It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and there’s no better place to spend it than in Stoke-on-Trent. With our buzzy city centre and the rolling hills of Staffordshire just around the corner, it’s the perfect spot to get a little festive.
We’re going to be telling you where you can get your hands on the best mince pies, mulled wine, Santa photo opps and more in our top picks of Christmas activities in Stoke-on-Trent.
Read on for the ultimate guide to getting festive in Stoke, and prepare to get that warm, fuzzy feeling…
Winter Wonderland Stoke – 15th November-6th January
This extravaganza in Hanley is your one-stop shop for all things Christmas. From Christmas markets complete with cosy Bavarian bars to a real ice rink and funfair rides, it’s the perfect day out for the family and will be sure to get you in the festive spirit. More information here.
Christmas afternoon tea at Emma Bridgewater – 1st-21st December, 2pm Monday-Saturday; 12pm Sundays
Probably the region’s reigning queen of ceramics (and that’s really saying something in the Potteries!), there couldn’t be a more Stokie way to celebrate Christmas than to do it at Emma Bridgewater’s factory.
Guests can indulge in a festive afternoon tea served on Emma’s handmade cake stands – and you can pick up some beautiful Christmas gifts when you’re done, too! Book here.
Victorian Christmas at Middleport – 1st December
Recently home to the breathtaking Poppies: Weeping Window, Middleport Pottery will be hosting their “Victorian Christmas” this year and kicking things off with a glorious lights switch-on. Expect Christmas tales on the boat, a lantern parade, traditional carol singers and more in some of the most beautiful surroundings imaginable. Learn more here.
King’s Christmas Market, King’s Hall – 2nd December
The gorgeous King’s Hall will be playing host to an artisanal Christmas market unlike any other in the city. You’ll be able to browse over 100 local traders’ stalls to the sound of a festive brass band, and keep those little minds occupied with free face painting and balloon modelling whilst you do so. The perfect place to indulge in homemade fudge and delicious hot chocolates whilst doing a spot of Christmas shopping! More here.
The Nutcracker at Mitchell Arts Centre – 3rd December
The quintessential Christmas ballet, The Nutcracker is sure to get that festive feeling going. Mitchell Arts Centre will be screening it live from the Royal Opera House in London, so you can watch the Royal Ballet bring to the stage the magic of Clara and the Land of Sweets. Book here.
Nativity the Musical at the Regent Theatre – 5th-8th December
This heartwarming, laugh-out-loud production features all the favourite hits from the original movie plus a few new ones thrown in for good measure! Emmerdale’s Adam Thomas will be treading the boards alongside a stellar cast including Ashleigh Gray of Wicked! and West End favourite Simon Lipkin. Get your tickets here.
The Snowman with live orchestra, Victoria Hall – 17th December
This will be sure to capture the heart of even the grumpiest Grinch and give goosebumps to the staunchest Scrooge. The beloved Christmas film will be screened in the dramatic surroundings of Victoria Hall with an orchestra to soundtrack its stunning musical numbers – including, of course, “Walking in the Air”, which will be sung by a soloist. Get your tickets here.
Santa’s Grotto at Trentham Gardens – 1st – 24th December, every weekend
Where better to see the man of the hour than one of Stoke-on-Trent’s prettiest spaces?! He’ll be waiting every weekend so your little ones can rest assured that he knows exactly what they’re looking for come the big day. You can combine your trip with a horse-drawn carriage ride around the estate’s beautiful Italian Gardens – the perfect Christmassy family day out! Learn all about Trentham’s Christmas line-up here.
Merry and bright
So, there you have it – our top picks of what’s on around Stoke this Christmas. These are our favourites, but there’s so much more to see and do in our fabulous area this festive season. Make sure to check out Stoke-on-Trent City Council’s website for even more things to do!
What’s your favourite Stoke Christmas activity? Think we’ve missed something off? Tweet us and let us know: @SmithfieldST1