UK & Ireland

Enjoy a whole host of festive activities in Shakespeare Country with spectacular Christmas lights, festive markets, traditional carols, candlelit tours, storytelling, craft fairs, cake decorating workshops, nativity shows, ghost stories and a Royal Shakespeare Company performance of The Heart of Robin Hood‘.

It is the season to be jolly

Christmas lights provide the perfect backdrop for festive shopping. The lights were switched on in Royal Leamington Spa on 20 November, in Stratford on 24 November and in Kenilworth on 25 November.

Christmas Markets to visit

Visit Christmas Markets in Leamington held every Sunday from 20 November - 18 December and every Thursday in Stratford from the 24 November until Christmas.

The popular Warwick Victorian Christmas Evening with over 60 craft stalls with traditional entertainment and attractions takes place on 24 November from 5pm – 9pm when the Christmas lights are switched on in the town.

Book now for new play by the RSC.

Enjoy a magical performance by the Royal Shakespeare Company which presents The Heart of Robin Hood from 18 November – 7 January 2012. See the world premiere of this new play which is based on the myth of Robin Hood but with a definite twist as Maid Marion takes centre stage. Great swashbuckling fun for all the family!

Go on a backstage tour, see inspiring art around the building with two exhibitions and drop in for fun activities for all the family. Or take the lift to the top of the theatre tower and look out over the twinkling Christmas lights of Shakespeare’s home town from the 32 m high viewing platform.

Christmas at Warwick Castle

Christmas will be in full swing at Warwick Castle from Saturday 17 December. Guests can see the Great Hall and State Rooms decked out for Christmas fit for a King! Enjoy all the traditional trimmings along with festive food and drink served in the 13th Century Undercroft. Children can visit Santa who will be making himself at home in the State Rooms.

A Shakespearian Christmas

See all the Shakespeare houses dressed for Christmas from 1 December – 6 January 2012. Visit the beautifully decorated Anne Hathaway’s Cottage and discover more about festive traditions from Tudor to Victorian Times.

Experience a magical evening of traditional carols with mulled wine, mince pies and a rare opportunity to visit the beautiful Cottage in the evening on 3 December. Wrap up warm and enjoy carols in front of the Cottage sung by the children’s choir from Temple Grafton School from 7pm. Enjoy mulled wine, mince pies and shopping for Christmas decorations and gifts. Christmas lights will light your way through the garden at

Shakespeare’s birthplace where traditional Christmas decorations of ivy, holly and spiced fruits will hang in the parlour and hall plus a Christmas feast will be set on the table. On 8 December take a candlelit tour at Shakespeare’s birthplace and enjoy a glass of mulled wine and a mince pie for the special entry price of £1.

Find out what Kenilworth Castle has to offer

Ease yourself into the festive frenzy with Christmas storytelling in the dramatic setting of Kenilworth Castle on 3 & 4 December. On 8 December join local sugar craft teacher Lynne Rigby who will show you how to perfect your Christmas cake decorating. Bring along your marzipaned cake and learn techniques for decorating it then take it home to enjoy. Take part in a traditional toy-making workshop with historical games experts Heuristics from 27 – 31 December plus carols, fun games, stories and refreshments.

Stratford-upon-Avon has so much to offer at Christmas

Visit Stratford-upon-Avon and beat the stresses, queues and hassles to discover a traditional Christmas. With over 400 shops, including a multitude of high-quality specialist retailers, you’re guaranteed to find the perfect gift for everybody this festive season.

But Stratford offers so much more than great retail – savour the authentic feel of a traditional Christmas and make a real pleasure of your day.

Click www.christmasuponavon.co.uk for further details.

For more information:

For accommodation, special offers and more information visit the official website: www.Shakespeare-Country.co.uk or call Shakespeare Country on 01926 471 329.