Tamworth has lots of festive cheer to offer this Christmas

Enjoy extended shopping hours, concerts, Christmas lights, Santa visits and pantomime, to name just a few of the festive activities that Tamworth and the borough has to offer this 2018 Yule-tide season.

If you’re looking for things to bring Christmas cheer and keep the children entertained over the next month, this Visit Tamworth website is a great place to start. It’s full of ideas and has a busy What’s On section, as well as highlighting some of the fantastic attractions the area has to offer.

Christmas is a magical time and Tamworth has the perfect setting for that crisp wintry walk along with a jam-packed line up of exciting events.

Discover the many unique and independent shops, bars, restaurants and coffee shops which line the streets of the traditional Tamworth Town Centre, not forgetting Ankerside Shopping Centre where Santa will be in residence from November 25 2018 to Christmas Eve on Friday, Saturdays and Sundays;  and Elf School at the Stay & Play Kids Club on November 29 2018. There is also FREE parking all day on December 15 and December 23, at all Tamworth Borough Council’s car parks and in Ankerside Shopping Centre.

If you are looking for retail shopping, look no further than Tamworth. With late night opening and a wide choice of shops, Tamworth boasts three retail parks - Ventura, Jolly Sailor and Cardinal Point - all showcasing the leading UK retail brands in a purpose-built area that is easy to access with free parking in front of every store.

Explore Tamworth’s rich heritage and join the Santa Trails at Tamworth Castle. As you hunt through the Castle you will be greeted by the Victorian household readying themselves for the annual visit of the very special guest. Visitors will journey around the Castle searching for Santa whilst joining in with a series of activities.

Tamworth Borough Council’s festive season of Arts & Events offers a variety of Christmas concerts, Christmas Lights and don’t forget Tamworth Pantomime Company, who will return from December 13 to December 23 2018, with their production of Dick Whittington, oh yes they will!

The popular annual Christmas Lights Festival is planned for November 25 2018, promising a jam-packed day of festive fun for all the family. Activities will include fairground rides, treasure hunt, crafts, live music, Christmas market, walk about characters, dance performances and face painting; not forgetting Father Christmas who will be joining in the fun and excitement.

Christmas cheer will warm everyone’s hearts on December 5 2018 at St Editha’s Church when Tamworth Assembly Rooms ‘On Tour’ presents Tamworth Voices, in aid of The Mayor’s Charity. This will be followed by the return of The Mercian Singers on December 15 201 at Wilnecote Parish Hall, for an evening of seasonal festive songs.

Santa's Winter Wonderland at the SnowDome returns to welcome families from all over the country at the UK's premier real snow Christmas event, opening on November 16 2018. As well as real reindeer, there is also real snow, real animals and an all new winter wonderland show.

If you are looking for a vintage Christmas Market then visit Middleton Hall on November 24 and November 25, for a weekend discovering all the inspiration you will need for the festive season. There will be an array of gift ideas as well as mulled wine and festive delights available to buy; plus activities for younger children.

Christmas fayre activities continue at Grangewood Garden Centre on December 15. Local artisans and live music will be on offer, alongside local crafters who will be on hand creating Christmas wreaths, festive food treats and gift ideas.

Guaranteed to be special is the Magical Christmas at Drayton Manor Park, opening on Saturday, November 17, for selected dates right up until Monday, December 31 2018.

Popular breakfast, brunch and tea with Santa can be found in various Tamworth locations including Corey’s Bar, The Riftswood, The Strawberry Cabin at Manor Farm Fruits, Ash End Farm Play Barn and Namco Funscape just to name a few! Or why not treat yourself to a festive afternoon tea at The Tudor House Café or Planters Garden Centre?

Don’t forget pets like festive treats too! Planters Garden Centre not only has a Santa’s Grotto for children, but is also hosting a ‘Santa Paws’ event. You are invited to bring your beloved pets to see Father Christmas in the Santa Paws Pet Grotto. Your pets will enjoy a visit to Father Christmas, receive a Christmas treat and have their photo taken.

Remember that as well as Tamworth’s own 14 nature reserves; the town is bordered by a number of parks which hold their own winter, half term and Christmas events which are brilliant for families. These include Kingsbury Water Park, Pooley Country Park and Heritage Centre, Rosliston Forestry Centre and Conkers Discovery Centre.

Visit Tamworth - What's On page for full details of all festive events and activities.

Bands, singers, pubs, clubs and organisations can advertise their events free of charge on the Visit Tamworth website which is responsive and regularly updated to include current news and visitor information.  All you have to do is visit www.visittamworth.co.uk and submit an online form.

The site can be accessed from mobile devices and also via a new Facebook page which shares the latest promotions and pictures. 

Cllr John Chesworth, Tamworth Borough Council’s Cabinet member for Operational Services & Culture, said: “Tamworth has so much to offer visitors this festive season. We have everything from Santa Castle Trails, Winter Wonderland, theme park, Santa’s Grottos, to Christmas shopping, festive lunches or cream teas, Christmas concerts and pantomime fun.

“The Visit Tamworth website is a great way to find out what is going on; it is user-friendly, quick and responsive, offering a wide range of information about our amazing town and surrounding area. Businesses, clubs, groups and organisations can submit an online form and advertise their up and coming news and events free of charge.”

“I would encourage as many people as possible to use the site to explore more about Tamworth and what it has to offer.”

Follow the site here on: www.visittamworth.co.uk  or search Facebook: @VisitTamworth