Joe Pendlebury - Midsmas - Christmas in the Midlands

Christmas 2023 at Driftwood Land, Derby: A Detailed Review and Guide

Explore Driftwood Land's 2023 Christmas magic in Derby. Our in-depth guide and review covers Santa visits, crafting with Mrs. Claus, reindeer encounters, and more. Enjoy affordable family festive fun this Christmas in the East Midlands.

Smiling grey-haired business owner in grey attire, with arms folded, among store trinkets.

Small Businesses

The Midsmas Market (2023)

Exciting news for our Midsmas Facebook community – the Midsmas Market is back this weekend! Join us in celebrating local businesses and find unique Christmas gifts from the Midlands.

A collage of assorted traditional Christmas cards overlaid in a random arrangement.

News

The Midsmas Christmas Card Exchange (2023)

Experience the delight of writing a festive greeting and sending it to a Midsmas community member. Feel the unique warmth of receiving a handpicked, handwritten card. Introducing the Midsmas Christmas Card Exchange, a brand-new tradition for 2023.

West Midlands Featured

Top Garden Centres to Visit in the West Midlands This Christmas

Uncover the top Christmas garden centres in the West Midlands with our specially curated Midsmas guide. Offering no-charge entrance to spectacular Lemax villages and lavish Christmas décor, these spots are a must-visit for all ages. Don't miss these seasonal wonders!

East Midlands Featured

Top Garden Centres to Visit in the East Midlands This Christmas

Discover the East Midlands' top garden centres this Christmas with our curated Midsmas guide. Featuring free-to-visit, awe-inspiring displays—from intricate Lemax villages to lavish décor—these destinations promise to captivate all ages. Don't miss these festive wonders!

Max in red onesie and Elf-like hat stands behind Lansdowne Road sign, aka "Santa Claus Street," in Branston.

Staffordshire

Lansdowne Road: The Cul-De-Sac That's Lighting Up the Midlands Every Christmas

Searching for a Christmas spectacle that's absolutely FREE to explore? Discover the twinkling magic of Lansdowne Road in Branston, East Staffordshire—where Christmas spirit illuminates the night, without lightening your wallet!

Max in transparent dome amid grand Lemax Christmas Village scene at Trowell Garden Centre, Nottingham.

Nottinghamshire

Trowell Garden Centre: An Early Contender for the UK's Best Lemax Christmas Village Display of 2023

Join us on an enchanting adventure to Trowell Garden Centre, a potential front-runner for the UK's most awe-inspiring Lemax Christmas Village display of 2023.

Wooden Christmas Eve plate with designated spots for carrot, mince pie, and milk, featuring an illustrated Santa design.

Small Businesses Featured

Support Small Businesses Across the Midlands this Christmas

Discover the Midlands' best small businesses this Christmas season. Choose handmade gifts, support local artisans, and buy British to make the festive season extra special for everyone.

Max, Mia, and Holly throwing foam balls at a wall with a snowy illustration, aiming to land them in holes on the wall.

Derbyshire

REVIEW: Christmas Grotto Experience at Swarkestone Nursery in Derby

Curious about Swarkestone Nursery's Christmas Grotto in Derby? Our candid review takes you through the 2022 debut—from the whimsy of elf magic and enchanting encounters with Mrs. Claus to small letdowns like a forgetful Santa. Get a balanced view to inform your 2023 festive plans.

Max & Mia in sleigh with Santa at desk in 'The Nutcracker and The Fairy Adventure'.

Shropshire

REVIEW: "The Nutcracker and The Fairy: A Christmas Adventure" in Shrewsbury

Step into 'A Christmas Adventure' and be transported into a captivating festive story. Imagined by Shropshire's Emma and Oli, it's a visual treat filled with meticulously designed scenes. However, based on our visit during its debut year, there's still room for improvement.

Max, Mia, & Holly in a cosy train, gazing through frosty window with 'Mr. Tickets', 'Agatha Christmas' & the festive crew.

Derbyshire

REVIEW: The Train Through Christmas Countryside 2022 at Ecclesbourne Valley Railway (EVR)

Join our raucous ride at Ecclesbourne Valley Railway's "Train Through Christmas Countryside". Laughter, shenanigans & festive fun for all ages!

Staffordshire

REVIEW: Illuminated Arboretum Light Trail at the National Memorial Arboretum (Christmas 2021 & 2022)

Join us as we recount our enchanting December 2021 and 2022 visits to the 'Illuminated Arboretum' event at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire.

Welcome sign at Ryman's Christmas Trees with farm address, web URL, and social media icons.

Staffordshire

REVIEW: Ryman's Christmas Trees (Christmas 2022)

Join our family’s first-time visit to a family-run Christmas Tree farm near Lichfield - a new festive favourite for us!

Elegant chalkboard menus displaying breakfast, pizza, and lunch options at Strawberry Fields Farm & Coffee Shop.

Staffordshire

REVIEW: Strawberry Fields Farm & Coffee Shop (Christmas 2022)

Enjoy a festive breakfast among real Christmas trees at Strawberry Fields Farm & Coffee Shop near Burntwood - a Midlands Christmas must-visit.

Festive Afternoon Tea for Two at Pretty Pots on decorative sleighs with sandwiches, cakes, and Christmas treats.

Staffordshire

REVIEW: Festive Afternoon Tea at Pretty Pots (Christmas 2022)

Indulge in the BEST festive afternoon tea for two at Pretty Pots Ceramics Cafe near Stafford. A delightful Christmas treat in the Midlands!

Elsa in Frozen princess attire sings classics, amidst vibrant florals.

Warwickshire

REVIEW: Frozen Afternoon Tea with Elsa, Anna, Santa, and the Elves, at the Enchanted Tea Room (Christmas 2022)

A five-star Christmas Afternoon Tea experience with singing and dancing at the Enchanted Tea Room in Leamington Spa with Elsa, Santa, and friends!

Holly (2) asleep in 'Don't Stop Believin'' top, holding snowman toy, with vintage festive lights.

Welcome

Welcome to Our New Christmas Blog!

Discover Christmas in the Midlands with Midsmas! Join the Pendlebury family for festive tips and celebrations in the East & West Midlands.