This year, Droitwich Spa is pulling out all the stops to provide you and your family with the best Christmas experience. With lots of Santa’s grottos, Christmas markets and live musical performances, you’re spoilt for choice! Check out the top 12 things taking place in the town.

1. Lights switch on

When: Saturday, 27 November 2021

To celebrate the lights switch on in Droitwich Spa’s town centre, there will be fairground and festive entertainment to enjoy around Victoria Square as well as music at midday from The Salvation Army Band and I-Sing Choir. There will also be the chance to visit Santa in his grotto at St Richard’s House from 10am to 6pm, thanks to the help of Droitwich Lions.

At the same time in Friar Street there will be a Christmas craft market, live music and festive food and drink to tuck into including mince pies, mulled wine, hot chocolate and chestnuts.

 The lights will be switched on at 4.30pm by the Mayor of Droitwich and Droitwich’s very own Paralympic medallist Rebecca Redfern.

There will be free parking on the day in all Wychavon pay and display car parks from 2pm.

The event has been organised by Droitwich Town Council.

2. Shop in Droitwich Spa

If you’re looking for the perfect gift to buy your loved one, consider shopping in Droitwich Spa. The high street hosts a range of fabulous independent shops such as:

The Belt & Bag Shop – handcrafts handbags, belts and wallets.

Inspire by Rachel – sells a range of beauty products, make-up and  aromatherapy candles.

Evolve Clothing – stocks womenswear and accessories including bestselling Robell trousers and labels Joe Browns, Traffic People, BYoung, and more.

Jewels Contemporary Design – sells contemporary giftware and jewellery.

Of course, this isn’t a full list of what’s on offer, these are just a few that have provided prizes for our ‘Win Christmas with Worcestershire’s Vale & Spa’ Free Radio giveaway. You can browse all of Droitwich’s shops using our new shopping directory.

While you’re there, why not get a bite to eat in one of the town’s independent eateries? Discover places to eat using our new food & drink finder

3. Take a trip down memory lane with Hanbury Hall

When: 10am-4pm, Saturday 27 November 2021 – Monday 3 January 2022

This Christmas, Hanbury Hall is turning back the clock for a nostalgic trip to the late twentieth century, inspired by rumours of wild and vivacious house parties at the Hall in the 70’s and 80’s.

Get a blast from the past as you explore the house dressed for the Christmas we all remember: a riot of colour, with bright lights, baubles and tinsel galore!

And whilst you’re here why not have a reminisce over your favourite toys from the era or dander around listening to all the Christmas number ones? You never know, you might spot Father Christmas having a snooze in front of the television!

Find out more.

4. Churchfields’ Christmas Fayre

When: 10am-4pm, 28 November

It’s back, bigger and better than ever! This year visitors to Churchfields’ Christmas Fayre can expect to browse over 30 artisan arts and craft and food stalls offering a wealth of festive gifts. Grab a turkey cranberry bap, a baileys hot chocolate or mulled wine and enjoy our Christmas Choir while you shop for a unique gift for your loved ones. This event is free to enter and parking is free too. Donations will go to their local chosen charity.

5. Meet Santa on a boat

When: Saturday 11 December

Santa will be swapping the skies for waterways with this grotto. Take a magical trip through Vines Park aboard the Pamela May. Just £5 per person. Booking is essential. For more information, contact Sarah on 01905 340104.

6. Hartlebury Castle’s Festival

When: 11am on 4 December or 4pm on 5 December.

Get the family together to meet the Santa at Hartlebury Castle. Enjoy family-fun activities and musical entertainment and explore local craft stalls. Joey the Juggler will be entertaining visitors with balloon modelling and juggling and Mother Christmas will be putting in an appearance over the weekend.

You must book by calling 01299 250416 if you would like to see Santa, but otherwise booking isn’t required.

From 6pm on 4 December, visitors to the castle can enjoy entertainment from fabulous music trio The Ronnie’s as you explore the Bishop’s House at night, which has been specially decorated for Christmas. While you’re there, treat yourself to a glass of mulled wine or hot chocolate and mince pies! Tickets for this start from £9.50.

7. Christmas Door Wreath Workshop

When: 2pm, 5 December

Get crafty this Christmas with Droitwich Rugby Club’s wreath-making workshop. Includes base, foliage and a range of accessories plus a glass of prosecco and a mince pie – what’s not to love! Costs £20 per person and all profits go to St. Richard’s Hospice. To book, call 07921905592

8. Post your letter to Santa via a talking post box

When: 6 – 19 December

Where: Droitwich Spa Library, Victoria Square, Droitwich WR9 8DQ

We’ve teamed up with Free Radio Herefordshire & Worcestershire to bring a talking post box to Droitwich Spa, where kids can post their letters to Santa. If your child’s letter is read our on-air, they may be in with a chance of winning prizes. More info will be released soon so watch this space.

9. Churchfields Breakfast with Santa

When: 8:45am-1pm on 11, 12, 18, 19, 22-24 December

Tuck into a delicious full English farmer’s breakfast at Churchfields and afterward be escorted by their elves to a very special, socially distanced group meet with Santa. Tickets start from £8, and children will be able to choose an unwrapped gift on departure. While you me him you can also write a letter for him, mix up some magical reindeer food and maybe even decorate some gingerbread!  You can also explore the farm’s fabulously festive Fairy Trail.

10. Little Owl Farm Park’s Tinsel Tots Days

When: 16 and 17 December

New for 2021, Little Owl Farm will be offering a toddler-friendly grotto experience for kids aged 1-4 years old. More info can be found on Little Owl Farm Park’s website.

11. Droitwich Community Christmas market

When: Friday 17 – Sunday 19 December

Where: Droitwich Rugby Club, WR9 7DU

You’re spoilt for choice with all these markets! 25 local businesses have come together to bring festive cheer to visitors coming to Droitwich Spa. From scented soaps to flavoursome fudge, there will be lots of lovely treats on offer. More information will be released on Eventbrite soon.

12. Festive fun roadshows

When: Saturday 18 December

Where: Droitwich High Street

We’ve arranged several free activities in the town to get you feeling festive!

If you miss Santa at the light switch on, don’t worry because you can enjoy a visit to Santa’s inflatable grotto on Saturday 18 December. As well as this you can get into the Christmas spirit by testing your skills on the rodeo reindeer or rodeo Christmas pudding.

Grab a festive snap with friends in the photobooth, which comes complete with props, as well as enjoy delicious candy floss and popcorn and all free of charge.

Whatever the weather on the day, it is guaranteed there will be some white stuff thanks to our snow machine.

These roadshows are part of Wychavon District Council’s Be Curious this Christmas campaign which is encouraging people to explore the local businesses they have on their doorstep. It also highlights the important role they play in community life.

A series of videos have been produced telling the personal stories of local business owners and their passion for what they do. Check them out. The campaign also highlights the fact that by shopping local, people are backing local people and supporting the place where they live.

To check out what’s happening in our other towns, visit our What’s on Page.