive delights as Christmas arrives at Trentham Shopping Village. Meander through the village to discover fantastic performers, unique gifts, local treats, and seasonal joys.
- Where
- Stoke-on-Trent | More Info : Christmas Lights Switch-ons
Christmas Lights Switch-ons
- What to Expect
- Twinkling lights and festive delights in a shopping village setting.
- Description
- Immerse yourself in twinkling lights, festive delights, and spectacular sights as Christmas arrives at Trentham Shopping Village. Enjoy live music, dazzling discounts, and unique gifts amidst festive surprises.
- Where
- The Trentham Estate | More Info : Christmas Lights Switch-ons
Illuminated Arboretum
- What to Expect
- Immersive light and sound show highlighting arboretum stories.
- Description
- The Illuminated Arboretum features a mile-long route with mesmerizing light, color, and sound, bringing the fascinating stories of the arboretum to life in a new way. Fun hands-on elements, immersive spaces, and areas for personal reflection captivate all ages.
- Where
- National Memorial Arboretum | More Info : Illuminated Arboretum
Trentham Estate Christmas Festival
- What to Expect
- Brand-new ice sculpture trail and festive live music.
- Description
- Explore Trentham Gardens for a visually stunning ice sculpture trail, artisan Makers Market, and festive food and drink. Enjoy rides, live ice sculpting, and festive performances during the day, and experience the Ice Sculpture Trail and live music in the evening.
- Where
- The Trentham Estate | More Info : Trentham Estate Christmas Festival
Wishmas Express light trail at Drayton Manor Resort
- What to Expect
- Interactive light trail with festive installations.
- Description
- The Wishmas Express light trail at Drayton Manor Resort is a sparkling festive light trail journey where guests can enjoy a Christmas tale with Sir Topham Hatt as they journey towards Rusty and Dusty’s Hot Chocolate Factory.
- Where
- Drayton Manor Resort | More Info : Wishmas Express light trail at Drayton Manor Resort
Ice Sculptures at The Trentham Estate
- What to Expect
- Unique ice sculpture trail in a historic garden setting.
- Description
- The Trentham Estate features a visually stunning ice sculpture trail, showcasing intricate and beautiful ice creations amidst festive food and drink options.
- Where
- The Trentham Estate | More Info : Ice Sculptures at The Trentham Estate
Newcastle under Lyme Holiday Markets and Shopping
Weston Park Christmas Markets
- What to Expect
- Unique blend of local crafts and festive treats.
- Description
- Weston Park Christmas Markets offer a variety of artisanal goods, live music, and seasonal food, creating a vibrant atmosphere for holiday shopping and enjoyment.
- Where
- Weston Park | More Info : Weston Park Christmas Markets
Artisan Markets at The Trentham Estate
- What to Expect
- Showcasing local artisans and unique handmade goods.
- Description
- The Trentham Makers Market at Trentham Shopping Village features award-winning local food and drink, art, craft producers, and vintage artisans, showcasing original art, quirky modern craft, and plenty of artisan food and drink.
- Where
- The Trentham Estate | More Info : Artisan Markets at The Trentham Estate
Artisan Markets at World of Wedgwood
- What to Expect
- Handmade crafts and unique gifts.
- Description
- Artisan Markets at World of Wedgwood offer a variety of handmade crafts and unique gifts, perfect for finding special items for loved ones.
- Where
- World of Wedgwood | More Info : Artisan Markets at World of Wedgwood
Newcastle under Lyme Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Santa's Sleepovers
- What to Expect
- Family-friendly holiday celebration with themed hotels and live entertainment.
- Description
- Immerse yourself in a world of holiday fun at Alton Towers Resort with Santa's Sleepovers. Enjoy a unique visit to Santa's Grotto, festive evening meal, and family rides and attractions, including CBeebies Land and the Waterpark.
- Where
- Alton Towers Resort | More Info : Santa's Sleepovers
The Polar Express Train Ride
- What to Expect
- Interactive storytelling with festive treats.
- Description
- Embark on a journey to the North Pole aboard the Polar Express Train Ride, where you'll be treated to hot chocolate, cookies, and a festive atmosphere. The train ride is based on the classic children's book and features a cast of enthusiastic characters who will sing along with you. Passengers are encouraged to wear their PJs and enjoy the cozy atmosphere.
- Where
- Churnet Valley Railway | More Info : The Polar Express Train Ride
Santa’s Winter Wonderland
- What to Expect
- Interactive snow play with real snow slides and festive light displays.
- Description
- Santa's Winter Wonderland at SnowDome offers a 90-minute adventure featuring real snow play, a new Santa show, and an animal village with furry friends and festive activities.
- Where
- Snowdome | More Info : Santa’s Winter Wonderland
Christmas Wonderland
- What to Expect
- Interactive holiday activities with Santa and festive train ride.
- Description
- Drayton Manor Resort transforms into a vibrant holiday destination with festive shows, Thomas Land rides, and over 500 animals in the zoo. Highlights include the Enchanted Christmas Grotto, Festive Light Train, and Rusty and Dusty’s Hot Chocolate Factory.
