A COMPLETE GUIDE TO CHRISTMAS IN STRATFORD UPON AVON
With Christmas just around the corner we have put together a complete list of all the activities going on over the Christmas period.
Join in the big Christmas lights switch-on at the Town Hall, with a huge festive firework display and candlelit procession. Live entertainment includes: A Song for Christmas, Touch Radio and festive food and drink.
Visit Santa in Warwickshire’s ultimate Christmas Grotto and meet the Elves in their workshop. From 26th November, then every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 27th November, and every day in the Christmas week, up to and including 23rd December.
Santa’s grotto and the elves' workshop costs just £4 to visit, which includes interactive fun with the elves, craft-making activities and a special gift from Santa. Photos will be available for a small additional cost, making sure the magical experience is never forgotten.
From jazz to carols, panto to Dickens, it's all happening in Town Square every Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. And there’s street entertainment across the town to add to the festive atmosphere
See the Shakespeare Houses decorated for Christmas and enjoy the festive atmosphere each one has to offer, with plenty to see and do for everyone. Here's a taster:
A terrific way to start the festive season with extended late night opening hours at Shakespeare's Birthplace. See the house dressed for a Tudor Christmas by candlelight whilst enjoying some festive music. See your favourite Shakespeare characters come alive with Shakespeare Aloud! in the garden and enjoy a spot of last minute shopping in the gift shop.
Thursday 26th November, Thursday 3rd December, Thursday 10th December (last entry 7pm) and Thursday 17th December (last entry 8pm). Entry £1 after 5pm.
See how the Tudors indulged at Christmas with a festive feast display. Join in with traditional festive games at 11.30am & 2.30pm.
12th December to 3rd January 2010, 11am to 4pm. Normal house admission applies.
Spice up your Christmas and get into the seasonal spirit with story telling, mulled wine mince pies, music - even a visit from Charles Dickens and see the cottage decorated for Christmas
15th December, 10am to 4pm. Normal house admission applies.
Explore the history and customs of our Tudor ancestors at Christmas time and enjoy the magic and fun of the children's Christmas Quiz.
From 12th December, 11am to 4pm. Normal house admission applies.
Christmas Ghost Hunt – Friday 11th December, 10pm.
Christmas Gothic Séance – Saturday 5th December.
See if the Ghost of Christmas past will contact you!
Returning on Thursday 26th November as part of the 'big lights switch on'. Then every Thursday until 17th December, 9am to 8pm – with weekly themes including: Scrooge with Bob Cratchett and The Lions Carol Service.
On the 5th and the 19th December, open until 3pm.
Continues on Rother Street every Friday throughout December (except Christmas Day and New Year’s Day) 9am to 3pm.
For further details... www.sketts.co.uk
To make life easier, Stratford’s taken the stress out of Christmas with convenient late-night shopping. Every Thursday from 26th November to 17th December the shops will be open until 9pm.
From 4pm-10pm, every Thursday from November 26th – December 24th. Sponsored by Stratforward in association with Sketts Markets.
In Stratford District Council car parks (except Bridgefoot and Unicorn Meadow), until midnight on late-night Thursday shopping nights, starting at 4.30pm on 26th November, and 6pm thereafter.
A CHRISTMAS CRACKER
Get away from the bustling crowds and enjoy the Orchestra of the Swan at the Civic Hall for A Christmas Cracker on 19th December, 7.30pm. Featuring Christmas Classics with Soprano Hannah Davey, music by Handel, Corelli, Mozart and your favourite Christmas carols.
Be part of the music-making at Holy Trinity Church on Saturday 19th December, 7.30pm for an evening of carols and Christmas worship.
Carol Service – 3.30pm
Waiting for Jesus
(a service for children) – 6pm
Midnight Mass – 11.30pm
Holy Communion – 8am
Family Communion – 10.30am
IF WE HAVE MISSED AN EVENTS ON OVER THE CHRISTMAS PERIOD THAT YOU THINK WE SHOULD MENTION PLEASE LET US KNOW EITHER BY ON THE BLOG OR BY EMAILING STRATFORD@THEBESTOF.CO.UK
FOR A FULL LIST OF ALL THE EVENTS COMING UP OVER CHRISTMAS VISIT
www.thebestof.co.uk/stratford/events
WE WISH YOU A MERRY CHRISTMAS
