CHRISTMAS
Festive events at Stanwick Lakes
All things festive: dates for your diary this Christmas!
Join us at Stanwick Lakes to celebrate this Christmas!
There is a calendar full or festive activities and events planned for Christmas 2023 that will suit the whole family. All event proceeds go towards the Rockingham Forest Trust charity.


Christmas Frost Fair
This event is entirely FREE to attend.
Parking charges apply.
Santa Run
Sunday 3rd December 2023
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 sun 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
from November 25th – 23rd December
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 Menu
Available to book now:
27th Nov – 23rd Dec
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 booking, please email the team at events@rftrust.org.uk


Wreath Workshops
Selected dates in Nov & Dec
In this hands-on workshop, you’ll learn how to craft your very own Christmas wreath from locally sourced materials from scratch, with tips and ideas along the way.
Winter Trail
No need to book!
From 1st December
Our winter trail is defrosting, with an elvish adventure in the making.
No need to book, trail packs £3


Christmas Crafts & Pottery Painting
Available from November onwards
Just drop in!
New for 2023 we’re inviting you to our pop-up pottery studio in the Visitor Centre cafe, with additional festively-themed craft activities available too.
from £7


A Festive Yule
Sunday 17th December
THIS EVENT IS NOW SOLD OUT.
Join us for ancient Viking & Pagan traditions and entertainment, that celebrate the returning of the light.
Dressing up, craft activities, a Viking camp and fireside Shamanic Drumming… there will be plenty for the family to enjoy. Warming food and refreshments will be available throughout the day. The celebration’s will lead up to a torch-lit lakeside procession and yule celebrations in the outdoor theatre!
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).
This event runs from 12noon until 5pm.
To learn more about this full day event – visit out Yule page!
This event sold out last year, so please book early to avoid disappointment.


Lantern Walk & Lakeside Christmas Carols
Thursday 21st & Friday 22nd December
THIS EVENT IS NOW SOLD OUT.
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 – 7.30pm.
The car park will be free to ticket holders on the evening of this event.