The air is getting crisper, the nights are growing longer, and the unmistakable scent of cookie and pine is wafting through the breeze. Yes, it’s that time of the year again – the season of joy, warmth, and celebration – and for getting out of the house to celebrate!

As November sweeps in, bringing the promise of twinkling lights and merriment, there’s no better way to kick off the festive spirit than by immersing yourself in the goings on near to the Midlands.

I’m hoping to navigate you through the myriad of events, attractions, and experiences that will sprinkle your November and December with the magic of the festive season, finding some of the best things that are happening between social media posts and blog reviews. From dazzling light displays to pantomimes, and everything in between, we’re preparing for a spectacular, and very busy, celebration, and we’ve got the details to ensure you don’t miss a beat on that little drummer boys drum.

So, grab your cosiest blanket and favourite festive mug of hot chocolate (with marshmallows and cream!) as we embark on a journey to discover the delightful events. Let’s unwrap the magic together!

Last updated: 15/11/2023 at 14:30

This guide will be regularly updated as more information is provided to me, so feel free to keep checking back! If you have something in the midlands that you’d like us to cover or add, please do drop me an email.

Quick Jump:

• Light Trails
• Historic Houses
• Breakfast with Santa
• Santa Trains
• Children’s Theatre
• Non-seasonal Shows
• Pantomimes

Light Trails

Winter Glow

Now, this is one I for one am incredibly excited for. Winter Glow is back at the Malvern Showground for 2023, promising an enchanting Christmas celebration. With an array of magical experiences, from Santa’s Grotto experiences, to the thrill of gliding across the ice on the enchanting skating rink, Winter Glow caters to the whole family – yes even the dogs on their specialised dog-friendly days!

There will be a fairground with festive energy, offering classic rides and joyous laughter, while the Christmas market promises to create a shopper’s paradise – and I do love a good Christmas market. The showground also offers one of the West Midlands’ longest outdoor light trails, casting a radiant glow on the holiday season. Winter Glow 2023 is set to deliver an unforgettable Christmas.

Location: Three Counties Showground, Malvern, Worcestershire, WR13 6NW
Tickets: Winter Glow Tickets, Gift Vouchers – Buy Online (digitickets.co.uk)

Luminate at Coombe Abbey

Embark on a captivating after-dark adventure with Luminate’s illuminated trail at the historic Coombe Abbey Park, with the public’s favourite deer making a comeback for 2023. Complete with ambient music, this enchanting 2.4km journey unfolds through the park’s landscape.

Follow the meandering path, guided by stunning lighting elements and playful displays, with approximately 13 wow moments strategically placed along the way. As you immerse yourself in the magic, allow 60-90 minutes to complete the trail, depending on your pace.

Don’t forget to take a break at the inviting fire pit, where you can warm up, toast marshmallows (either purchased on site or brought from home with your own skewers), and treat yourself to the food and drink options available. It’s an experience that promises to illuminate both the night and your memories.

Location:  Coombe Abbey Park, Brinklow Road, Binley, Warwickshire, CV3 2AB
Tickets: Luminate Coombe Light Trail at Coombe Abbey, Coventry

Enlightened, Abbey Park

Enlightened, the mesmerizing outdoor light trail, has made its appearance in Leicester’s Abbey Park this November, timed to coincide with the city’s Diwali and Christmas celebrations. Running from November until Christmas Eve, Enlightened magically transforms Abbey Park into a mile-long journey of wonder and light, offering an enchanting experience for the entire family.

Location: Abbey Park Rd, Leicester. LE4 5AQ
Tickets: Abbey Park – Leicester Christmas 2023 – Enlightened Moments

Bright Christmas @ Highcross

From November 22nd, the Upper Mall will have an immersive light experience, complete with mirrors, and festive music. This is a great opportunity to grab some festive photos and experience a Christmas light taster – the best part is it’s free to enter!

Historic Houses

Belvoir Castle

We are very much looking forward to visiting Belvoir Castle again this Christmas. We have visited countless times this year for events, and seasonal activities and they have always been wonderful. It really is one of our favourite days out locally. This year, with the creative touch of Charlotte Lloyd-Webber, each room will come to life with breath-taking installations and delightful surprises, capturing the festive spirit in extraordinary ways

Embark on a truly enchanting journey through the Twelve Days of Christmas at Belvoir Castle. From Twelve Lords a Leaping to Five Gold Rings, the castle is adorned with captivating scenes around every corner. Whether you’re planning a charming family outing or a romantic escape, immerse yourself in the grandeur and warmth of Belvoir Castle.

