The Sheffield Christmas Trail 🎄
Article updated Thursday 14 December 2023
Behind an ordinary shop front, on an ordinary Sheffield street, lies a hidden enchanted forest.
Step through the spruce trees to discover the cosy haven that is Santa’s Study.
Here, children can make Christmas wishes and even create some heart-warming magic of their very own.
This captivating experience is all part of this year’s Sheffield Christmas Trail, a trio of completely free family activities across Sheffield city centre.
Let’s unwrap the December fun on offer with this handy behind-the-scenes guide 👀
✨ What is the Sheffield Christmas Trail?
The trail is made up of three different activities, starting with Santa’s Study.
Once inside children are welcomed by a team of friendly elves, write then post their own letter to Father Christmas while learning how to spread some festive cheer.
The charming study is beautifully decorated with a fireplace, sacks of Santa’s mail and decorations to represent peak Christmas. So it also makes an idyllic spot for a Yuletide photograph.
The study is located at the heart of the Brearley Bear’s Christmas Collectibles trail.
This is an exciting challenge where families can collect up to 30 trading cards from 29 venues across the city centre.
Each card features a different character, including the popular Brearley Bear and other characters named with a nod to Sheffield districts...Hello, Totley Turkey 🦃
Families who collect ten cards through the game can claim a limited edition tin from Hotel Chocolat on Fargate.
Those who tick off all 30 can also enter a competition to win one of two sensational prizes, a £2,000 Sheffield City Centre gift card or a one-day family trip to Lapland in 2024.
The challenge is bound to spark a competitive spirit in children - and make completing that Christmas shopping a breeze.
Finally, keep your eyes peeled for The Christmas Crooners.
These animatronic animals sing their hearts out for shoppers at two key retail destinations in the city centre - keep reading to find out where to find them!
Young audiences will be left spellbound 🎶
🎄Who can take part in the Sheffield Christmas Trail?
The Sheffield Christmas Trail is the ideal family holiday activity and will energise children of all ages.
Younger children will be mesmerised by the festive fun, not to mention tired out by all of the action.
It’s also a great way to spend some screen-free active time with older children, and get them enthused (or slightly more enthused) about Christmas shopping.
Families collecting all 30 of the Brearley Bear cards and choosing to enter the competition could also win a Lapland trip for up to two adults and three children.
There are full details on the competition, including those all-important T&Cs, to be found here.
🎄 Where do the Sheffield Christmas Trail activities run?
Santa's Study 🎅
Santa’s Study is based at the former Paperchase store at 11 Fargate.
A team of elves have transformed the empty unit into a magical wonderland, creating the key features with innovatively recycled materials.
Brearley Bear's Christmas Collectibles 🐻
To take part in Brearley Bear’s Christmas Collectibles, look out for in participating venues across Fargate, The Moor, Arundel Gate, Heart of the City, Orchard Square and more areas of the city centre.
A full list of venues and exactly where each card can be found inside can also be downloaded to plan your visit.
The Christmas Crooners 🎶
Find Eccy and Totsy, the Christmas Crooners, inside independent department store Atkinsons on The Moor.
All activities are indoors, so can be enjoyed no matter the weather conditions.
☃️ When do the activities run until?
Santa’s Study runs every Saturday and Sunday until 18th December, and then every day until Christmas Eve on 24th December.
The opening hours are 10 am until 5pm on Saturdays, 11am until 4pm on Sundays, then from 10am until 5pm every day after 18th December.
Brearley Bear’s Christmas Collectibles Trail will run until Sunday 7th January, 2024, to cover the January sales period.
The Christmas Crooners will be on display until at least Sunday 24th December.
🐧 How else can I enjoy Christmas in Sheffield city centre?
Toast some marshmallows or ride on a big wheel as part of your visit to Sheffield city centre.
Sheffield Christmas Market is in full swing and there are stalls plus entertainment options spread across the city centre.
Highlights include the traditional fairground carousel at Barkers Pool at just £3 a ride, the giant Christmas lights in the Peace Gardens and a feast of street food to taste across the many dining stalls.
The market continues until 24th December.
🎄 Merry Christmas 🎄
