The Trentham Estate, Stoke-on-Trent, becomes ‘Santa's Wonderland' from Friday 18^th November, with the Christmas Lights switch on marking the beginning of the festive season. The wonderful Trentham Shopping Village will host a truly festive Christmas Market every Friday, Saturday and Sunday running up to the big day, and visitors can also try their hand at skating on the real ice rink in its beautiful lakeside setting! With an array of seasonal activities taking place throughout December, from the Santa and Mrs. Claus grotto experience, tap dancing turkeys and real reindeer, Trentham will provide everyone with the perfect opportunity to get in the festive spirit.

For something to entertain the whole family this Christmas, head to Shugborough Estate, near Stafford, for a Georgian festive extravaganza! Enjoy ‘Candlelit Christmas Evenings' from 1^st - 4^th December, where costumed characters will tell the story of Christmas past, and the Estate will be transformed into a magical winter wonderland with traditional decorations, brass bands, carol singers, snow showers, entertainers and a large gift and food marquee.  Then, on December 10^th, 11^th, 17^th and 18^th, Santa and his helpers take over Shugborough, providing the perfect day out for little Christmas elves! Visit Santa and his helpers in Victorian Servants' Quarters and visit Mrs. Claus in the kitchen and help her stir the Christmas pudding.  Little ones can take a trip to see the animals in the nativity and get involved in the children's Musical workshops and craft activities.  Magical snow showers outside in the wonderful grounds finish off the Yuletide festivities perfectly! Pre-booking is essential and tickets can be purchased direct from Shugborough.

Step back in time and enjoy an historic festive experience at one of Staffordshire's Victorian Christmas markets. In December Leek enters a time warp and becomes a nineteenth-century Dickensian town, complete with strolling costumed entertainers, outdoor stalls, and cafes and pubs offering traditional fayre. Alternatively, kick-off the holiday season with a trip to Penkridge for their annual Victorian Market on the 25^th November. Peruse a wide range of craft and food stalls, and enjoy festive entertainment - there may even be a special visitor from the North Pole... Children of all ages can have a ‘Magical Christmas' at Drayton Manor Theme Park with a visit to Thomas Land, which will become a winter wonderland from 26^th November to 2^nd January. Expect thousands of decorations and lights, snow machines releasing bursts of snow three times a day, and The Fat Controller performing musical numbers at regular intervals! There will also be a chance to see Santa's elves hard at work, or pick up some gifts at the new Christmas market.

Looking for ideas to jazz up your Christmas feast? Be inspired by a gastronomic master-class at Weston Park's Granary Grill, where Head Chef, Guy Day, will host a series of question and answer sessions to address guests' Yuletide culinary conundrums. Taking place between 15^th and 17^th November, the sessions include samples, recipe cards to take home and a fabulous two-course lunch. If, after this, you're feeling inspired to get creative in the kitchen, the Granary Farm Shop will provide you with locally produced goodies to create the perfect Christmas feast - call 01952 852100 to pre-book. Weston Park will also be putting on their annual Christmas Fayre on 10^th and 11^th of December, with over 40 indoor and outdoor food and craft stalls, the Christmas Fayre is the ideal place to pick up gifts and festive food and drink. Take a ride on the miniature railway, tuck into a delicious hog roast or enjoy lunch in the Granary Grill, Bar & Restaurant. The House, beautifully decorated for Christmas will also be open to explore, and children can follow a trail to learn all about festive traditions!

Enjoy a festive family day out with a difference, with a unique experience on one Staffordshire's steam railways! Rudyard Lake Steam Railway, near Leek, Foxfield Steam Railway, Stoke-on-Trent, Churnet Valley Railway, near Leek, and Chasewater Railway, near Brownhills, have a variety of Santa Steam Trains running throughout December. Passengers can enjoy a nostalgic journey throughout Staffordshire's scenic countryside accompanied by a sherry and mince pie, and perhaps even a chance to spot Father Christmas himself!

For an outdoor winter wonderland experience, visit CONKERS in the National Forest between 26^th November - 24^th December and enjoy a magical day out for all the family. Chief Elf will lead visitors through the enchanted forest and Christmas lights to his woodland grotto to meet Father Christmas' faithful reindeer and guarantee festive cheer with mulled wine, mince pies, carol singers, street entertainers and roasting chestnuts. Book early to avoid disappointment!

Experience a truly magical Christmas break at Alton Towers Resort with Santa's Sleepovers on 27^th November, 4^th and 11^th and 17^th - 23^rd December 2011. As well as overnight bed and breakfast at the Alton Towers and Splash Landings Hotels visitors can enjoy a scrumptious Christmas Dinner, entrance to the wacky Waterpark, great festive family entertainment and a Doodles Puppet Show! Visitors also get entry to the famous Theme Park, where selected rides and the incredible Sharkbait Reef by SEA-LIFE will be open. Santa and his Elves will also be in the park, ready to welcome young visitors and spread some Christmas cheer!