And, for an extra special touch, don’t miss the chance to book Santa’s Grotto for just £10 per child. We loved it last year – the high-quality gift our daughter received is still played with today and Santa’s warmth and patience made the experience incredibly magical and one of our favourite Santa experiences… ever!

You can use LAUREN20 for 20% off tickets too!

Location: Woolsthorpe Rd, Grantham NG32 1PA
Tickets: Tickets (seetickets.com)

Christmas at Waddesdon Manor

A taste of Paris, right here in England. One of our absolute favourite properties to visit with our National Trust pass is Waddesdon Manor. It is truly such a spectacular building, stunning interiors and the most gorgeous of grounds (plus, it has a playground!).

This Christmas, Waddesdon Manor invites you to step into a magical wonderland where classic tales will come to life, both inside the house (when visiting in the week) and outside in dazzling new light displays. Outside, the Manor’s fairy-tale façade comes to life with spellbinding animated projections, brand new for 2023 by celebrated artist Jamie Shiels who has worked on projects at Buckingham Palace, The National Gallery and the 2012 London Olympics.

The festive atmosphere extends to charming wooden chalets housing stalls, creating a perfect Christmas shopping experience with twinkling trees and the delightful scents of Christmas until December 17th. Visitors can explore the Aviary gardens with a mesmerizing light trail featuring new installations and interactive elements new for this year and don’t forget to pop by the stables to find artwork created by thousands of local schoolchildren, all inspired by The Lights That Dance in the Night  by Yuval Zommer. 

Location: Waddesdon, Aylesbury HP18 0JH
Tickets: Waddesdon Manor

Breakfast with Santa

Dobbies Atherstone: The morning kicks off with a breakfast before the little ones dive into the activities, they can engage in a variety of fun and festive games, participate in entertaining activities, and let their creative juices flow as they decorate their own elf mask to proudly take home. Each child gets the chance to sit down with Santa Claus himself.

Location: Cross Lane Farm, Nuneaton Rd, Atherstone CV9 1RF
Tickets: Events | Dobbies Garden Centres

Greene King, Heathley Park: Breakfast with Santa, a drink and gift for £10 per child.

Cow and Plough, Stoughton Grange: Offering a hot breakfast or continental breakfast with a hot drink whilst little ones have breakfast with milk. Santa and Mrs. Claus will make their way around the restaurant, stopping at each table to chat with the children and snap photos.

Santa Express

Embark on a heartwarming journey this Christmas season around Leicestershire’s countryside on the heritage steam railway, where enchantment awaits! Last year, we joined Great Central Railway and enjoyed the experience – though would wait until our little one is around 5 to board again. This year, the little ones are in for a treat with a specially crafted Christmas Activity Pack, with games, puzzles, and colouring sheets – which would’ve been perfect last year to keep her entertained so it sounds a great addition.

Suitable and fun for the adults, and grandparents too, as you can revel in the scenic beauty and the excitement of the little ones, and be treated to a complimentary Irish Cream Liqueur and a warm Mince Pie.

Location: Loughborough Central, Great Central Road, LE11 1RW
Tickets: The Great Central Railway (gcrailway.co.uk)

Activities

Christmas Wreath Making

Get your creative juices flowing and feel festive all at the same time by making your own bespoke Christmas wreath. I recently had a wonderful time with Wendy Goodliff Floral Design at The Barnsdale, so I’d recommend embracing your creative side and joining in. There’s two times available, one on Thursday evening and the other on Sunday morning. Topped off with a special attention to detail with either christmas cocktails and canapes or a glass of bubbly and luxury festive sandwich!

Dates: 26 and 30 November
Tickets: Events in Rutland | The Barnsdale, Luxury Hotel in Oakham (barnsdalerutland.com)

Also check out Leicester Museums who are offering wreath making workshops and The Bloom Project.

Jubilee Square Skating and Leicester Light Switch On

Jubilee Square’s real ice rink is back for 2023, complete with the wheel of light. Don’t forget to check out the free Santa’s grotto and nativity in the town hall square. Don’t forget to get into the spirit of the season at the light switch on event on Wednesday 22 November from 4.45pm too.

Dates: From 7 December
Tickets: Christmas In Leicester

Ice Skating

From winter family fun days, to character skating to Santa’s grotto, there’s a range of festive activities happening at National Ice Centre. We love ice skating at the National Ice Centre, especially their tots sessions, so I’d recommend heading there – you could also tie in a visit with Winter Wonderland Nottingham for the perfect festive day.

