Shakespeare’s England, the tourism body for Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwick, Kenilworth, and Royal Leamington Spa, has announced a packed programme of Christmas activities for visitors to the area.
Group travel organisers planning a trip can pick and choose from festive plays and carol concerts, candlelit tours, and craft fairs and markets.
Christmas shopping
Christmas markets will be held in Stratford-upon-Avon on the last four Thursdays in the run up to Christmas (26th November, 3rd, 10th and 17th December).
There are more shopping opportunities at the Yuletide Fayres in Leamington every Sunday from 20th November, and at the Warwick Victorian Christmas Evening on 24th November when the lights will be switched on.
Theatre
The Royal Shakespeare Company will conclude the year with a production of Shakespeare’s late play, The Tempest, which will run from 8th November until 21st January. Groups can combine seeing this play with a festive dining experience at the Rooftop Restaurant.
For something more traditional, head to the Stratford Artshouse where a pantomime of Aladdin will be running from 14th to 27th December.
History
For a historical perspective on Christmas, groups can visit Shakespeare’s Birthplace to see how the Tudor’s decorated their homes, plus listen to a talk about Christmas in the Tudor period.
While in Stratford, groups can also celebrate the start of advent the Victorian way at Anne Hathaway’s Cottage on 3rd and 4th December. Explore the pastimes the Hathaway family would have taken part in and listen to stories of Christmas past.
Alternatively, discover how Christmas has changed in the 400 years since the Halls lived at Hall’s Croft, or become a Tudor fashionista at Shakespeare’s New Place and take a dressing up Tudor ruff activity.
Food and drink
At Ragley Hall groups can take part in festive cookery and floral decoration classes. Learn how to create table decorations, floral swags and wreaths plus make petit fours, festive stuffing and chutneys.
GTOs can also book a festive afternoon tea at The Stratford Hotel. Packages can include prosecco, Champagne and cocktails.
For more information visit shakespeares-england.co.uk.
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