Out and about
Whether you’re visiting a Christmas market or heading to a festive event, plan ahead and stay aware.
- stay with friends or family, especially at night
- keep valuables close and be cautious in crowds
- use licensed taxis or pre-booked services - view taxi ranks where you can find a licenced taxi
- avoid shortcuts through dark or isolated areas
When drinking alcohol
- stay aware of your surroundings
- don’t leave drinks unattended
- know your limit
- make a plan to get home safely or stay with friends or family
- never drive after drinking - find out more.
When eating out
When you’re planning a Christmas meal out or ordering a festive takeaway, it’s worth checking that the place you choose has a good food hygiene rating.
Every food business in the UK is inspected by their local council and given a rating from 0 to 5 - with 5 meaning “very good” and 0 meaning “urgent improvement required”.
You can check ratings quickly online using the Food Standards Agency food hygiene ratings website
Restaurants, cafés and takeaways are encouraged to display their green and black hygiene sticker on doors or windows - don’t be shy about looking for it before you go in.
High ratings mean that food is handled safely, storage and preparation meet standards, and regular environmental health inspections are passed.
Choosing well-rated places keeps you, your friends and family safe - and rewards local businesses that take food safety seriously.
Useful tools
If you ever feel uneasy, vulnerable or simply want an extra layer of support while out and about, two great national safety tools are available: Ask for Angela and Hollie Guard.
- Ask for Angela is a campaign found in bars, clubs and venues across the UK - if you say 'Angela' to trained staff it discreetly signals you need assistance, such as being escorted to a taxi or a friend.
- Learn more about Ask for Angela
- Hollie Guard is a smartphone app that turns your phone into a personal safety device. With a simple tap or shake it alerts your trusted contacts, shares your location, and can record audio-video evidence.
- Visit Hollie Guard
Think local this Christmas
Shopping, eating and entertaining locally is one of the best ways to share the festive spirit and support our communities. Every pound spent in a local shop, café or market helps keep money circulating within the area - supporting local jobs, independent traders, and the character of our high streets.
Lichfield District is bursting with fantastic places to shop, eat, and enjoy over the festive season. In Lichfield city centre, explore a mix of independent boutiques and award-winning venues, including:
- The Whippet Inn – a welcoming independent micropub specialising in real ales, ciders and craft beers from independent breweries. 21 Tamworth Street, Lichfield, WS13 6JP. Visit The Whippet Inn
- Lichfield Garrick Theatre – Lichfield’s theatre and community venue, bringing theatre, music, comedy, family entertainment and more to the city. Castle Dyke, Lichfield, WS13 6HR. Visit Lichfield Garrick Theatre
- National Remembrance Gardens – the UK’s year-round place to remember, set within 150 acres and home to more than 400 memorials. Croxall Road, Alrewas, Staffordshire, DE13 7AR. Visit the Royal British Legion National Remembrance Gardens
- Mangia Mangia – a family-run Italian deli celebrating authentic Italian food, seasonal ingredients and regional recipes. 25 Tamworth Street, Lichfield, WS13 6FL. Visit Mangia Mangia
- The Fabric Vault – a family-run independent fabric and haberdashery shop offering fabrics, sewing supplies, lessons and creative workshops. Tudor Row, Lichfield. Visit The Fabric Vault
- Beerbohm – Lichfield’s Belgian beer bar, with Belgian and continental beers alongside local ales, wines, spirits and cocktails. 19 Tamworth Street, Lichfield, WS13 6JP. Visit Beerbohm
Across the wider district, discover unique shopping and dining in Burntwood, Sankeys Corner, and Shenstone Village. Don’t miss Heart of the Country for artisan shops, local produce and festive finds, or make a stop at The Boat Inn at Wall Island for exceptional seasonal dining.
Every time you choose to shop, eat or experience something locally, you’re helping to strengthen our economy, support local jobs, and keep our towns thriving for everyone. For inspiration, event listings and a full guide to the best places to explore this festive season, visit Visit Lichfield.