Dates: From 4 November
Tickets: Christmas Skating 2023 – Santa’s Grotto – National Ice Centre (national-ice-centre.com)

SnowDome

Santa’s back at the SnowDome for Christmas 2023 with a festive fantasyland all under one roof! Winter wonderland in the snow returns with real snow, real animals and the ALL NEW winter wonderland show. It’s pegged as the ultimate Christmas adventure for all the family, with snow trails, a Christmas show, and Santa’s Christmas village.

Dates: From 11 November
Tickets: Santa’s Winter Wonderland – SnowDome

Party House Envy

For Christmas, Party House Envy have a magical offering, with events such as Grinchmas, Festive Princess Experience and The Night Before Christmas amongst others. Fancy your kids singing along with Anna and Elsa and learning how to be a princess? Or maybe you want to play games with Cindy Lou and The Grinch? Or perhaps you’re all about the traditional experience like us and want to get involved cookie decorating with Mrs Claus and having a story with Santa before singing Christmas songs. All these experiences come complete with a themed castle, ball pit fun and plenty of photo opportunities! Use code “LAUREN” for 10% off at Party House Envy checkout.

Location: Devonshire Road, Leicester

Tickets: Party House

Children’s Festive Theatre

The Owl Who Came for Christmas: Get ready to be captivated by the warmth of a family coming together to help a little friend in need. Be a part of Rosie the owl’s journey, a heart-warming tale with festive music and a charming story adapted for the stage by Curve’s Creative Programmes Practitioner Chandni Mistry (can I pop our daughter in the credits here for being a part of little curve who helped with children’s reactions?) and directed by Curve’s Artist Development and New Work Producer, Cara Nolan.

Dates: 2nd December – 6th January
Location: Curve Theatre, Leicester
Tickets: The Owl Who Came for Christmas – Curve Theatre, Leicester (curveonline.co.uk)

Stick Man: Stick Man promises a touching, funny, and utterly original Christmas adventure as Freckle Productions brings the delightful adaptation of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s Stick Man to Northampton’s Royal & Derngate! This award-winning production, from the creative minds behind Zog and Zog And The Flying Doctors, promises an unforgettable experience – and if it’s our experience of Zog is anything to go by – it will be brilliant. The show is a delightful fusion of puppetry, catchy songs, live music, and funky moves that will captivate audiences of all ages.

Dates: 7th December until 31st December
Location: Royal & Derngate, Northampton
Tickets: Stick Man | Royal & Derngate (royalandderngate.co.uk)

Nativity: Feel–good, funny and full of yuletide joy, Nativity! The Musical features all of the favourite sing-a-long hits from the films including Sparkle and Shine, Nazareth, One Night One Moment, She’s the Brightest Star and a whole host of new songs filled with the spirit of Christmas!

Dates: 21 November until 25th November
Location: Little Theatre, Leicester
Tickets: Sold out.

Non-Festive Shows

Far From Saints

Far From Saints have been enjoying the success following the release of their self-titled debut album. The No. 5 chart position in the UK Official Albums Chart, positive critical acclaim, and notable performances at various festivals and alongside renowned artists like Kings of Leon and Paul Weller and a major UK Tour… in which they’re coming to Nottingham!

If you’re a Stereophonics fan, or enjoy shades of country, rock, folk, soul, you’ll enjoy the opportunity to see Far From Saints live on November 23rd at Nottingham Concert Hall.

The tour, consisting of 16 dates, will conclude with a show at the Islington Assembly Hall in London.

Date: November 23rd 2023
Location: Royal Concert Hall, Nottingham
Tickets: Far From Saints, Royal Concert Hall, Nottingham (trch.co.uk)

Crooners

Crooners promises a witty and exhilarating show full of hilarious one liners, laugh out loud silliness and superb musical numbers with the outstanding 9-piece The Mini Big Band live on stage.

The show features humour, tap dance and some of the most quintessential songs from Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr, Matt Monro, Nat King Cole, and Bobby Darin.

Date: 18 November 2023
Location: Curve Theatre, Leicester
Tickets: Crooners – Curve Theatre, Leicester (curveonline.co.uk)

Six!

One of my all-time favourite musicals is making an appearance to Northampton during late November, and if you’re interested in Tudor history and banging tunes that are the iconic sounds of the girl bands, you’ll love Six!

From Tudor Queens to Pop Princesses, the six wives of Henry VIII take to the mic to tell their tales, remixing five hundred years of historical heartbreak into an 80-minute celebration of 21st century girl power. These Queens may have green sleeves but their lipstick is rebellious red, and the tea is about to be spilt and history overthrown!

