Best Christmas days out in Warwickshire 2023
There are loads of things to do in Warwickshire this Christmas! This is a comprehensive list of the best Christmas days out in Warwickshire. They include places to see Santa and other festive activities both with and without Santa visits. You can jump straight to each event using the links in the table below. Advance booking is essential at all attractions unless otherwise stated.
This post covers the Warwickshire area only. If you are looking for Christmas days out in nearby counties, please see below:
Battlefield Line – Santa Trains
Book a table or compartment for a train ride with a difference onboard the Battlefield Line this Christmas. Santa will be joining you on board! This sold out last year and tickets are already on sale so they advise booking early. Choose between the following options:
Bronze
Sit at a table for four in an open plan coach. Adults will receive a mince pie and children receive a packet of sweets. Santa visits each table with small gifts for the children.
Silver
Sit in a private compartment in a group of up to eight people. Adults receive wine and a mince pie on board, while children are given a drink of juice and some sweets. Santa will visit each compartment during the journey with a great present for all the children.
Gold
The flagship Battlefield Line experience sees passengers arriving in their private compartment to find a festive hamper from the elves. Wine, festive goodies, soft drinks, mince pies, biscuits, crisps, satsumas and chocolates are all available, along with alternatives to suit dietary requirements as long as you let them know when booking. Santa visits each compartment, chats to the children and gives them a lovely present.
Dates: 26th November and 2nd, 3rd, 9th, 10th, 16th, 17th, 22nd, 23rd, 24th December 2023.
Website: The Battlefield Line
Review: Tripadvisor
Children’s Play Village Warwickshire
The Children’s Play Village has a variety of events taking place right the way through from 23rd November to 31st December. Pick the one you prefer and make sure you go for a Santa visit if you want to see Father Christmas while you’re there.
Elf Training School
Head to the Children’s Play Village in November to see the North Pole Elves that Santa has sent there to play. The village is decorated for the season and the elves will be hosting festive games, music and dancing. Children can explore the play village and earn an elf training certificate.
Dates: 23rd to 30th November 2023
Santa Visits
Santa, his elves and the fairy god mother are at the play village in the run-up to Christmas. Rudy the Elf is being considered for the role of head of Elf & Safety. But his mischievous side is shining through as he proves he was born to entertain. Take part in festive games, sing, dance and watch Santa performing magic tricks.
Dates: 1st to 23rd December 2023. SEN session on 17th December 2023.
The Singing Princess
If you’re not quite ready to give up on the festive season, head to the play village after Christmas to meet Princess Pearl. Banished from her kingdom after drinking a magic potion, Pearl was hit by a curse that made her forget how to be a princess. Children can help her to get her memory back and return to her kingdom before the time on the magic hourglass runs out. Listen to Pearl singing and join in with fun and dancing.
Dates: 28th to 31st December 2023.
Website: Children’s Play Village
Review: Tripadvisor
Coombe Abbey – Luminate Live
Luminate Live is a festive light trail that takes place in various different venues. The breathtaking, illuminated trail through Coombe Abbey Park will be back to delight and enthral visitors for Christmas 2023. It features gorgeous lighting elements and amazing light play set to ambient music. A magical experience for all ages. The light trail has been updated for 2023 with fresh artistic designs.
Dates: 24th November 2023 to 2nd January 2024
Website: Luminate Live
Review: Coventry Live
Enchanted Tea Room – Various Festive Events
The enchanted tea room in Leamington Spa has some fabulous looking Christmas events for fans of different films in 2023. Of course, there’s also an option to meet Santa!
Afternoon Tea and Breakfast with Santa and the Grinch
I always find the Enchanted tea room website a bit confusing. I know they have amazing Christmas events, last year they even had an opportunity to visit Narnia. At present, if you scroll down the home page, there is a Whoville Christmas event and breakfast with Santa Claus, Buddy and Jovie Sun. It is likely that more events will appear over time so it’s worth checking the site regularly, I can’t find the option to see a list of November / December 2023 events at present so I’ve linked to their homepage.
Dates: Various dates in December currently showing on website but check site for dates and times as it is a little confusing at present.
Website: Enchanted Tea Room
Review: Tripadvisor
Hatton Adventure World Warwickshire – Enchanted Christmas Kingdom
Enter the Enchanted Christmas Kingdom at Hatton in Warwickshire this Christmas. Cheeky elves will guide visitors through the enchanted forest on the hunt for Father Christmas in his grotto. Then, head for the secret toy shop and choose your own toy. Or upgrade to visit the build a bear workshop instead.
Watch the Festive Friends and Yuletide Trickery show with Mr Holly and enjoy an indoor performance at the falconry centre. Walk through Winter Wonderland and enjoy a festive fair. Find out whether you’re on the naughty or nice list, make reindeer food and decorate some gingerbread. A reindeer quest, animal handling, play areas and all the usual Hatton activities will be on offer as well. Full information and dates for the Christmas 2023 event have not yet been released. However, there is some more information on the events page of their website with further details to follow.
Dates: 25th and 26th November and 2nd, 3rd, 9th, 10th, 16th, 17th, 22nd, 23rd and 24th December 2023.
Website: Hatton Adventure World
Review: Stratford Blog
Kenilworth Castle Warwickshire
Visit Father Christmas at Kenilworth Castle and hear him telling stories among festive decorations. This is a group storytelling session and every child will receive a small gift. One adult can accompany each child and they advise arriving at least 15 minutes before your allocated time to see Santa.
Dates: 2nd, 3rd, 9th, 10th, 16th, 17th and 23rd December 2023.
Website: Kenilworth Castle
Review: I can’t find a review of the Christmas experience but you can read our review of a dog friendly family day out at Kenilworth Castle.
Stratford Upon Avon – Victorian Christmas Market
The Stratford Upon Avon Victorian Christmas market will see stallholders wearing Victorian attire. As well as the stalls themselves, a programme of entertainment takes place around the town. Head to Henley Street for a variety of performances. At the bottom of Wood Street and in the Rother Street market area, you’ll find a traditional funfair including a carousel. Waterside, Bridge Street, Henley Street, Meer Street and High Street will all host stalls. If you get hungry, head to Wood Street for consumable produce stalls and street food.
Dates: 7th to 10th December 2023
Website: Stratford-on-Avon District Council
Review: Coventry Live
Warwick Castle, Warwickshire – Christmas at the Castle and Illuminated Light Trail
Choose to visit Warwick Castle during the day or the evening this Christmas. Christmas at the Castle is the daytime experience with extra attractions that can be added to your day. Alternatively, visit the illuminated light trail after dark to see the castle from a different perspective.
Christmas at the Castle
The dazzling decorations, twinkly trees and festive flourishes. When attending Christmas at the Castle, visitors can also book stories with Santa and Mrs Claus. Listen to them telling you beautiful stories of joy and home that will inspire you for the festive season ahead. To complete your experience, book your slot to glide around the open-air ice rink in the castle grounds.
Light Trail
Visit the Castle after dark to stroll around the grounds looking at the illuminated light trail. The experience takes around 45 minutes and is a stand-alone visit. You can book tickets for both Christmas at the Castle and the illuminated light trail consecutively to combine the two.
Dates: 25th November 2023 to 1st January 2024.
Website: Warwick Castle
Review: Plutonium Sox