- Where
- Drayton Manor Resort | More Info : Christmas Wonderland
Forest Live at Cannock Chase (not exclusively Christmas but relevant)
- What to Expect
- Live music performances in a natural amphitheatre setting.
- Description
- Forest Live at Cannock Chase features world-class concerts in a natural amphitheatre setting, offering an intimate and immersive musical experience amidst the beauty of the forest.
- Where
- Cannock Chase | More Info : Forest Live at Cannock Chase (not exclusively Christmas but relevant)
Tamworth Snowdome Winter Wonderland
- What to Expect
- Real snow play with festive light displays and animal encounters.
- Description
- At Tamworth Snowdome, families can play in real snow, ride sledges, and enjoy festive light displays. The event includes a new stage show featuring Santa and Rudolf, as well as a Christmas village with animals and a carousel. Visitors can also participate in snowball fights and explore an enchanted forest.
- Where
- Tamworth Snowdome | More Info : Tamworth Snowdome Winter Wonderland
Panto at The Regent Theatre
- What to Expect
- Traditional pantomime with audience participation.
- Description
- The Regent Theatre's Panto is a hilarious family show featuring beloved characters and classic comedy, perfect for all ages.
- Where
- Stoke-on-Trent | More Info : Panto at The Regent Theatre
Santa Summit Slide at Snowdome
- What to Expect
- Thrilling snow tube rides down a large snow-covered slope.
- Description
- At Snowdome, the Santa Summit Slide offers thrilling snow tube rides down a large, snow-covered slope, providing endless snowy fun for families.
- Where
- Snowdome | More Info : Santa Summit Slide at Snowdome
Christmas Snow Trail at Snowdome
- What to Expect
- Real snow play area with snow slides and festive light displays.
- Description
- Explore Santa's Christmas Snow Trail at Snowdome, where you can play in real snow, glide on a snow sledge, and marvel at festive light displays. Enjoy a family game of snowballs and experience the thrill of sliding down the summit slide.
- Where
- Snowdome | More Info : Christmas Snow Trail at Snowdome
Santa's Grotto at Drayton Manor Resort
- What to Expect
- Personalized Santa meet-and-greet with a small gift for each child.
- Description
- At Drayton Manor Resort, Santa's Grotto offers a delightful experience where children can meet Santa Claus himself, share their Christmas wishes, and receive a small gift. The grotto is designed to provide a calm and enjoyable setting for all children, including those who may need a little more time.
- Where
- Drayton Manor Resort | More Info : Santa's Grotto at Drayton Manor Resort
Live Music and Entertainment at The Trentham Estate
- What to Expect
- Live music festival with a diverse lineup of artists in a historic lakeside setting.
- Description
- Live Music and Entertainment at The Trentham Estate features an incredible lineup of artists performing in a unique historic lakeside setting.
- Where
- The Trentham Estate | More Info : Live Music and Entertainment at The Trentham Estate
Victoria Hall Events
- What to Expect
- Diverse lineup of musical and comedic acts.
- Description
- Victoria Hall, a historic venue built in 1888 to commemorate Queen Victoria's Golden Jubilee, has been renovated and is now a central part of the Cultural Quarter. It hosts a diverse range of events, including concerts by renowned artists like Paul Weller, Morrissey, and Jimmy Carr, as well as classical music performances and comedy shows.
- Where
- Victoria Hall | More Info : Victoria Hall Events
New Vic Theatre Events
- What to Expect
- Immersive in-the-round performances with imaginative staging and evocative soundscapes.
- Description
- The New Vic Theatre offers a diverse range of performances, including gripping horror stories, interactive story-time adventures, and historical dramas. The intimate in-the-round auditorium provides an immersive experience with imaginative staging and evocative soundscapes.
- Where
- New Vic Theatre | More Info : New Vic Theatre Events
Newcastle under Lyme Other Holiday Activities
Drayton Manor Park Fireworks
- What to Expect
- Dazzling fireworks display with themed music and sound clips.
- Description
- Drayton Manor Park Fireworks features dazzling fireworks displays set against the picturesque park lake, accompanied by themed music and sound clips.
- Where
- Drayton Manor Park | More Info : Drayton Manor Park Fireworks
Elf School at The Trentham Estate
- What to Expect
- Interactive elf workshops for kids.
- Description
- At Elf School, children can learn various skills and crafts from experienced elves, fostering creativity and holiday spirit.
- Where
- The Trentham Estate | More Info : Elf School at The Trentham Estate
Santa's Grotto at Trentham Estate
- What to Expect
- Interactive meet-and-greet with Father Christmas and his elf.
- Description
- Meet Father Christmas and his loveable elf at Trentham's North Pole in his grotto for a memorable experience. Each child will receive a small gift from Father Christmas.
- Where
- The Trentham Estate | More Info : Santa's Grotto at Trentham Estate
Craft Workshops at Middleport Pottery
- What to Expect
- Hands-on creative sessions for making unique ceramic and glass items.
- Description
- Craft Workshops at Middleport Pottery offer hands-on creative sessions where participants can make unique ceramic and glass items, such as Christmas decorations, under the guidance of experienced instructors.
- Where
- Middleport Pottery | More Info : Craft Workshops at Middleport Pottery