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Your guide to Christmas at Warwick Castle

Warwick Castle transforms into a winter wonderland each Christmas season, with illuminated gardens, ice-skating, and seasonal storytelling all included in the festive programme. Some activities are included with your castle day ticket, while others require a separate booking or upgrade. On this page, you’ll find everything you need to plan your Christmas at Warwick Castle visit.

What to expect at Warwick Castle during Christmas

  • Light trail: Wander through illuminated gardens and historic grounds, with over half a million lights, interactive installations, and a fully accessible route.
  • Open-air ice rink: Glide under the turrets of the castle’s east front in a special 45-min slot, available as a ticketed add-on.
  • Stories with Santa: The castle hosts storytelling sessions with Santa and Mrs Claus, ideal for families with kids.
  • Carols at the Castle: A traditional carol concert in the castle courtyard, for all ages, on December 20, 2025.
  • Winter food & drink village: Indulge in festive snacks, marshmallows, mulled wine, and seasonal treats in the market located on the East Front.

Warwick Castle Christmas events

Stories with Santa

  • Dates: Nov 22, 2025 to Jan 4, 2026 (part of Christmas at the Castle)
  • Timings: Castle & grounds 10am-4pm; (pre-booked slots)
  • Location: Inside the castle & grounds
  • Included with admission: No (premium upgrade)
  • Age restrictions: Suitable for families and children

Delight in a festive storytelling session with Santa in the historic castle setting. Pre-book online to guarantee your spot.

Open-air Ice Rink

  • Dates: Nov 22, 2025 to Jan 4, 2026
  • Timings: 11:15am-7:15pm (45-min sessions)
  • Location: East Front of the castle grounds
  • Included with admission: No (ticketed separately)
  • Age restrictions: Minimum age 3; under 10 must be accompanied

Glide beneath Guy’s Tower at one of the most picturesque outdoor ice-rinks in the region.

Festive Light Trail

  • Dates: Nov 22, 2025 to Jan 4, 2026
  • Timings: 4:30pm-7:30pm
  • Location: Gardens and grounds of the castle
  • Included with admission: No (upgrade or separate ticket)
  • Age restrictions: Suitable for all ages

Experience the castle transformed by light installations, a cathedral-style entrance tunnel, and interactive illuminated scenes.

Carols at the Castle

  • Dates: December 20, 2025
  • Timings: 6:30pm to 9pm
  • Location: Castle Courtyard
  • Included with admission: No (separate ticket)
  • Age restrictions: All ages

A magical carol-singing event hosted in the courtyard, with the St Mary’s Choir and Royal Spa Brass.

Santa Sleepovers

  • Dates: November 22, 23, 28, 29, 30, and December 1 to 23, 2025
  • Timings: Overnight stays
  • Location: Warwick Castle Hotel or Woodland Lodges (within castle grounds)
  • Included with admission: No (short-break package)
  • Age restrictions: Family stay; details per package

Extend the festive experience with a stay-over, elf wake-up call, storytime with Santa, and two-day castle access.

Visitor information

  • Castle opening hours (Christmas period): Daytime entry to the castle is from 10am to 4pm.
  • Christmas event dates: Nov 22, 2025 to Jan 4, 2026
  • Light Trail slots: From 4:30pm to 7:30pm (ensure you have selected your timeslot).
  • Ice skating slots: 11:15am to 7:15pm.

Best time to visit: Weekday mornings (castle) or early evening slots for the Light Trail and ice rink, for lower crowd levels.

Address: Warwick Castle, Castle Hill, Warwick, CV34 6AH | Find on Maps

  • By train: Warwick station is a ~25-min walk; connect via London-Marylebone to Warwick.
  • By bus: Buses from Warwick town centre stop near the castle entrance.
  • By car: From the M40 (Junction 15), follow signs for Warwick Castle.
    Parking: On-site parking available; charges apply and may vary during event periods.
  • Restrooms: Accessible toilets throughout the grounds and near the ice rink.
  • Lockers/Coat check: At the ice-rink cloakroom; £2 charge for bag check.
  • Stroller/wheelchair rental: Available; ask at Visitor Services (limited number)
  • Wi-Fi: Free Wi-Fi available in the castle reception and selected areas.
  • Gift shop: The Undercroft Shop and other outlets on site offer festive souvenirs and seasonal treats.
  • Dining options: A food & drink village with hot chocolate, mulled wine, and festive snacks.
  • Step-free & distances: Paths across the grounds are fully accessible for the Light Trail; some historic rooms may have stairs.
  • Wheelchair rentals: Available on a first-come basis. Ice-rink spectator area is fully accessible.
  • Sensory-friendly options: A dedicated sensory-friendly evening for the Light Trail on Dec 8, 2025 offers lower sound levels and no roaming characters.
  • Service animals: Assistance dogs are permitted; please contact ahead with specific requirements.
  • Ice Rink: Arrive at least 20 mins before your slot for skate-fitting. Sessions last 45 mins. Children aged 3 to 9 must skate with an adult.
  • Light Trail: Ensure you are at the correct timeslot entry (after 4:30pm). Late arrival may result in forfeiting your slot.
  • Photography: Non-commercial photography is permitted. Flash photography may be restricted in certain indoor spaces.
  • The Conservatory Tea House: Located overlooking the Peacock Garden, it offers seasonal afternoon tea, including mince-pies and mulled wine, during the Christmas period. (Open during castle daytime hours.)
  • Food & Drink Village: Outdoor stalls offering hot chocolate, toasted marshmallows, mulled wine, and casual winter snacks.

Frequently asked questions about Warwick Castle Christmas events

Can I book tickets just for the Christmas events without a general admission ticket?

Yes: for the ice rink or Light Trail, you can book an “event-only” tickets, which exclude daytime castle entry.

Is there a capacity limit for the events?

Yes: Time-slots and ticketing are strictly managed. For example, Light Trail sessions begin at pre-booked times and cannot be altered on the day if you arrive late.

Are the Christmas events suitable for children?

Absolutely. The Light Trail and Santa sessions are suitable for all ages, while the ice rink has age and accompaniment restrictions for younger children (minimum age 3).

Will the events continue in poor weather?

Generally, yes: The Light Trail and ice rink are outdoors but designed to operate in most conditions. However, extreme weather may necessitate cancellation or rescheduling.

What happens if an event is cancelled and I’ve already booked my ticket?

If a session is cancelled by the venue, you will be offered an alternative date or a refund. Please check the terms at booking.

Do Annual Pass-holders get discounts for Christmas events?

Yes: Annual Pass-holders receive discounts on certain Christmas add-ons (e.g., Light Trail) when booking online.

How long does the Light Trail take?

The Light Trail is designed as a 45-min walk, though you may take longer if you stop for photos or refreshments.

Can I bring my own skates to the ice rink?

Yes, skate hire is included in the ticket price, but you may use your own skates if preferred. Bags are not permitted on the ice.