Illustration of two small figures in knitted hats and a snowman in a red scarf on a snowy street lined with lit houses (Christmas at the Castle)

Christmas at the Castle

Visitors can glide across an open-air ice rink nestled beneath Guy's Tower and wander along an illuminated light trail spanning across the grounds and gardens. Families can enjoy festive storytelling sessions with Santa and Mrs. Claus or watch a live pantomime adventure in the Woodland Theatre. The East Front hosts a winter food and drink market featuring toasted marshmallows and mulled wine, alongside outdoor winter birds of prey demonstrations.

Map It Details Official site

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Plan Your Visit

When

Tickets

Build your festive package from £8 per person. Ice rink from £8; light trail from £17; Castle entry and Stories with Santa from £29; Castle entry plus skating from £18; Castle entry plus Light Trail from £27; Castle entry from £18. The page also gives a separate ice-skating option from £17 per person.

Hours

Daytime castle access is between 10am and 4pm, with last entry at 3pm. The light trail is after dark.

Ages

All ages

Food & Drink

The East Front food and drink village serves hot chocolate, mulled wine, toasted marshmallows and seasonal treats; Christmas afternoon tea with mulled wine, sandwiches and festive sweets is also available in the Conservatory Tea House.

Parking

Car parks include Stratford Road, Field and Stables; the Stratford Road and Field car parks have an uphill walk to the entrance. Parking payment options vary by car park.

Accessibility

Designated Blue Badge parking bays and an accessible drop-off area are located close to the castle entrance.

Going?

Location

Warwick Castle · Warwick Castle, Warwick, Warwickshire, CV34 6AH Get Directions

Local Insight & Ratings

Family Friendly

🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 (5/5)

Best For

Families with children

Vibe

Magical and festive

Energy Level

Moderate

Photo Friendly

High

Weather Sensitivity

High

Tips & Advice

  • Pre-book Castle entry and Stories with Santa online to guarantee entry.
  • Gold and Platinum Merlin Annual Passholders should reserve their free entry before visiting.
  • Allow 45 minutes for the ice-skating slot and another 45 minutes for the light trail experience.
  • Wrap up warm for the outdoor light trail and Christmas market.
  • If using the Stratford Road or Field car park, allow for the uphill walk to the entrance.

Special Events & Promotions

  • Gold and Platinum Merlin Annual Passholders can book a free passholder reservation for entry.
  • The light trail is an after-dark experience.
  • The family pantomime is available on selected dates only.
  • Santa Sleepovers are offered on weekend dates.
  • Ice skating and the light trail can be booked separately from castle entry.

Links & Contact

Run by Merlin Entertainments

Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide, not the organizer of this event. For tickets, entries, vendor spots or questions, contact the organizer directly through their contact page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Christmas at the Castle suitable for?

The event is suitable for all the family.

Should I book ahead?

Pre-book online to guarantee entry for Castle entry and Stories with Santa. Gold and Platinum Merlin Annual Passholders should reserve a free passholder entry.

What festive activities are available?

Experiences include ice skating, Stories with Santa, a light trail, a Christmas market, a winter birds of prey display and a family pantomime on selected dates.

What food and drink can visitors find?

The Food and Drink Village offers festive treats such as toasted marshmallows, hot chocolate, mulled wine and seasonal food. Christmas afternoon tea is also available.

How long should I allow for the ice rink and light trail?

Ice skating is a 45-minute slot, and the light trail experience lasts 45 minutes.

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Browse Christmas in Warwick

Always check the official website for the most current information.

We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.

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