Discover a host of Christmas fun for the whole family in Shakespeare’s England, Warwickshire.
Discover Festive Family Magic in Shakespeare’s England
Santa will be taking up residence across Shakespeare’s England this festive season so there will be plenty of chances for your believers to meet the man himself and hand over their Christmas lists. You can also immerse yourself in festive magic with illuminated light trails, candlelit tours, festive afternoon teas and more.
Enjoy a Stories with Santa and Discover Christmas Magic at Warwick Castle
Christmas arrives at Warwick Castle on Saturday 25th November, and we can’t wait! Explore twinkling trees, dazzling decorations, and festive flourishes at every turn. Visit Santa and Mrs Claus for stories in the castle, take a spin on the open-air ice rink in the imposing shadow of the Castle itself, and as darkness falls, experience the beauty of the illuminated light trail that leads you through the Castle grounds.
Tickets can be booked online via the Warwick Castle website.
Enjoy an Audience with Santa at Kenilworth Castle
Join Father Christmas at Kenilworth Castle during December as he takes some time out of his busy schedule to tell his favourite tales around the Christmas tree. Slots to visit Santa are available on Saturdays and Sundays between 2nd-23rd December from 10.30am and 3.20pm. Tickets for the sessions with Santa are £9.50 per child, plus a general admission ticket for the Castle.
After your visit to Santa, run off some steam in the castle’s stunning grounds and make the most of your festive day out.
Book tickets via the Kenilworth Castle website here.
The Polar Express with Vintage Trains
All aboard! THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride with Vintage Trains will be departing from Birmingham’s Moor Street Station between 24th November and 23rd December. Experience the magic of the beloved 2004 motion picture being theatrically re-created as you and your family are immersed in the sights, sounds and intrigue of this classic children’s tale.
THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Rides depart from Birmingham Moor Street Station. This station is serviced by West Midlands Railway and Chiltern Railways. Direct trains are available from Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwick. Please view timetables to check before you travel.
Visit the Vintage Trains website for a full timetable and to book your tickets.
Medieval Christmas Activities at St Mary’s Guildhall, Coventry
Historic St Mary’s Guildhall in the centre of Coventry has Christmas all wrapped up with yuletide stories and seasonal activities for all the family within its beautifully decorated, historic rooms.
Follow a fun festive trail around the Guildhall or book a visit to see Santa Claus. Storytelling with Santa sessions include a story with Santa in the Great Hall, gingerbread decorating in the medieval kitchen, and the chance to enjoy a range of children’s crafts as you explore the Guildhall.
After a day of festive excitement, why not book a delicious festive afternoon tea in the Tales of Tea restaurant? A delicious treat to round off your visit.
Book your festive visit to St Mary’s Guildhall here.
Santa at the Schoolroom
Visit Santa at Shakespeare’s Schoolroom and Guildhall between 22nd and 24th December for a wonderfully traditional experience that includes a puzzle trail around the historic Tudor building and a fun family gameshow hosted by Charles Dickens! Visits include a token gift for each child.
Visit the Shakespeare’s Schoolroom website for details and to book a visit.
Discover Shakespeare’s Birthplace by Candlelight
Explore Shakespeare’s world-famous birthplace with an evening candlelit tour this December. You’ll be welcomed with a glass of mulled wine and traditional Tudor music before your costumed guide takes you through this historic property to learn all about the festive traditions of the Tudor and Jacobean period that William and his family may have celebrated.
Book your tickets via the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust website here.
The Box of Delights at the RSC
Experience a magically festive production for all the family at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre this winter. Orphaned schoolboy Kay Harker is caught up in a battle between two powerful magicians. Can he save Christmas?
Performances run until 7th January. Book your tickets here.
