The Best Christmas Markets in Staffordshire
What better way to get into the Christmas spirit than visiting a Christmas market? Brimming with unique gifts, homemade goods and delicious seasonal food and drink, like mulled wine and mince pies, visiting a market or two will surely get you in the holiday spirit.
With a stay at The Moat House, you’re in the perfect place to explore some of the best Christmas markets in Staffordshire, so we’ve rounded up some of our favorites for you.
Leek Twilight Market
This popular Christmas market is returning to Leek’s newly refurbished Indoor market, meaning you can enjoy a festive shopping spree whatever the weather. With festive lights, live music, food and drinks stalls and of course an appearance from Santa Claus himself, it’s the perfect place to make magical Christmas memories together while picking up unique gifts for all the family.
Drayton Manor Christmas Wonderland
More impressive Christmas markets in Staffordshire for families, Drayton Manor’s Christmas Wonderland brings the magic of Christmas to life in the heart of the theme park. Decked out with Christmas trees, lights and so much more, the theme park is transformed into a spectacular winter wonderland.
Children can enjoy some of their favourite rides in Thomas Land (as well as a few bonus festive rides), stroll through the zoo and ride the Festive Light Train before a meet and greet with Santa! The park also offers accessible entry to Santa’s Grotto, designed for those with accessibility or neurodiversity needs.
After all the excitement, the new Celebration Square gives everyone a chance to refuel. It even features a brand-new hot chocolate factory, where you can discover how to make the perfect hot chocolate. With festive treats on offer as well as warming fire pits, live music and entertainment it invites you to relax and soak up the warming Christmas atmosphere.
Tickets for the full experience, including park entry, access to Santa’s Grotto and hot chocolate factory for over 4s start from £32, while for children aged 2-3 years tickets start from £22.
Christmas Makers Market
If a more traditional Christmas markets in Staffordshire, with homemade products is more what you were looking for, then we think you’ll love the Christmas-themed Makers Market hosted at Trentham Shopping Village.
Running through November and December, this festive market showcases award-winning food and drink, arts and crafts and vintage artisans. It is the perfect destination if you’re looking for a one-of-kind gift for someone special in your life.
Santa’s Winter Wonderland
Santa’s Winter Wonderland is one of the best Christmas markets in Staffordshire for families. Hosted at the SnowDome in Tamworth, this Christmas extravaganza offers the whole family the chance to play in real snow on Santa’s snow trail with sledging, slides and snowball fights actively encouraged.
To warm up, you can watch a brand-new addition to the event, a mini pantomime featuring Santa himself. Then it’s time to venture into the Christmas village where children can write Christmas letters and enjoy festive games.
Tickets start at just £18.95, which includes approximately 30 minutes of playtime in real snow, 20 minutes at Santa’s spectacular new show, and 30 minutes exploring the Christmas village. Helmets are provided for children aged 2-16, but you’ll need to remember to pack gloves as the real snow is cold!
The Winter Wonderland is open from mid-November until early January, but tickets sell fast, so we recommend booking to secure your place at one of the most interactive Christmas markets in Staffordshire.
Winter Light Trail – Stoke-on-Trent
Located at Trentham Gardens, this illuminated light trail offers something for all members of the family. At just over a mile long, it offers festive surprises at every corner, sure to delight young and old.
After exploring the trail, the Après ski lodge bar and chalets are the perfect place to indulge in some festive shopping. From traditional food vendors to children’s funfair amusements and even marshmallow toasting everyone is sure to leave happy.
The Winter Light Trail runs from the end of November until the end of December. Tickets start from £17.50 (off peak) for adults and £13 (off peak) for children and children under 2 go free. The trail is dog-friendly too, so the whole family can get involved!
Extend your stay
After a busy day of indulging in your favourite festive feasts at the Christmas markets in Staffordshire, relax and recharge at The Moat House Hotel. Our 4-star AA luxury Grade II listed manor house is the perfect place to enjoy a festive retreat. Leave the stresses of the modern world behind in our sumptuous surroundings, indulge in the finest dining in our 2 AA Rosette Orangery restaurant, or relax in our individually designed, super comfy rooms equipped with all the mod-cons. Book your stay now.
For even more festive fun in Staffordshire, explore our special Christmas and New Year’s events.