A campaign has been launched highlighting Staffordshire as a top destination for family fun this Christmas.
Enjoy Staffordshire, the county’s official tourism site, has created an interactive #ChristmasInStaffs map allowing people to plan their trips easily, whether that is visiting for the day or staying overnight.
At the Alton Towers Resort, the Santa’s Sleepovers include a chance to meet Santa, enjoy the Christmas panto, selected family rides, and admission to the waterpark.
Whilst at Drayton Manor Resort, it’s a Christmas Wonderland with Santa in his grotto and fun on the favourite family rides at Thomas Land.
And Santa’s Winter Wonderland is back at the SnowDome, with plenty of real snow and real animals.
There are lots of pantomimes including The Three Musketeers at the New Vic Theatre, Newcastle, Jack and the Beanstalk showing at both the Garrick Theatre, Lichfield, and Gatehouse Theatre, Stafford, Dick Whittington at The Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, and Cinderella at The Prince of Wales Theatre, Cannock, and Tamworth Assembly Rooms.
Christmas markets include Castle Artisan Market, in Newcastle-under-Lyme, and Weston Park’s Christmas Market this weekend. People can also bag a bargain at the Trentham Shopping Village or explore the amazing Trentham Gardens on the sparkling new Winter Light Trail. If designer shopping is on people’s Christmas list, then McArthur Glen Designer Outlet at Cannock is the place to go.
Philip White, Deputy Leader at Staffordshire County Council, said: “Staffordshire has a brilliant tourism offering all year round but at Christmas the county really comes alive.
“We’re the UK’s best playground, with some of the country’s biggest theme parks, along with hundreds of smaller attractions and venues, all waiting to be explored. We have vibrant towns, great bars and restaurants, cozy country pubs, and fantastic shopping and places to stay.
“With a fabulous mix of indoor and outdoor festive attractions and events, there’s something for all the family and for all budgets. I’d definitely urge people to download the Christmas map with all the events and start exploring our amazing county.”
Other attractions include the National Memorial Arboretum in Alrewas, which has a light trail and Lichfield Cathedral’s Christmas Light Show.
There is also Jingle Ville at Lower Drayton Farm near Stafford, and the North Pole Express at Foxfield Railway, near Cheadle.
A full list of events and attractions is available here.
