CHRISTMAS 2026
From festive markets to Santa’s Grotto, creative workshops, and evening events, we’ve got a season full of events to enjoy.
All things festive - 2026 - save the dates!
Grotto
from 5th December
– BOOKING NOW –
Afternoon Teas & Christmas Dinner
– ENQUIRE NOW –
Frost Fair
22nd & 23rd November
FREE ENTRY
Midwinter
Sunday 13th December
DETAILS COMING SOON
Lantern Walk & Carols
Sat 19th & Sun 20th December
…and more…
Santa’s Grotto is back for 2026!
Booking now open!
Santa arrives on the 5th December.
Bring your little ones to this lovely festive event at Stanwick Lakes this Christmas season. Children will get to meet an elf in the workshop, before 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.
From fairs, workshops and food, to fun runs and carol singing, there’s plenty to celebrate Christmas at Stanwick Lakes!
The elves are tying the last bows and sprinkling the final sparkle – and our 2026 festive calendar is nearly ready to enjoy, with something for everyone.
All event proceeds go towards the Rockingham Forest Trust charity.
Planning a group celebation this year?
Join us for afternoon tea or Christmas dinner – we’re now taking bookings for groups for tables in the cafe for up to 20.
Festive menus coming soon.
We also offer tailored packages for private functions of coporate groups, providing a unique festive experience. To discuss your options, get in touch. Email events@rftrust.org.uk
Santa Run
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.
Enter the Stanwick Lakes Santa Run:
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.
Festive Lates: Workshops & Late Night Opening
Friday 27th November & Friday 11th December
As part of our festive season, we run a selection of our popular workshops as festive taster sessions, with a hint of the season in the warm glow of the café and gift shop remaining open on a winter’s evening.
From blacksmithing to wood carving, this unique evening offers a bitesize version of our traditional and contemporary workshop programme. It’s a chance to create something festive with your own hands, perhaps as a gift or as an experience to shar with a friend.
In the cafe, enjoy cakes, hot drinks & mulled drinks while soaking up the lakeside atmosphere, even if you’re not part of a workshop.
5pm – 8pm.
The car park will be free to workshop attendees on the evening of this event.
A Festival of Midwinter
Sunday 13th 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.
This is a FREE TICKET event, but we expect to reach capacity, so please sign up when registration opens to avoid disappointment.
Lantern Walk & Lakeside Christmas Carols
Saturday 20th or Sunday 21st December
A magical walk around Solstice Lake and followed by wholesome festive family carols. Festive food and refreshments will be available.
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.