Dates: 28 November until 2 December 2023
Location: Royal & Derngate, Northampton
Tickets: Six | Royal & Derngate (royalandderngate.co.uk)

De Montfort Hall

Check out the range of shows that De Montfort Hall is set to host that promise a range of entertainment across the comedic and musical board. Jimmy Carr’s performance is bound to be a unique experience, as he fearlessly tackles taboo subjects with a slew of jokes. His comedic style challenges the boundaries of political correctness, offering a night filled with dark humour.

Date: 28th November
Tickets: Jimmy Carr: Terribly Funny 2.0 – De Montfort Hall

Or, fancy watching Shalamar? Who on the other hand, bring a nostalgic celebration to the stage, commemorating the 40th anniversary of their platinum-selling album “Friends.” The concert marks the first time they’ll perform the entire album live, featuring iconic hits that once dominated both clubs and the airwaves.

Date: 30th November
Tickets: Shalamar – De Montfort Hall

Meanwhile, The Magic of Motown offers a vibrant journey down memory lane, showcasing the timeless classics of Motown legends like Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross, and Stevie Wonder. It’s a musical extravaganza promising the biggest Motown party of the year.

Date: 6th December
Tickets: Magic Of Motown – De Montfort Hall

Evita

This year, Curve are offering a performance of Evita. Directed by Nikolai Foster this Made at Curve production of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s legendary musical is advertised as “unmissable”. I recently attended the Curve season preview, in which we got to hear Martha Kirby, playing Eva Duarte, perform a sneak preview from the production and if that’s something to go by… it will be absolutely spectacular.

Dates: 27 November until 13 January

Tickets: Evita, Curve

Pantomimes

‘Tis the season to be jolly, and what better way to spread holiday cheer and get merry to the obscenely daft and outrageously funny world of panto? Pantomime drags us to a magical world where laughter reigns supreme, good rules over the wicked and festive spirit knows no bounds and lucky for us, there’s plenty of panto offerings around from local productions to star-studded shows So, you’re sure to get your fix for the year (oh yes you are!).

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs

Derngate promises that this year, it will be a hilarious, fun-filled family panto with a star-studded cast. With Prince Charming being brought to life by Ore Oduba, TV presenter, actor and Strictly winner, Coronation Street star legend, Wendi Peters playing the Wicked Queen, and Bob Golding returning as the Dame, Nurse Nellie.

Dates: 8 December until 31 December
Tickets: Snow White | Royal & Derngate (royalandderngate.co.uk)

Jack and the Beanstalk

Get ready for the biggest, most gigantic panto of all this season at De Montfort Hall with Imagine Theatre. Scott Mills, BBC R2 presenter, X-Factor winner and local gal, Sam Bailey, boyband heartthrob Mark Read from A1 and much to Alex’s delight, Jarred Christmas will all be starring this year.

Dates: 15 December until 7 January
Tickets: Jack And The Beanstalk – De Montfort Hall

Puss in Boots

Promising to be a purr-fect family outing, Puss in Boots is a traditional panto at Little Theatre. Packed with fun, laughter, sparkle and shine, Little Theatre

Dates: 14 December until 7 January
Tickets: The Little Theatre, Leicester

Peter Pan

It’s the season for the Loughborough town hall’s much loved local production, and, after all, you can’t spell panto without Pan (Peter Pan, that is!). To celebrate Little Wolf’s 10th year in Loughborough they are bringing a pantomime that has never been seen in here before! So hop onboard for an awfully big adventure this Christmas and find out if dreams really do come true when you wish upon a star!

Dates: 25 November until 7 January
Tickets: Loughborough Town Hall

Dick Whittington

Join Dick (Shane Richie), on his quest for fortune, fame and happiness. But, not without some panto mishaps to get through first! The panto is also starring TV Doctor and children’s BAFTA winner, Dr Ranj, musical theatre star, Annie Smith, Emily Beth Harrington, Iain Stuart Robinson and Kenan-Lewis Smith.

Dates: 9 December until 14 January
Tickets: Dick Whittington, Theatre Royal, Nottingham (trch.co.uk)

Cinderella

Are you going to the ball this year? If not, you better get your tickets to Cinderella at Belgrade, Coventry to watch the all-time classic and much loved rags-to-riches tale. Complete with glass slippers, a fairy godmother, a prince and… what’s better than a dame in a panto? TWO DAMES! Get twice the fun at Belgrade this year.

Dates: November 22 until January 13
Tickets: Cinderella – The Belgrade Theatre, Coventry – Christmas 2023/24 — Imagine Theatre

Have something going on within around an hour of Leicester that you’d like to see featured here? Please drop me an email and I’ll get it added in!

Photo from winter wonderland Nottingham 2022