Best Christmas Days Out in Worcestershire 2024
There are loads of things to do in Worcestershire this Christmas! This is a comprehensive list of the best Christmas days out in Worcestershire. They include places to see Santa and other festive activities both with and without Santa visits.
You can jump straight to each event using the links in the table below. Please do let me know if I’ve missed any brilliant days out off the list, I’d be happy to add them in. Advance booking is essential at all attractions unless otherwise stated.
This post covers the Worcestershire area only. If you are looking for Christmas days out in nearby counties, please see below:
Attwell Farm Park Worcestershire – Winter Barn Workshop and Father Christmas
Several events take place at Attwell Farm Park this Christmas. Pick the parts of the experience you want to take part in. There are offers available to visit Santa without the rest of the activities, or visit the elf station without seeing Father Christmas. The light trail is separate to the other activities.
Father Christmas and his Elves in the Winter Barns
- Meet Father Christmas
- Help out in the Elf station
- Enjoy a festive adventure in the Workshop
- Meet Buddy and Holly the real reindeer
- Make reindeer food
- Decorate tree decoratoins
- Write a letter to Father Christmas
- Make your own bear (additional cost)
- Head off around the farm on a reindeer roundup to make sure all the presents are delivered on time
Dates: Not yet released.
Festive Light Trail
Explore the farm at night with a festive farm light trail. Everywhere you look there will be festive lights. Full details coming soon.
Dates: 23rd November 2024 to 5th January 2025
Website: Atwell Farm Park
Review: Tripadvisor
Bodenham Arboretum Worcestershire – Christmas Nativity Trail
Information about the 2024 Christmas event at Bodenham Arboretum has not yet been released. Below is information from last year’s event. I have linked to the events page of the website so you can check for more recent updates.
Follow the stars around the Big Pool at Bodenham Arboretum and take part in a quiz while you walk! The trail takes visitors through the farmyard, where you’ll see the farm animals starring in live nativity scenes. They are even expecting new a baby donkey in time for the event. Visitors can also explore the rest of the Arboretum, made up of more than five miles of woodland walks. They ask visitors to wear appropriate clothing and footwear for an outdoor event. I have linked to the Arboretum events page below because there are a couple of other things taking place on specific days as well. These include Christmas drive-in movie nights, Christmas afternoon tea and carols by candlelight.
Dates: Not yet released.
Website: Bodenham Arboretum
Review: Tripadvisor
Malvern Theatres – Sleeping Beauty Pantomime
Malvern Theatres in Worcestershire put on a spectacular pantomime performance every Christmas. For 2024, it’s Sleeping Beauty. Theatre favourite Mark James will be back as Lester the Jester, and Ellie Dadd who plays Amy Mitchell in Eastenders will be playing Princess Briar Rose. There is one more star yet to be announced. Audiences can expect stunning sets, hilarious comedy and sparkling costumes as Cinders prepares to go to the ball.
Dates: 12th December 2024 to 5th January 2025.
BSL interpreted performance: 22nd December 2024.
Relaxed performance: 3rd January 2025.
Website: Malvern Theatres
Review: Plutonium Sox – this is a review of a previous production. I will update it with a review of this year’s production as soon as possible.
Severn Valley Railway – Santa Trains
A variety of festive experiences are available at the Severn Valley Railway this year. Choose between the following:
Santa Trains
Travel by steam train to see Santa in panto at Arley. Jingle and Jangle the elves will be joining him for festive fun. Walk through winter wonderland at Kidderminster before boarding the train in your private compartment or reserved table. Descend at Arley for the panto, before getting back onboard where presents will be waiting for the children. There is a sweet treat for all passengers.
Dates: 30th November and 1st, 7th, 8th, 14th, 15th, 21st, 22nd and 24th December 2024.
Enchanted Express
Dame Julie Walters’ instantly recognisable voice welcomes you aboard The Enchanted Express every weekend in December. Departing from Bridgnorth station, passengers leave for Highley while BAFTER winner Dame Julie, tells a tale that was inspired by “Twas the Night before Christmas.” Numerous story characters will stop by your private compartment door at various points during the journey. Santa Claus himself delivers gifts to every child. Don’t forget to ask him to pose for a photo before he leaves.
Dates: 30th November and 1st, 7th, 8th, 14th, 15th, 21st, 22nd and 24th December 2024.
Bewdley Lights Special Train Service
Travel on board the Severn Valley Railway to Bewdley to see the Christmas lights switch on. There will be a chance to do some Christmas shopping and go on funfair rides before the switch on.
Dates: 30th November 2024.
Enchanted Afternoon Tea
Enjoy tea and tasty treats as you journey through the countryside. Scones, sandwiches, sweet treats and festive lights will be accompanied by a sprinkle of Christmas magic.
Dates: 10th to 12th and 17th to 19th December 2024.
Carol Trains
Travel from Kidderminster to Highley to enjoy a Christmas concert among the locomotives. Songs from different eras will be performed by musicians from Worcestershire and Shropshire. Visitors are free to sing along. Mince pies and mulled wine will be on sale.
Dates: 13th to 14th and 21st to 23rd December 2024.
Festive Gin Train (one for the grown ups – over 18s only!)
Board the Severn Valley Railway to be welcomed with a gin and tonic. Then taste a couple more delights from Piston Gin.
Dates: 13th and 14th December 2024.
Luxury Evening Yuletide Dining Experience
Enjoy a luxurious dinner on the Severn Valley Railway with a festive theme. The four course menu will immerse you in a Christmassy atmosphere. The meal will be served onboard with a break at Bridgenorth station between main and dessert courses
Dates: 14th December 2024.
