Your guide on where to take the kids this Christmas

With just over a month to go, the countdown to Christmas is on, and many of us will soon be planning our festive days out.

Across the West Midlands, there is a range of markets, theatre shows and light-switch-on events that will help you to get into the Christmas cheer.

Here is a look at some of the biggest events happening across the region:

Attingham for Christmas - From 28 November to 3 January, there will be more than 50 decorated Christmas trees throughout the Attingham Park Regency Mansion and grounds as well as a family Christmas trail.

Telford Winter Wonderland - From 29 November to 23 December, the daytime Winter Wonderland event will include a visit to Santa, a meet-and-greet with Mrs Claus, rides and a maze. There will also be 11 acres of festive woodland to explore as well as a scavenger hunt with a Wonderland pencil, and visitors can meet the Grinch.

Christmas by Candlelight - On 18 December at Shrewsbury Abbey, West End singers will be taking to the stage with a live band to perform a number of Christmas classics.

The Elf Express - From 28 November until 24 December, the Elf Express, part of the Severn Valley Railway will depart from Bridgnorth Station. Those on board will have the chance to meet Santa Claus and his team and receive a gift.

Victorian Christmas Fayre - From 3 to 6 December one of the UK's largest Victorian-themed Christmas markets will be returning to Worcester city centre bringing costumed traders, entertainment and festive food. There will be more than 200 stalls as well as a carousel and fun fair.

Winter Glow, Malvern - From 20 November to 31 December at the Three Counties Showground in Malvern, there will be a festive attraction featuring an illuminated light trail, ice skating, a Christmas market and a Father Christmas experience.

Hereford Cathedral Christmas Events - From 18 November to 6 February a range of events will be taking place at Hereford Cathedral including carol services, candlelit concerts, a Christmas fair and a family nativity trail.

Robin Hood Pantomime - From 28 November 2026 to 3 January, the Swan Theatre in Worcester hosts an exciting staging of Robin Hood. Audiences can look forward to music, dancing, comedy, and traditional festive pantomime entertainment.

Santa Run - On 13 December, West Park will be transformed into a sea of red suits for the return of the Santa Run. Organised by the Beacon Centre for the Blind, runners will be dressing up as Santa Claus as they complete a 5km (3.1 mile) course.

Pantomime - from 28 November until 3 January, Treasure Island will be on stage at Wolverhampton Grand Theatre. The production stars Richard Blackwood as Long John Silver, alongside Wolverhampton panto favourites Tam Ryan and Ian Adams.

Anton Du Beke - On 16 December, the Strictly Come Dancing judge will bring his festive spectacular to University of Wolverhampton at The Halls. Audiences can enjoy live music, dancing, comedy and plenty of Christmas cheer, with the Strictly star joined by vocalist Lance Ellington, a live band and professional dancers.

Christmas at Trentham - From 20 November, a range of events take place, including a winter light trail, street party, Santa's Grotto and festive markets.

Christmas Light Show - From 15 to 21 December, the Christmas light show - Follow the Star will be held at Lichfield Cathedral. It will see the historic building come to life with projection shows and illuminations.

The Polar Express - From 7 November to 23 December, Churnet Valley Railway will be hosting The Polar Express Train Ride. The hour-long journey departs from Froghall Station and includes panto-style entertainment, hot chocolate and a chance to meet Santa.

Festive Lights - From 5 to 29 December, Biddulph Grange Garden will host its annual festive lights display. The ticket also includes a free hot drink.

Coventry Christmas Market - From 13 November to 4 January, the Christmas Market will be returning to the city centre. There will be a big wheel in Broadgate along with a host of stalls with handcrafted gifts.

Christmas at Warwick Castle - From 21 November to 3 January, a range of events will be taking place at Warwick Castle including a Stories with Santa experience, ice rink, light trail and food and drink village.

Christmas at Coventry Cathedral - From 29 November, the city's Cathedral will be putting on a number of events to help families get into the Christmas spirit. This includes a number of concerts, a market and carol services.

Pantomime - From 18 November until 2 January, The Beauty and the Beast will be taking to the stage at The Belgrade Theatre.

Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market - From 5 November to Christmas Eve Birmingham city centre will be transformed into the largest authentic market of its kind outside of Germany or Austria. It is free to attend and will be open seven days a week. There will also be a craft market in the St Philip's Cathedral square and ice skating will return to Centenary Square.

Luminate Birmingham - From 28 November until 2 January next year, the Botanical Gardens will host an illuminated trail through the gardens with interactive light displays, laser effects and music-synchronised installations

Nutcracker - From 20 November to 12 December, Birmingham Royal Ballet will stage a production of The Nutcracker at Birmingham Hippodrome.

Santa's Grotto - from 28 November to 24 December there will be a Santa's Grotto at Dudley Zoo and Castle. Attendees will receive a gift from Santa and get the chance to see reindeer in their home.

Christmas at Sandwell Aquatics Centre - On 4 December a new free event is being held at the Sandwell Aquatics Centre in Smethwick. It will feature Santa's Diving Elves Show, Christmas market stalls, live entertainment and children's fairground rides.

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