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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

Santa reading a book by a decorated Christmas tree at Warwick Castle.
  • 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

Warwick Castle covered in snow during Christmas, with surrounding snowy landscape and river.
  • 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.
Gifts and souvenirs wooden sign under a metal roof.
  • 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.
Wheelchair accessible route sign with arrow pointing right.
  • 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.
Guests walking through illuminated gardens at Warwick Castle Light Trail.
  • 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.
Pouring mulled wine into a festive mug at a Berlin Christmas market.
  • 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

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