Best Christmas Days Out in Worcestershire 2023
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
Details not yet announced.
Dates: Not yet announced. I have linked to the Christmas page on their website which currently says that information about the 2023 Christmas event is coming soon.
Website: Atwell Farm Park
Review: Tripadvisor
Bodenham Arboretum Worcestershire – Christmas Nativity Trail
Event not yet announced. I have linked to the events page of the Bodenham website where you will find updates when they become available.
Dates: Not yet released.
Website: Bodenham Arboretum
Review: Tripadvisor
Malvern Theatres – Cinderella Pantomime
Malvern Theatres in Worcestershire put on a spectacular pantomime performance every Christmas. For 2023, it’s Cinderella. Theatre favourite Mark James will be back, other stars have not yet been announced. However, audiences can expect stunning sets, hilarious comedy and sparkling costumes as Cinders prepares to go to the ball.
Dates: 14th to 17th, 19th to 24th and 26th to 31st December 2023 and 1st and 3rd to 7th January 2024. A relaxed performance takes place on Friday 5th January.
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
Choose between Santa trains and the Enchanted Express at Severn Valley railway for Christmas 2023.
Santa Trains
Collect a hot drink and a treat before you board the vintage train to travel from Kidderminster to Arley in your reserved seats. On arrival at your festively decorated destination, you’ll be able to watch Christmassy characters in a stage show. When you reboard the train and return to your seats, a named present is waiting for every child.
Dates: 25th and 26th November and 2nd, 3rd, 9th, 10th, 16th, 17th, 22nd, 23rd and 24th December 2023.
Website: Severn Valley Railway
Review: Amazing Adventures Blog
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: Weekends from 2nd to 24th December 2023.
Website: Severn Valley Railway
Review: Trip Advisor
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 it’s open until 9.30pm. They even offer a festive afternoon tea for £16.95 per person, bookable in advance. 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 2023. 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.
New for 2023: Children can take part in the elves’ circus skills academy to earn a special pin badge.
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
Enjoy ten different fairground rides at Winter Glow this Christmas. Each one is pay-per-ride.
Dates: 24th November 2023 to 6th January 2024
Website: Winter Glow
Review: Plutonium Sox
Webbs Wychbold
2023 Christmas event not yet announced. I have linked to the Webbs events page below so you can check for updates.
Dates: Not yet announced.
Website: Webbs
Review: Birmingham Mail
West Midlands Safari Park
Two events took place at the West Midlands Safari Park in Worcestershire last Christmas. A lantern trail and “meet Santa” event. However, the 2023 Christmas event has not yet been announced. I have linked to the WMSP events page so you can check for updates.
Dates: Not yet announced.
Website: West Midlands Safari Park
Review: Express and Star
Worcester Cathedral – Christmas Tree Festival 2023
Worcester Cathedral’s Christmas Tree Festival tends to take place every year, but this year’s event has not yet been announced. I have linked to the Cathedral’s website so you can check for updates.
Dates: Not yet announced.
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: 30th November to 3rd December 2023.
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