Website: Severn Valley Railway
Review: Amazing Adventures Blog
Three Counties Showground – Winter Glow
Winter Glow is a multi-attraction event taking place at the Three Counties Showground in Malvern, Worcestershire this Christmas. Each activity can be booked separately, or visit the Christmas market and food and drink areas at no charge.
Christmas Market, Food and Bar
Park for free in the vast Three Counties Showground car park and head into the market, Bavarian winter bar, food quarter, fairground and ice café for free. There is set to be a vast choice of festive food and drink and vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options. It is worthy of note that the Food Quarter, Winter Bar and Ice café are indoors, but they are not heated and the Christmas market is outside, so they advise wrapping up warm.
Santa Experience
The fully immersive, personalised Santa experience set in a 2000m2 Winter Village is back for 2024. The whole family will be able to complete festive activities with help from Mrs Claus and the elves. The adventure begins when Father Christmas sends visiting families a personalised invitation in the post to invite them to visit him and the elves at the North Pole.
On arrival, Jingle the head elf will be on hand to greet guests in the Winter Village and set them some challenges to carry out before heading to Santa’s workshop. More elves greet you there and invite you to explore. Families meet Santa one at a time in his grotto, where he will ask personalised questions about their achievements, hobbies and favourite things they’ve done this year. Children receive a gift and nice list certificate. Then, it’s off to the bakery run by Mrs Claus to decorate a festive biscuit. On the way back to the Winter village, you’ll pass through the Old Sweet Shop and North Pole Letter Box.
Illuminated Light Trail
Back for its fourth year, the illuminated light trail transports visitors to a Winter Wonderland. This year’s theme hasn’t yet been announced. The light trail showcases installations, structures and illuminations created by local artists, crafters and lighting designers. As you walk around the light experience, children will be asked to solve riddles and puzzles to help find five elves who have gone missing. It is worthy of note that the trail is outdoors so you’ll need to dress for the weather. It’s wheelchair friendly and sensory friendly and dog friendly sessions are available to book on selected dates.
Ice Skating
One of the largest indoor ice rinks in the region will be at Winter Glow this year. Glide around the festively decorated rink listening to Classic Christmas songs and get into the Christmas spirit. Skate aids are available and can be added to your booking. Sessions last 45 minutes and they advise arriving half an hour early to get skates fitted. This activity is not suitable for children under 3 years old. Visit on a Sunday morning with little ones who would enjoy meeting ice princesses and skating to the soundtrack from Frozen.
Fairground
There will be more fairground rides and attractions than ever at Winter Glow for Christmas 2024. Each one is pay-per-ride.
UV Glow Crazy Golf
Brand new for 2024 is UV glow crazy golf. This elf-themed attraction will be indoors and friends and family can challenge each other to score a hole in one – in the dark!
Dates: 22nd November to 31st December 2024.
Website: Winter Glow
Review: Plutonium Sox
Webbs Wychbold
The festive light trail at Webbs, Wychbold this Christmas is all about Alice in Wonderland. Take a trip down the rabbit hole and explore the beautiful gardens, looking out for mad tea parties and peculiar creatures as you go. Children can visit Santa in his workshop and take some photos with him at the end of the trail. Food and drink is available to buy in heated tipis, or you can join up with friends and family to book a hygge igloo for a VIP meal.
Dates: 15th November 2024 to 2nd January 2025. Santa will be there from 15th November to 29th December. This isn’t an individual family group Santa visit, but he will have a chat to people as they pass through the trail.
Website: Webbs
Review: Birmingham Mail
West Midlands Safari Park – Santa Safari
Head to Santa’s grotto at your allocated time, where you’ll meet a helpful elf to take you to the North Pole in an Enchanted Elevator. Travel up and away on a flight to Santa’s Grotto across festive scenes and snowy landscapes.
Ring a magic doorbell to enter the festively decorated log cabin with a Christmas tree and seasonal fireplace where Santa is waiting for you. Let him know what you’d like for Christmas and an elf will take your photo together. Next, it’s time to head to the elf workshop for children to pick their own gift. There are complimentary refreshments and children can write letters to Santa and make reindeer food in Mrs Claus’ Craft club.
Dates: 22nd November to 24th December 2024.
Website: West Midlands Safari Park
Review: Express and Star
Worcester Cathedral – Christmas Tree Festival
Head to Worcester Cathedral this Christmas and marvel at the uniquely designed and decorated Christmas trees created by schools, organisations and charities around the local area. Booking is not required and this is a free event to visit so it’s a great idea if you’re on a budget.
Dates: 5th December 2024 to 6th January 2025, excluding Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Website: Worcester Cathedral
Review: Tripadvisor
Worcester Victorian Christmas Fayre
Worcester’s Victorian Christmas Fayre is an extremely popular event that is always absolutely packed with visitors. Look out for characters in Victorian dress, festive treats and a Christmassy atmosphere. Nearly 200 stalls in the city centre sell local arts, crafts, street food and gifts. Street entertainers, musicians and a Victorian fairground complete with carousel add to the experience.
Dates: 28th November to 1st December 2024.
Website: Worcester Christmas Fayre
Review: Tripadvisor
Things to do in Worcestershire that aren’t festive
If you’re looking for something to do that isn’t Christmassy, these posts will give you a few ideas:
- Worcestershire school holidays
- Free things to do in Worcestershire
- Malvern Hills Walks