A Tropical Christmas at Stratford Butterfly Farm
Escape the cold and enjoy some Christmas fun within the tropical surroundings of Stratford Butterfly Farm from 27th December until 7th December. There will be opportunities to learn about the life cycle of a Butterfly and get up close and personal with some of the resident mini beasts, you can also meet the striking yellow and black coloured Christmas Butterfly – also known as the ‘Citrus Snowball’.
Visit Stratford Butterfly Farm every day (except Christmas Day) between 10am and 5pm. Find more information here.
Pay a visit to Krampus at Magic Alley Stratford-upon-Avon
A fun festive treat with a difference awaits at Magic Alley in Stratford-upon-Avon. Enter the chilling realm of Krampus, a spine-tingling event that takes Christmas to a whole new level. Brace yourself for an exhilarating experience where solving puzzles and riddles becomes a matter of survival. Encounter the formidable Krampus, a creature shrouded in darkness, whose very presence strikes fear into the hearts of both adults and brave children aged 12 and over.
Magic Alley are also offering a special post-Christmas treat for older children and adults as they invite you to solve the ‘Mysterious Disappearance of Mrs Christmas’. Step into a world of enchantment and intrigue as the Magic Alley Detective Agency presents an extraordinary event: “The Mysterious Disappearance of Mrs. Christmas”! Get ready to unleash your inner detective and immerse yourself in a thrilling whodunit experience, where every clue and forensic puzzle holds the key to unravelling this captivating mystery.
Book your festive visit to Magic Alley via their website here.
Enter a Real-Life Christmas Fairy Story at Fairytale Farm
Celebrate Christmas with a visit to Santa Claus within a real-life Fairytale at Fairytale Farm. Journey through a Gingerbread House, help decorate Santa’s Christmas tree, make some reindeer food and prepare your wish list for Santa.
Christmas at Fairytale Farm is a ticket only event, book your visit online here.
St Mary’s Church Christmas Tree Festival
Discover a host of beautifully decorated trees at St Mary’s Church in Warwick as their popular Christmas Tree festival returns. All trees are donated by local groups and businesses from Warwick and displayed throughout the church. The festival opens for a special preview on Wednesday 23rd November alongside Warwick’s Victorian Evening and will then open every day until Sunday 3rd December.
For more information on this and other festive events at St Mary’s Church here.
Festive Lights Switch on Events and Christmas Markets in Shakespeare’s England
Christmas will be lighting up towns and villages across Shakespeare’s England throughout November and December, use our quick reference list to plan your visits!
Warwick Victorian Evening and Christmas Lights Switch On – Wednesday 23rd November
Includes a traditional Victorian market and fun fair
3pm – 9pm, Lights switch on at 7pm
Kenilworth Christmas Lights Switch On (High Street – Friday 24th November
Includes street entertainment and food and drink stalls
5pm – 8pm, Lights switch on at 6pm
Kenilworth Christmas Lights Switch On (Warwick Road) – Sunday 26th November
Includes a Christmas market and fun fair rides
1pm – 7pm, Lights switch on at 7pm
Shipston on Stour Victorian Evening – Friday 1st December
Includes a Christmas market and live music
6pm – 8pm
Whitnash Christmas Lights Switch On – Sunday 3rd December
Includes fairground rides and attractions
4pm – 6pm, Lights switch on at 6pm
Stratford-upon-Avon Victorian Market – Thursday 7th – Sunday 10th December
A traditional Christmas Market throughout the town centre
Over 300 stalls
Book a Magical Festive Escape in Shakespeare's England
With so many things to do this Christmas, why not turn your visit into a short break?
There is a wide choice of accommodation in Shakespeare's England, from pretty and peaceful country retreats, and chic boutique town centre hotels to cosy bed and breakfasts, and self-catering stays. Find a place to stay in Shakespeare’s England here.
Keep an eye on our What's On pages for a full calendar of events and activities taking place in Shakespeare’s England this Christmas.
Wishing you lots of fabulous festive fun in Shakespeare’s England - don’t forget to share your stories and adventures with us on social media – #MyShakespearesEnglandStory.