Celebrate the magic of a Shakespeare Country Christmas this year. Historic Warwick and Kenilworth, Royal Leamington Spa and Shakespeare’s Stratford-upon-Avon offer plenty to see and do with spectacular Christmas lights, festive craft fairs, street entertainment, a Royal Shakespeare Company performance of Merry Wives The Musical featuring Judi Dench, ice-skating and a new, 60 metre long, Ice Slide at Warwick Castle.
Christmas lights provide a spectacular backdrop for shopping in Shakespeare Country. The lights are switched on in Stratford on Thursday 23 November, in Kenilworth on Friday 24 November and Friday 1 December and in Royal Leamington Spa on Sunday 19 November with a funfair, street entertainment and a show. The Victorian Christmas lights will be switched on in Warwick on Thursday 30 November. Enjoy late night shopping, ‘snow’, fair organs, craft and charity stalls. On a purpose built stage enjoy choirs, Can Can dancers and other Victorian style acts.
Visit Stratford for late night shopping, Christmas craft fairs and continental markets on 23 and 30 November and on 7, 14 and 21 December along with street entertainment, an ice rink, Santa’s grotto and the Christmas lights open top tour bus. Browse through a traditional festive Yuletide Fair in Leamington which starts from 26 November and continues every Sunday through to Christmas Eve.
As part of the Royal Shakespeare Company’s year long Complete Works Festival, see Judi Dench as Mistress Quickly in a brand new musical version of Merry Wives The Musical from 2 December 2006 to 10 February 2007. Also playing in December are Pericles and The Winter's Tale. Known as the 'late plays', both productions are performed by an ensemble company of actors. As part of the informal festival, the Stratford-upon-Avon Operatic Society will also perform West Side Story from 28 November to 2 December.
Celebrate Christmas the Tudor way with festive refreshments and music at the Shakespeare Houses which are open late on Thursday 14 and Thursday 21 December. At Shakespearience enjoy a performance of Jack and the Beanstalk from 11 to 16 December and browse the shop for Christmas decorations and gifts.
Experience the magic of a mediaeval Christmas at Warwick Castle. Decorated in festive colours of red, green and gold, and with a tree lit up by 2,000 lights in the Great Hall, guests will receive a historic insight into preparations for Christmas from centuries gone by. Skate in the magnificent setting of the Castle courtyard on an open-air ice rink, decorated by lit trees. The Castle is also offering a UK first with a 60 metre long, three lane Ice Slide. (Additional charges apply for ice rink and slide).
Also in Warwick, enjoy the exhilarating thrill of horse racing at Warwick Racecourse on 3 and 31 December with live music and Christmas menus including a visit from Father Christmas on 3 December.
On 25 and 26 November Kenilworth Castle is hosting a Christmas shopping weekend and reindeer trail for children. On 16 December, from 6:30pm, join in the festive fun in the castle grounds for the annual carol concert.
>From 11 November to 10 December Blenheim Palace and its courtyards will be transformed into a winter wonderland. Elegant Victorian decorations will adorn the Great Hall and Long Library. In the Saloon, see the Marlborough family’s spectacular Christmas table decorated with sparkling silverware, beautiful crystal, flowers, ribbons and baubles. A traditional nativity scene will be set in the chapel, while carol singers, organists and brass bands will bring the music of Christmas to life at weekends. From 17 - 19 November, Living Crafts for Christmas will provide the perfect opportunity to find unusual gifts.
Father Christmas will be handing out gifts at the The National Herb Centre from 13:00 to 16:00 on 9-10 December and 16-17 December. On 16 December at 19:30 enjoy Christmas carols and a seasonal supper in the Herb Bistro. On the 20, 21 and 22 December Vintage Trains will be offering 'Christmas Luncheon Specials'. Enjoy a glass of wine followed by a traditional 3-course Christmas lunch served at your Pullman Class seat.
Children can meet Father Christmas at Hidcote Manor Garden on Saturday 9 December from 12:00pm – 2:00pm. On Sunday 10 December join Glyn Jones, Head Gardener for a winter stroll around the beautiful North Cotswolds gardens followed by a three-course Victorian festive feast in the Garden Restaurant.
Free coach parking will be provided in all of Stratford District Council’s car parks on the 23 and 30 November and 7, 14 and 21 December after 6pm.
Most Recent Comments