Festive craft fair, candle-lit carols and stories with Santa.
The National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire launches its programme of seasonal events with a Christmas Gift and Food Fair taking place on the weekend of 6th/7th December. Other festive attractions, running right throughout the Christmas season, include storytelling with Santa, holly wreath making and a candle-lit carol service.
Many thousands of visitors are expected over the next month, with the full programme of activities that they can participate in including the following:
Christmas Gift and Food Fair – 6th & 7th December
A beautiful wintry landscape, combined with stalls of gifts and festive treats, makes this the perfect time to enjoy the Arboretum. Free entry.
Stories with Santa – 6th & 7th December
Children can board the Arboretum Express for festive storytelling this December. All children will also receive a mini Christmas tree sapling, complete with ‘adoption’ certificate, to plant and watch grow at home. £10 per child, advanced booking required.
Holly Wreath Making – 6th & 7th December
Make your own Christmas holly wreath to dress your front door. This fun and festive workshop will provide you with the skills necessary to create a beautiful wreath to take home. Equipment will be provided, as well as a warming festive treat of mince pies and mulled wine. £27 per person, advance booking is required.
Christmas Lunch with Lola Lamour – 10th, 11th, 16th, 17th December
Join us for a traditional Christmas lunch with vintage-style musical entertainment from forties starlet Lola Lamour. A glamourous songstress will add a vintage twist to the festive fun. Period attire encouraged but not essential. £29.95 per person, advance booking is required.
Christmas Truce Walk – 13th, 14th, 20th & 21st December
Enjoy a 90-minute guided tour introducing some of our World War I linked memorials before finishing at the new FA Football Remembers Memorial. Mulled wine and mince pies will provide a warming festive treat after the walk. £7 per person, advanced booking is required.
Candle-lit Carols at the Arboretum – 20th December
The Arboretum will be open after hours on the 20th December for a special Candle-lit Carol service. Suitable for all ages, it will fill you with the festive spirit. Free entry. Song books and candles will be available to purchase.
The Arboretum is open every day except for Christmas day and entry is free, although donations are appreciated. For more information or to make a booking or call 01283 245100 or email [email protected]. Christmas opening times and the full diary of seasonal events, to suit all tastes and ages, can be found at www.thenma.org.uk.
