With the night’s drawing in and a chill settling over the Potteries, it’s beginning to feel like you’re living in Brunell! Stoke-on-Trent is gearing up for a season of merriment and it’s that time of year again when Christmas Parties Stoke on Trent re-dons its festive glad rags! Whether you’re planning a work do, a family gathering, or a knees-up with mates, the city’s Christmas party offerings are as varied as the patterns on Spode China. It’s time to immerse ourselves into the holiday festivities in this oft overlooked diamond of the West Midlands.
Tipples and haunts: Traditional v. Trendy
At this time of year, Stoke’s pub scene springs to life and many local places are adorned with tinsel and fairy lights. The Glebe, a proper old-school pub in Fenton, is worth a visit; for a cracking Christmas menu and its warm welcome even a frosty nose will thaw. If you’re looking for something slightly fancier, however, Bottlecraft in Hanley will be your spot. If you’re planning a classy social soirée, then it’s got its own amazing selection of craft beers and seasonal cocktails.
But if you’re after a proper Stokie Christmas do, you can’t go wrong with a night at the Sugarmill. This legendary venue where cheesy tunes and enough mulled wine will make a narrowboat float, puts on some banging Christmas parties.
Foodie Festivities
There’s no Christmas party more complete without some food, and Stoke-on-Trent does it in spades. The Rabbit Hole Tea Room in Hanley has a mad as a box of frog’s festive afternoon tea, and that’s a good thing. Tall cake plates heaving with mince pies and more sweet slices than you can keep your eyes off at the best of times.
Bloom in Burslem dishing out a Christmas menu that’ll knock your stockings off for those after a more substantial meal. Christmas parties used to be all about the dried-out turkey and soggy sprouts, but their locally sourced, seasonal fare is a world away from that.
Getting Your Groove On
If you’re still hungry after Christmas you’re in luck as the region has you covered. Some of Hanley’s brilliant Christmas parties are at the Exchange with live bands and DJs playing well into the tiny hours. If you prefer something a bit different, then ditch the disco and have your solo dance at The Quarter’s silent disco. Nothing says ‘Christmas party’ quite like a roomful of people belting out Mariah Carey while wearing headphones.
Family-Friendly Frolics
Christmas need not always involve booze. Trentham Gardens lights up the night as it hosts a spectacular Christmas lights trail for those with little ones in tow, creating a dazzling atmosphere so all are put in the festive spirit. A charming Christmas market at the nearby Trentham Estate is also host to a great place to pick up last minute pressie’s while sipping hot chocolate.
Quirky Christmas Capers
Your traditional Stoke-on-Trent Christmas bash won’t be it. Something a little different perhaps? Why not book into a festive pottery painting session at the Gladstone Pottery Museum? A time to cry and get back to your inner Clarice Cliff over some mulled wine and mince pities.
Why not head to Unescapable in Newcastle-under-Lyme for a Christmas themed escape room, or for the more adventurous, why not take a leap and consider an exit? Trying to break out of Santa’s workshop together is nothing like getting a team together, but, man, it’s good.
Making Merry on a Budget
Fear not, the area’s Christmas shopping is not all borrowing but options for those watching the pennies. Affordable Christmas party with all the trimmings was on many of the city’s community centres. YMCA North Staffordshire, for example, puts on a cracking Christmas do for not a lot of money.
Wrapping Up the Festivities
Don’t forget to take a moment as the big day approaches and the last of the office parties wind on to appreciate the city. A walk-through Hanley Park on a crisp winter’s day, with Christmas lights in the distance, will warm the coldest of cockles if even the heartiest of Scrooge types.
And that’s all Stoke on Trent’s Christmas party scene covered in a whistle stop tour. So, whether you want a traditional knees-up or something a bit more left field, the Potteries has it covered. Just remember to book early, wrap yourself warm and maybe lay off the oatcakes before you burst into your party gear. Merry Christmas, me-duck!