CHRISTMAS
From festive markets to Santa’s Grotto and creative workshops, we’ve got a season full of events to enjoy.
All things festive - Now booking for 2025!
From crafts, workshop and lunches, to fun runs, festive evenings, there’s plenty to celebrate Christmas at Stanwick Lakes!
The elves have tied the last bows and sprinkled the final sparkle – our 2025 festive calendar is now ready to enjoy, with something for everyone.
All event proceeds go towards the Rockingham Forest Trust charity.
Planning a group celebation this year?
We offer tailored packages, providing a unique festive experience followed by a festive lunch or afternoon tea. View corporate packages here.
We’re also taking bookings for Festive Afternoon Teas and, for groups of 6 or more, for Christmas Lunch.
View the 2025 festive menu or book now.
Christmas Frost Fair
This event is entirely FREE to attend.
Parking charges apply.
Santa Run
Sunday 30th November 2025
This event is ideal for the recreational runner perhaps entering our running events for the first time, the competitive runner looking to start their training early for next year or simply if you’re looking to get into the Christmas spirit with a fun and slightly silly event (dependent on your get up!)
For those who have not run here before – it is the ideal running course… with gentle trail tracks and the additional feature of being on a nature reserve with stunning views. There are three separate distances to choose from – 5K, 10K and Half Marathon.
On the day entries will be available only if the event is not sold out beforehand.
Medal not guaranteed for on the day entries. On the day prices apply.
Enter the Stanwick Lakes Santa Run:
Santa’s Grotto is back for 2025!
Santa arrives on the 29th November.
Bring your little ones to this lovely festive event at Stanwick Lakes this Christmas season. Children will get to make their own natural Christmas decoration and meet Santa himself in his beautiful traditional barn.
Individual, Group and Quiet Santa Sessions available.
Download a social story for each type of visit to Santa’s Grotto at Stanwick Lakes.
Festive Afternoon Tea
From Monday 24th November 2025, with a special date:
Sunday 7th December – Live music
Festive Afernoon Tea, accompanied by The Maestro!
Renowned pianist Lincoln Noel will fill the cafe with music. His style, shaped by experience in theatre, jazz, and event performance, will bring warmth and charm – with a festive twist – to this winter event.
Book this event and all other Festive Afternoon Tea dates here.
Festive Lates
Evening Workshops
Thursday 27th November
Friday 12th December
Enjoy evening workshops, with drinks and nibbles, especially for Christmas! Options include willow weaving, silk batik, glass fusion, painting and blacksmithing.
Wreath Making
Various dates
24th – 27th November
On our hands-on wreath workshops, you’ll get guidance to craft your very own unique wreath from beautiful, locally sourced materials. Glass of fizz included.
Traditional & Contemporary Workshops
Book now:
Selected dates in Nov & Dec
This year, we’re excited to offer a range of traditional and contemporary Christmas-themed workshops. Whether you’re looking to create something festive, learn a new skill, or simply enjoy the holiday spirit, our workshops provide the perfect opportunity to explore and celebrate the season.
2025 Festive Menu
Available to book now:
Served from 24th November 2025
Book a table for your festive celebration with friends, family or colleagues. If your party is for 20 or more guests – you will get a private room for free (subject to availability).
View, save and download the menu as here.
To make a reservation – book here.
An evening of live music: Threaded - Live & Festive!
Friday 28th November
As part of our festive season, acoustic trio Threaded return to Stanwick Lakes for a relaxed night of original music with a hint of the season in the warm glow of the café on a winter’s evening.
Enjoy seasonal hot food and mulled drinks while soaking up the lakeside atmosphere. It’s a perfect way to enjoy something a little different as the season gets going.
So take a pause before the busy weeks ahead, and enjoy a memorable evening that marks the start of the festive season at Stanwick Lakes.
6.30pm – 8pm.
The car park will be free to ticket holders on the evening of this event.
A Festival of Midwinter
Sunday 14th December
Join us for a day of ancient traditions and entertainment, that celebrate the returning of the light.
There will be plenty for the family to enjoy. Warming food and refreshments will be available throughout the day.
This event runs from 11am until 3pm. Please wrap up warm as this is mostly an outdoor event.
To learn more about this full day event and get your free tickets – visit out Midwinter page!
This is a FREE TICKET event, but we expect to reach capacity, so please register early to avoid disappointment.
Lantern Walk & Lakeside Christmas Carols
Saturday 20th or Sunday 21st December
A magical walk around Solstice Lake and carols in our outdoor theatre. Festive food and refreshments will be available to purchase and entertainment will be provided.
Please wrap up warm and bring a torch or lantern to walk with (perhaps you made one at our Lantern workshops in Autumn half term).
Dogs are allowed to this event. Due to our environmental status dogs must be on leads at all times at Stanwick Lakes. For this event, we recommend and kindly request dogs are on short leads for safety.
5pm – 8pm.
The car park will be free to ticket holders on the evening of this event.
Winter Trail
Theme All Wrapped Up!
Our much-loved festive trail will return this winter – but the theme is still under wraps for now! We’ll reveal more as the festive season approaches, so keep an eye out for updates.
Families will once again be able to follow a fun seasonal trail around the site – and everyone who completes it will receive a small festive prize as a thank you.
No need to book.
Christmas Crafts & Pottery Painting
Available from November onwards
Just drop in!
Come along to our pop-up pottery studio in the Visitor Centre cafe, with additional festively-themed craft activities available too.
No need to book, details TBC.