Fun things to do in December!

Monday 30 December - Sunday 5 January

Dick Whittington - relaxed pantomime performance at the Regent Theatre.

  • Piccadilly, Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent ST1 1AP
  • Thursday 2 January, 1pm
  • Join our hero Dick Whittington (and his trusty cat!) as he seeks fame, fortune and happiness journeying to become Lord Mayor. Can he outwit the evil rodent King Rat and free the city from his team of revolting rodents? Will true love prevail? Find out in the ultimate magical pantomime adventure starring Jonathan Wilkes
  • In relaxed performances house lights are usually left on low and sudden loud noises are usually removed. The audience are free to go in and out as needed. There are additional staff on hand to assist and chill out areas are provided. For more information see What kind of Additional Needs services do you offer? and Dick Whittington
  • Good to know: the theatre is wheelchair accessible with wheelchair-accessible toilet facilities.
  • Cost: £13 per person. Book your tickets here: Dick Whittington - Relaxed Performance

Panto Workshop (age 6+)

  • Mitchell Arts Centre, Broad Street, Hanley, ST1 4HG
  • Friday 3 Jan: registration 11:30am, workshop 12pm – 1:30pm
  • Dive into the colourful world of pantomime—an art form bursting with humor, music, and exaggerated characterisation. Through engaging games and activities, you'll explore slapstick comedy, quick-witted dialogues and musical numbers, while learning how to create larger-than-life characters. Expect laughs, creativity and deep dive into the playful spirit that makes panto truly unique!
  • Dance workshops are strictly for children aged 6+years.
  • MAC say: “Our workshops can support those who have special educational needs and can be adapted to wheelchair users. Please let us know in advance so we can plan for it. For those whose needs are complex participants are recommended to have a 1 to 1 with them in sessions. We cannot offer 1 to 1 support."
  • Good to know: the venue is wheelchair accessible with wheelchair-accessible toilet facilities.
  • Please bring a drink.
  • Book at place by calling 01782 409 307. Please be sure to leave a contact number. More information from education@mitchellartscentre.co.uk and https://mitchellartscentre.co.uk/
  • Age 6+
  • £5 per child

Tots’ Film Club – Mog's Christmas and Stick Man

  • Mitchell Arts Centre, Broad Street, Hanley, ST1 4HG
  • Thursday 2 January: 10am
  • MAC say: “Our Tots Films are ideal for your little ones; providing a relaxed environment for their first cinema experiences!”
  • Good to know: the venue is wheelchair-accessible with wheelchair-accessible toilet facilities.
  • For more information and to book a place see Mitchell Arts Centre or call 01782 409 307
  • A child ticket is £4 and one accompanying adult ticket is free. Additional adult tickets are £4.

Christmas Lights

If you love Christmas lights, here are some places you can see a great display:

  • Benfleet Place Christmas Lights, Longton, ST3 2RU

    • Every day until 9 January, from 3:30pm - 9:30pm. 
    • The organisers say "We offer a quiet, safe space for any child to experience a Christmas Light Display with Christmas music. If you do decide to come along to see our lights, you're very welcome to message us as well, so your child will receive a sensory goody bag and get up close to the decorations. We do encourage and invite parents/carers to allow their children to touch the decorations with supervision. It's all part of the sensory aspect for the Childs/children's experience."
    • For more details see Benfleet Place Christmas Lights | Facebook 
    • Cost: there is no charge to see the lights but the organisers are collecting donations for Caudwell Children.

  • Bromsberrow Way Christmas Lights, Meir Park 

    • Every day from 4:30pm - 9pm
    • The organisers say. "Please come on foot - don't drive into the road - and respect properties.
    • For more details see Bromsberrow Way Christmas Lights | Facebook
    • Cost: there is no charge to see the lights but the organisers are collecting donations for DougieMac and Donna Louise Hospice

  • Trentham Winter Light Trail

    • Every day, except 25 December, until 31 December, various time slots
    • An illuminated light trail throughout Trentham Gardens
    • There is information about accessibility at Trentham here Accessibility around Trentham Gardens
    • For more information and to book tickets, please visit Winter Light Trail tickets
    • Cost: adult tickets £17.50 - £22.50, child tickets £13 - £17, family tickets £55 - £65

Beauty and the Beast - BSL-interpreted performance at Crewe Lyceum Theatre

Holly Jolly Jamboree at the Family Hubs (ages 0-10)

  • Chell Heath Family Hub, Bishop Rd, ST6 6QW, Monday 30 December 1:30pm - 3pm
  • Shelton Family Hub (Thomas Boughey), College Road, ST4 2DQ Monday 30 December 2:30pm - 4pm
  • Normacot Family Hub (Westfield), Buccleuch Rd, ST3 4RF Tuesday 31 December 2pm - 4pm
  • Potteries Centre - Community Room, Lower Mall, Potteries Shopping Centre, Hanley, ST1 1PP - Tuesday 31 December 1:30pm - 3pm
  • Tunstall, 142 High Street, Tunstall, ST6 5TP - Friday 3 January, 1:30pm - 3pm
  • Festive fun, music and craft activities
  • Good to know: there are sensory rooms at Normacot, Chell Heath and Shelton Family Hubs and pop up sensory tests for children if they need to use them during the sessions. 
  • For more information contact 
  • No need to book, just come along.
  • For ages 0 -10
  • Free

Winter crafts drop-in at the Family Hubs (ages 0-10)

  • Chell Heath Family Hub, Bishop Rd, ST6 6QW, Thursday 2 January, 10am - 4pm
  • Shelton Family Hub (Thomas Boughey), College Road, ST4 2DQ, Thursday 2 January, 10am - 4pm
  • Normacot Family Hub (Westfield), Buccleuch Rd, ST3 4RF Friday 3 January 10am - 4pm
  • Winter crafts for children ages 0-10
  • Good to know: there are sensory rooms at these Family Hubs and pop up sensory tests for children if they need to use them during the sessions. 
  • For more information contact 
  • No need to book, just come along.
  • For ages 0 -5
  • Free

YMCA Christmas Trip – ice skating (ages 10 - 16)

  • Pick up and drop off from YMCA North Staffordshire, Harding Road, ST1 3AE - the trip is to Alderford Lake, Whitchurch.
  • Friday 3 January, 2.30pm- 10.30pm. Travel time. 2hrs Activity time 4.30pm until 8.30pm
  • Ready for an unforgettable evening? Join us at YMCA Go for a fun-filled night at Alderford Lake! Lace up your skates and glide across the ice, then step into a magical Christmas village. Explore the twinkling lights, meet the reindeer, and make memories that’ll last a lifetime. Don’t miss out on this epic holiday adventure – it's the perfect way to kick off the season with friends!
  • Pick up and drop off is available, please bring food & drink and dress appropriately as it is in an outdoor activity. You will receive a link to the waiver once you have booked on.
  • Important to know: unfortunately this activity is not wheelchair-accessible.
  • For more information and to book a place contact amy.murray@ymcans.org.uk
  • Cost: £3.00 or £1.50 for students on pupil premium

Autism-friendly, audio-described screening - Moana 2