Warwick Castle: Christmas light trail & ice skating

Summary

Christmas lights, laughter, and skating at Warwick Castle

You’ll wander through Warwick Castle’s festive light trail, skate beneath ancient towers on an open-air rink, and sample treats from a cozy Christmas market. With entry included and friendly guides on hand, you’ll experience holiday magic in Warwickshire you’ll remember long after your hands have warmed up again.

What’s the experience like?

I forgot my gloves — classic me — so the first thing I noticed was how cold the metal railing felt as we queued up outside Warwick Castle. There was this low hum of chatter, kids bundled up in puffy coats, and someone nearby with a mulled wine that smelled like cinnamon and cloves. Our guide, Sarah, waved us over with a grin and handed out maps (which I promptly lost somewhere between the Nutcracker entrance and the first set of twinkling trees). She told us to keep an eye out for the “dancing lights” on the castle walls — I didn’t really get what she meant until later.

The light trail wound through gardens that looked completely different at night, all shadows and sudden bursts of color. At one point, we stopped because my partner wanted to take a photo of these giant illuminated deer — but honestly, it was too dark for my phone to do them justice. There were families everywhere, some kids running ahead, others just staring up at the projections lighting up the sky. We ducked into the Christmas market for a quick snack (I went for a sausage roll; he tried something sweet I can’t pronounce), and there was this warm buttery smell mixed with cold air that made me want to linger longer than we should’ve.

I nearly chickened out of the ice skating part — haven’t done it since school — but Sarah convinced me (“You’ll regret it if you don’t!”). The rink sits right under those old stone towers; you can hear people laughing and occasionally someone falling (gently) onto the ice. My hands were freezing but I couldn’t stop grinning. There’s something about skating outdoors at night that makes you feel like a kid again, even if you’re mostly just trying not to fall over. We finished by wandering back along the path as more lights flickered on — honestly, I still think about that view of Warwick Castle glowing against the winter sky.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Christmas at Warwick Castle

• Explore twinkling trees and decorations
• Meet Santa in the cosy castle library
• Stroll through the enchanting Christmas market
• Enjoy a festive feast
• Wander the sparkling outdoor light trail
• Skate on the open-air ice rink

Top questions

Is entry to Warwick Castle included in this package?

Yes, your entrance ticket to Warwick Castle is included.

Can I choose just the light trail or only ice skating?

Yes, both light trail and ice skating packages are optional.

Is this experience suitable for young children or infants?

Yes, infants and small children can join in prams or strollers.

Are there public transport options near Warwick Castle?

Yes, public transportation options are available nearby.

Is the route accessible for wheelchairs?

The route is fully accessible for wheelchair users.

How far is Warwick Castle from Birmingham?

Warwick Castle is located in Warwickshire, close to Birmingham.

What’s included

Your evening includes entry to Warwick Castle with access to either or both the festive light trail and open-air ice skating rink. You’ll also have time to explore the Christmas market for snacks or gifts before heading home whenever you’re ready.