- Light trail: Wander through 64 acres of illuminated gardens and historic grounds, featuring over half a million twinkling lights, brand-new installations, and the new 2026 theme, Follow the Glow, Find the Fairies.
- Open-air ice rink: Glide under the turrets of the castle’s East Front beneath Guy’s Tower in a special 45-minute slot, available as a ticketed add-on (with midweek Parent & Child tickets from £11 per person).
- Stories with Santa: The castle hosts storytelling sessions with Santa and Mrs Claus, along with festive elf magic and gifts for children, ideal for families with kids.
- Carols at the Castle: A traditional carol concert in the castle courtyard with St Mary’s Choir and Royal Spa Brass, for all ages, on December 19, 2026.
- Christmas parties: Over-18s festive evenings in the Great Hall, State Rooms, and Undercroft, including Tournament Feasts, Christmas Dungeons After Dark, and Medieval Banquets.
- Winter food & drink village: Indulge in festive snacks, toasted marshmallows, mulled wine, and seasonal treats in the Christmas market located on the East Front.
Your guide to Christmas at Warwick Castle
Warwick Castle transforms into a winter wonderland each Christmas season, with illuminated gardens, ice-skating, festive parties, 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
Warwick Castle Christmas events
Stories with Santa
- Dates: Selected dates from November 21 to December 24, 2026
- Timings: Castle & grounds 10am–4pm (pre-booked slots; arrive at the Great Hall at least 10 minutes early)
- Location: Great Hall & castle grounds
- Included with admission: No (combo tickets from £29 per person)
- Age restrictions: Suitable for families and children
Delight in a festive storytelling session with Santa and Mrs Claus in the historic castle setting, complete with cheerful elves and a Christmas gift for every child. Pre-book online to guarantee your spot.
Open-air Ice Rink
- Dates: November 21, 2026 to January 3, 2027
- Timings: 45-minute sessions (arrive at least 15 minutes before your slot)
- Location: East Front of the castle grounds
- Included with admission: No (ticketed separately from £8 per person, or from £18 with daytime Castle entry)
- Age restrictions: Suitable for families; skate aids available on a first-come, first-served basis
Glide beneath Guy’s Tower at one of the most picturesque outdoor ice rinks in the region, accompanied by a festive soundtrack.
Festive Light Trail
- Dates: November 21, 2026 to January 3, 2027
- Timings: After dark (45-minute experience)
- Location: Gardens and grounds of the castle (including the new Fairy Hollow)
- Included with admission: No (ticketed separately from £17 per person, or from £27 with daytime Castle entry)
- Age restrictions: Suitable for all ages
Experience the castle transformed by light installations, shimmering Northern Lights, a self-playing piano, and interactive scenes as you follow the glow to find seven enchanting fairies.
Additional Light Trail Evenings
- Dates: Sensory Light Trail (December 7, 2026), Digbeth Dining Club Takeover (December 16, 2026), Festive Dog Light Trail (January 1, 2027)
- Timings: Evening slots
- Location: Gardens and grounds of the castle
- Included with admission: No (separate ticket)
- Age restrictions: All ages
Enjoy specially tailored trail nights, including a calmer sensory-friendly evening, an award-winning street food takeover, and a New Year’s Day walk for you and your dog.
Carols at the Castle
- Date: December 19, 2026
- Timings: Gates open at 6:30pm; event runs until 9pm
- Location: Castle Courtyard
- Included with admission: No (separate charity ticket: £12 Adults, £5 Children)
- Age restrictions: All ages
A magical carol-singing event hosted in the courtyard, led by the St Mary’s Choir and accompanied by Royal Spa Brass, with hot food and mulled wine stalls.
Christmas Parties
- Dates: Selected dates on November 28, December 4, 10, 12 & 18, 2026 (plus Wreath Making on November 22, 2026)
- Timings: Evening arrivals from 7pm/7:30pm; disco until 12am–12:30am
- Location: Great Hall, State Rooms, and Undercroft
- Included with admission: No (separate event tickets from £95–£120 per person; private parties also available)
- Age restrictions: Over 18s only
Celebrate the season with a three-course festive banquet, arrival prosecco or mead, live entertainment from knights or dungeon characters, and a late-night disco.
Santa Sleepovers
- Dates: Selected dates during the festive season (November 21, 2026 to January 3, 2027)
- Timings: Overnight stays
- Location: Warwick Castle Hotel or Woodland Lodges (within castle grounds)
- Included with admission: No (short-break package from £70–£72 per person)
- Age restrictions: Family stay; details per package
Extend the festive experience with a themed overnight stay, evening family entertainment, an elf wake-up call with a present for little ones, 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 (last entry at 3pm).
- Christmas event dates: November 21, 2026 to January 3, 2027
- Light Trail slots: After-dark 45-minute experiences (ensure you have selected your time slot).
- Ice skating slots: 45-minute sessions throughout the day and evening.
- Best time to visit: Midweek visits offer the best value (with midweek packages starting from £15.50) and lower crowd levels across the castle, ice rink, and Light Trail.
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: Cloakroom available at the ice rink.
- 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 festive Food & Drink Village on the East Front plus seasonal afternoon tea in the Conservatory Tea House.
- Step-free & distances: Paths across the grounds are accessible for the Light Trail; some historic rooms may have stairs.
- Wheelchair rentals: Available on a first-come, first-served basis. The ice-rink spectator area is accessible.
- Sensory-friendly options: A dedicated Sensory Light Trail evening on December 7, 2026 offers a calmer experience for children and families.
- Service animals: Assistance dogs are permitted; pet dogs are also welcome on the special New Year's Day Dog Light Trail (January 1, 2027).
- Ice Rink: Arrive at least 15 minutes before your slot for skate-fitting. Sessions last 45 minutes, and skate aids are first-come, first-served.
- Stories with Santa: Arrive at the Great Hall at least 10 minutes before your selected time slot.
- Light Trail: Ensure you arrive at your booked timeslot entry. 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 special Christmas afternoon tea with spiced mulled wine, finger sandwiches, and festive sweet treats (valid daytime castle entry ticket required).
- Food & Drink Village: Outdoor Christmas market stalls on the East Front offering hot chocolate, toasted marshmallows, mulled wine, and festive snacks.
Frequently asked questions about Warwick Castle Christmas events
Yes. For the ice rink (from £8) or Light Trail (from £17), you can book an event-only ticket, or choose a combo ticket that includes daytime castle entry (from £18 for Skate or £27 for the Light Trail).
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.
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).
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.
If a session is cancelled by the venue, you will be offered an alternative date or a refund. Please check the terms at booking.
Yes: Annual Pass-holders receive discounts on certain Christmas add-ons (e.g., Light Trail) when booking online.
The Light Trail is designed as a 45-minute walk, though you may take longer if you stop for photos or refreshments.
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.
