From the nostalgic charm of steam train rides with Santa to immersive light displays and interactive family activities, there's a festival experience for everyone this year.
1. Santa Trains, at the Severn Valley Railway
The Severn Valley Railway’s hugely popular Santa Trains will be departing from Kidderminster on a magical steam train journey to Arley station.
After walking through a winter wonderland at Kidderminster Station, families board a steam train in a private compartment or reserved table and enjoy a journey to the beautifully-decorated Arley station.
Here, there are thrills, spills and plenty of laughs with a fabulous live stage panto show, featuring a host of festive characters alongside Father Christmas as he prepares for the biggest night of the year. Firm favourites Jingle and Jangle are back again for 2024 and they will be joined by Monsieur Poirat for ‘Jingle, Jangle and the Great Christmas Mystery’.
Back on the train, present-shaped surprises will be waiting for all children, before the train steams back to Kidderminster. Santa Trains are on selected dates, starting Saturday 30 November.
2. Christmas at Little Owl Farm Park
Experience the magic of Christmas at Little Owl Farm Park this festive season.
Visit Father Christmas in his cosy Grotto, where you and your family will be able to let Father Christmas know how good you’ve (hopefully) been this year. You’ll then be guided to our Mini Christmas Village, where our young visitors can exchange their Christmas coin for their very own toy to take home with them.
Next, it’s time to head to our Festive Sweet Shop, where children will receive a tasty treat and there’ll be a warm drink for the adults too. Children will also get the opportunity to decorate gingerbread biscuits with Mother Christmas, as well as being able to enjoy a round of Festive Mini Golf with the family.
All this plus the usual fun of the farm. Admission to the farm is included in your ticket price, so you’ll be able to attend their Animal Encounters which run throughout the day, plus multiple play areas, including a heated, three-storey soft play area, the Shoot Out Alley, the Pedal Tractor Barn and more.
Little Owl Farm Park also has other events running throughout the festive period. On the 5th, 6th, 12th & 13th December we will be hosting our Tinsel Tots sessions. These weekday sessions are a Grotto group experience, specifically for pre-schoolers. New for 2024, we will also be hosting our very first Festive Date Night on Thursday, 5th December. This event is for adults aged 18+ and offers a new way to experience Christmas at the Farm.
3. A Family Christmas at Worcestershire County Museum at Hartlebury Castle
Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 December, 11am – 4pm.
Enjoy a magical December day out in the Worcestershire countryside at Hartlebury Castle… A Family Christmas is the perfect way to get the festive season going for children (and grown-ups too!) with a weekend jampacked with festivities.
The Castle will be alive with seasonal music and enchanting decorations, families can meet Mother Christmas, write those all-important letters to Father Christmas in the Victorian schoolroom, and more. There’ll be Christmassy crafts to get stuck into and circus skills to learn with Looby and Joey the Juggler.
Explore the fascinating history of the Bishop’s Palace and County Museum with a festive twist as you follow a family trail to discover all the nutcracker soldiers standing guard around the site.
A winter walk around the historic moat is a lovely addition to the day; stop off at the bird hide to see what wildlife you can spot on your way to the fantastic woodland playground. Refuel with a coffee, hot chocolate and homemade food at Hayley’s Kitchen café or settle into the lovely Orchard Picnic Area which has accessible benches.
Take some nature home with you as Hartlebury Castle’s volunteer gardeners have been busy making beautiful wreaths which you can purchase to adorn your door this Christmas.
4. The Enchanted Gardens at Webbs, Wychbold: A Wonderland Adventure
Webbs, Wychbold invites visitors to step into The Enchanted Gardens, an immersive light trail inspired by Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass. Running from 15th November 2024 to 2nd January 2025, this magical journey through the Riverside Gardens features theatrical sets, enchanting lantern displays, and captivating soundscapes, creating a wonderland like no other.
Guests will explore iconic scenes such as the Rabbit Hole, White Rabbit’s Library, the Hatter’s Tea Party, and meet beloved characters like the Cheshire Cat and Queen of Hearts. Festive fun continues with Santa in his snow-covered workshop.
Event Details:
Location: Webbs, Wychbold
Dates: 15th November 2024 to 2nd January 2025
Times: Entry from 4:30pm to 8:30pm in 10-minute intervals
Tickets: Off-peak prices start at £16 for adults and £10 for children, with family tickets available.
Special features include additional needs sessions on select dates and a Community Heroes Night on 15th November. Guests can also enjoy VIP dining in heated tipis or exclusive hygge igloos.
Focused on sustainability, the event is powered by solar energy and features handmade displays from salvaged materials. The trail lasts 45 minutes to an hour, with food, drinks, and free parking available.
5. Magical Churchfields Christmas Experience
Join Churchfields for their Magical Churchfields Christmas Experience!
Watch your little ones light up at our enchanting Christmas event. Your family will be guided through the experience by one of our cheeky elves. You'll have a personalised audience with Father Christmas and learn who is on his Naughty or Nice List before the kids can choose a toy from his workshop! Mrs Claus has also asked for your help to get ready for the Big Day during her live interactive performance as there is so much to do...
There's also lots of explore including Candy Cane Lane and so many festive activities and crafts to have a go at too. Watch out for our family Christmas photo opportunities for those forever memories.
