Festive Things to Do in Stafford December 25 to January 26

The festive season has arrived, and Stafford is glowing with events, markets, light trails, theatre shows, Santa experiences, workshops, and winter activities for all ages. Whether you’re planning a family day out, meeting friends for festive fun, or looking for child-friendly entertainment, this guide covers events happening in Stafford and nearby between 1st December 2025 and 5th January 2026.

Stafford Town Centre Festivities

Friday 5 December – Christmas Food & Music Festival (Market Square)

Market Square transforms into a lively festive celebration with live music, dance performances, and street food. Expect tribute acts, community performers, food stalls, and a brilliant seasonal atmosphere from afternoon through early evening. Free entry.

Saturday 6 December – Winter Wonderland “Tinsel & Treats”

Stafford town centre becomes a full Winter Wonderland for families. Enjoy live music hosted by local radio presenters, children’s activities, free Santa’s Grotto, face painting, and funfair rides. Market Street hosts a festive crafters’ market with gifts and handmade treats.

Saturday 13 December – Festive Farmers’ Market & Community Fun Day

Start the day at the Christmas Farmers’ Market in Market Square, then head to the White Eagle Club for their community fun day, featuring entertainment, food stalls, children’s activities, local vendors, and charity fundraising games. Free entry and free parking.

Saturday 20 December – “Jingle & Mingle” in Market Square

Enjoy live choirs, Morris dancers, local musicians, roaming characters like the Grinch, a snow globe photo dome, and free children’s attractions. Borough Council car parks in Stafford and Stone offer free Saturday parking in the run-up to Christmas.

Stafford Christmas Treasure Trail (Early December)

Around 25 businesses in Stafford take part in a free children’s treasure trail, where families hunt for hidden golden crowns in shop windows. Completed entries are entered into a prize draw including tickets to the Gatehouse Theatre’s Christmas pantomime.

Christmas Markets & Seasonal Shopping

Lichfield’s Victorian Christmas Market (4–7 December)

A short trip from Stafford, this four-day market features Victorian-style stalls, festive food, artisan gifts, performers in traditional costumes, and seasonal entertainment.

Stone Festive Farmers’ Markets (6 & 20 December)

Stone’s popular farmers’ markets go fully festive in December with seasonal produce, gifts, artisan crafts, mulled drinks, and local food vendors.

Weston Park Christmas Food & Gift Fayre (6–7 December)

A grand Christmas fayre held on the Weston Park estate with over 100 artisan stalls offering luxury food, handmade gifts, decorations, and treats.

Stunning Light Trails and Illuminations

Illuminated Arboretum (5–22 December)

The National Memorial Arboretum hosts a spectacular illuminated trail through its woodlands and memorial gardens, featuring immersive light zones and festive refreshments.

Trentham Estate Winter Light Trail (21 November – 4 January)

One of Staffordshire’s most popular festive attractions. The mile-long trail includes interactive light displays, lakeside illumination, food stalls, marshmallow toasting, and funfair rides. Dog-friendly and perfect for families.

Shugborough Estate “Luminate” Light Trail (December)

Shugborough debuts a new festive light trail across its gardens and historic grounds. Expect carefully choreographed installations, music, fire pits, and warm seasonal drinks.

Stafford Town Centre Lights (All December)

Stafford's Christmas lights create a magical winter atmosphere across Greengate Street, Market Square, and the wider town centre — a lovely free evening activity.

Santa’s Grottos and Magical Family Experiences

A Magical Christmas at Amerton Farm

(Selected Dates 29 November – 24 December)

A fully immersive Christmas world created at Amerton Farm. Walk through decorated festive scenes, visit Santa’s Workshop, meet the elves, see Santa’s reindeer, and enjoy a personalised meeting with Father Christmas. Children choose their own gift from the toy shop.

Amerton Railway Santa Specials (13–21 December, Weekends)

Take a nostalgic steam train ride through the countryside to Toyland. Santa visits each compartment with gifts for children, while families enjoy festive treats on board.

The Polar Express Train Ride (Churnet Valley Railway, Until 23 December)

A magical recreation of the film. Children board the train in pyjamas, enjoy hot chocolate and cookies, meet characters, and receive a silver bell from Santa.

SnowDome Winter Wonderland (Tamworth, 15 November – 3 January)

Perfect for children: real snow play, sledging, tubing, Christmas shows, Santa’s Village, animals, and festive activities under one roof.

North Pole Adventure at National Forest Adventure Farm

(Weekends 29 November – 19 December)

Families walk through a festive portal into a fully themed North Pole world, complete with Victorian shops, elf workshops, reindeer, gingerbread decorating, and a personalised Santa meeting.

Pantomimes and Festive Theatre

Sleeping Beauty – Stafford Gatehouse Theatre (5 December – 4 January)

Stafford’s flagship Christmas pantomime. Expect spectacular sets, colourful costumes, hilarious panto routines, and lots of audience participation.

Cinderella – Lichfield Garrick Theatre (21 November – 11 January)

A classic fairy-tale panto filled with comedy, music, and magic, ideal for families.

The Little Mermaid – New Vic Theatre (14 November – 24 January)

A beautifully crafted adaptation with music, adventure, and visual theatre, offering an alternative to traditional panto.

A Fairytale for Christmas – Victoria Hall, Stoke-on-Trent (19–20 December)

A touring festive stage show featuring music, dance, and a modern Christmas storyline. Ideal for families with older children or for a festive night out with friends.

Historic Traditions, Carols and Seasonal Culture

St Mary’s Church Christmas Tree Festival (3–9 December)

St Mary’s in Stafford is transformed by 90 beautifully decorated trees created by schools, charities, and community groups. Choir performances take place throughout the week, with refreshments and craft stalls in the church hall.

Carols Among the Trees (7 December, 2pm)

A special carol service held inside St Mary’s surrounded by illuminated Christmas trees, accompanied by traditional brass band music and school choirs.

Borough Carol Service (21 December, 6:30pm)

A community carol service attended by local councillors and residents, featuring readings and traditional hymns.

Christmas Through the Ages – Ancient High House (13–14 December)

The Ancient High House displays Christmas decorations from Tudor, Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian eras, with costumed guides sharing historic traditions. Seasonal treats are available, and children’s crafts are offered.

Wreath-Making Workshops at Stafford Castle (6–7 December)

Hands-on workshops where you can create a traditional Christmas wreath using festive greenery and decorative materials. A lovely activity for couples or groups of friends.

Make the Most of a Magical Christmas in Stafford

From enchanting light displays and markets to Santa visits, theatre shows, and historic celebrations, Stafford is full of festive fun for families and friends. Whether you're visiting for a weekend or staying with us through the Christmas holidays, there’s always something magical to enjoy.

If you're travelling to Stafford this season, BELL Apartments — including Cross Court, Friars House, and Sunstone — offer modern, spacious, family-friendly accommodation perfect for festive breaks. Stay close to all major attractions while enjoying the comfort and privacy of a fully equipped aparthotel space.

Have a wonderful Christmas and Happy New Year — and enjoy everything Stafford has to offer this festive season.