Weekend Picks: What's on this weekend in the Midlands

Saturday 10th and 17th December: Birmingham

It's a festive filled Weekend Picks this week and to kick off, Brindley place in Birmingham is spreading the Christmas cheer with two free charity concerts in aid of Heart Research UK.

Special guests Santa and his elves will be there to join in the fun as local choirs and musicians perform traditional Christmas carols alongside a number of festive favourites.

Children on the nice list will be able to get an early Christmas present with a visit to Santa’s Grotto.

Kedleston Hall, Derby: Weekdays and weekends throughout December

When we begin to buy our festive decorations or think about different themes we often want to try to perhaps match a new decor or colour scheme in our homes with shop bought accessories.

We often think immediately of glistening baubles and twinkling fairy lights - but before they came along Christmas decorations were a very different affair and the more traditional look is now making something of a comeback.

This weekend, you can drop in to the beautiful Kedleston Hall and learn how to make some of the festive decorations which may have once adorned the grand house itself in a self-led, family-fun activity.

Make more of a day out of your trip with a visit to the grand state rooms and see how Christmas was celebrated by the halls Curzon Family since they moved in around the year 1200.

Northampton: Saturday December 10th, 6:30pm - 8:30pm

A magical evening of 'Dementia Friendly Carols by Candlelight' is being held in Northampton this weekend.

The event, which is in consideration of the areas 8000 dementia patients -will feature traditional readings and winter treats as event organisers, The Alzheimer’s Society have organised a line-up of local musicians to take part.

Lively musical performances from Classical Reflection and the Northampton Male Voice Choir will take place at the All Saints Church.

There will be stewards on hand and clear signs in the venue to help people find their way around.

So help spread some charitable cheer and bring the whole family along for a magical evening and help transform the lives of people affected by dementia, all proceeds will be donated to helping improve their lives within the community.

Coventry Cathedral: Saturday December 10th (2 showings)

‘The Snowman’ and ‘The Nutcracker’ is a live orchestra production guaranteed to get viewers of any age in to the festive spirit.

This timeless classic is brought to life on stage during two special screenings this weekend, as part of a national tour, where you can expect:

• Christmas Overture
• A Festive Guide to the Orchestra
• The Nutcracker Suite – Tchaikovsky
• Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy
• Waltz of the Flowers The Snowman Waltz

The live orchestra element is enhanced whilst playing out in the beautiful surroundings of the New Coventry Cathedral.

The event is promised to be a perfect winter outing for all of the family. Performances begin at 4pm and again at 7pm, to book your place head over to the Cathedral website.

Throughout December: Stafford Castle and Visitor Centre, Newport Road

First built by William the Conqueror to subdue the rebellious population, the Castle here has dominated the Stafford skyline for over 900 years, and over 900 Christmases.

Now you can uncover the secrets of the ancient site through the Norman times, the medieval period, the English Civil War and right up to the present day, as part of an alternative Christmas experience.

Take a walk through the castle woodland and solve a Christmas riddle for a chance to be entered in to a free festive prize draw.

Cookies and hot chocolate will be available in the visitor centre throughout the free event and there are some unique gifts available with all proceeds helping to maintain this impressive symbol of our regions heritage.

Newark: National Civil War Centre, Sunday December 11th

Chiefs at the National Civil War Centre in Newark will be putting away the mince pies this weekend as a Parliamentarian civil war regiment takes up residence - but don't worry, it's only a re-enactment.

The Robert Overton's Regiment Foote group will be laying on a day of musket firing as part of the Newark Christmas Market celebrations.

Costumed re-enactors will patrol the town's streets, mixing with revellers at the day-long winter event, which features over 80 stalls.

Back in the 1600s Christmas was banned in the East Midlands under a clampdown by the regime of controversial political leader Oliver Cromwell.

Bah humbug!

Leamington: December 4th, 4:00pm-6:00pm

Join in and bring along your handmade lanterns to light up Royal Leamington Spa this weekend.

The colourful annual event brings the community and visitors together in a creative way to share in the spirit of Christmas.

Meet new people, create something wonderful and have a fun, magical evening lighting up the Regency town centre.

The parade sets off from the Bandstand at approximately 4.30pm and is e accompanied by a local band and performers and will finish with Christmas carols around the Tree of Lights at the town hall. How do I make my own lantern?

Leicester: Sat 3rd - Sun 4th December

Donington Le Heath Manor House is one of the oldest houses in England. It is believed that Robert De Herle bought the land and had the house built between 1258 & 1295.

For nearly 700 years the house remained a family dwelling but in the early part of the 16th Century, the house may have been owned by a close friend of Guy Fawkes.

In 1963 the house was purchased by Leicestershire County Council and the building was restored and opened to the public as a museum. There is said to be the ghosts of a housemaid and also a man of 17th Century appearance with a tall brimmed hat.

Friday 2nd December - Saturday 3rd December: Birmingham

The Etsy Home Made Local Christmas Market returns for its second year at the Custard Factory in Birmingham this weekend and this time you will find them in the Market Hall.

All stall holders are members of the IDEAS Birmingham Group who have brought along a selection of handmade and vintage items for you to browse and buy from.

There are over 30 stalls attending over the 2 days covering handmade, vintage and craft supplies - Make it a day out.

Leicester University: From Friday December 2nd

The University of Leicester is bringing festive cheer to its campus again this year with a packed Christmas line-up as part of the Students’ Union’s Christmas Countdown campaign.

From today, the centre of the campus will be transformed into a winter wonderland complete with ice rink, real reindeer and Christmas market.

Staff, students and members of the public will be able to get their skates on for 30 minute sessions – and this year it will be completely free!