As the festive season sparkles into life, Coventry transforms into a festive spectacle filled with family fun, enchanting performances, and heart-warming experiences.
From magical meet-and-greets with Santa to festive theatre shows, the city has plenty of ways to make this Christmas truly special.
Family-friendly winter activities
Iconic venues across the city have unveiled their family-friendly Christmas activities this year – including a variety of affordable, family-friendly options.
The Herbert Art Gallery & Museum is inviting youngsters to express their creative spark and get involved in singalongs and story time with Sensory Stories and Rhymes: Christmas Special on 9th December, and a Santa Sing-Along Special on 16th December. Admission is £1.50 per child, while adults are only subject to the museum entry fee.
The Warwick Arts Centre will host their seasonal Makers Market on Tuesday 9th December, featuring an array of independent, local traders selling handcrafted and sustainably made items – accompanied by festive live music.
And to keep busy over the holidays, on 29th, 30th, and 31st December, the Herbert will host a Winter Puppet Workshop, where visitors can transform simple white socks into magical hand puppets. Entry is from £2.50 per child.
Places to see Santa in Coventry
Families will have a variety of opportunities to see Father Christmas this year, with Coombe Abbey Hotel hosting a festive three-course Sunday lunch with Santa on 7th, 14th, and 23rd December.
The Albany Theatre will host two fantastic Christmas shows this year, starting with, ‘Santa’s Christmas Party’ on Sunday 16th November. Ideal for 2 – 8-year-olds, enjoy 45 minutes of festive songs and party games, followed by a meet, greet, and treat with Father Christmas himself to receive a specially wrapped present. Then catch, ‘Santa’s on his Sleigh’ from Tuesday 9th to Thursday 11th December, treating visitors to a 40-minute, interactive family show featuring an on-screen visit from Justin Fletcher himself, particularly suitable pre-schoolers
Coventry Transport Museum’s Vintage Sleigh Ride experience will also return to the city centre venue, giving families the chance to embark on a winter adventure pulled by two trust reindeer to Santa’s grotto every weekend from Saturday 29th November. Tickets for one child and two adults start at £16.
Join Father Christmas and his helpers at the historical St Mary’s Guildhall for stories, crafting, and a small chocolate selection box gift at their Storytelling with Father Christmas events. Tickets are £18 per child and £8 per adult (+£1 booking fee), with a number of timeslots across 29th November and 6th, 13th, 20th and 22nd December.
Soar with Santa at West Orchards Virtual Reality Sleigh Ride this year. Experience a trial flight before Christmas Eve… but hold on to your hats and antlers, it could be a bumpy ride…! Once you’ve safely landed, the children can chat with Santa for a few minutes and receive an advent themed book as a small gift.
Take a magical train ride through the Heart of England to tour Santa’s workshop and find him at his Grotto – with all children receiving a small token gift. Plus, at the marquee departure lounge, visit the North Pole post office and get creative with Santa’s cheeky Elves as you craft magical reindeer food and make lasting memories for years to come.
Santa and his entourage will also be heading to Weston Hall Hotel for a festive experience with Afternoon Tea. Meet the Christmas elves for festive fun and games, before listening to a story around the fire with Santa. Each child will receive a special gift before enjoying a delicious Afternoon Tea with music and entertainment.
On Sunday 7th December, get ready to Party with Santa at The Windmill Village Hotel. Indulge in a delicious a three-course lunch, while enjoying a festive party atmosphere – with a DJ, games, children’s activities, and a magical Santa visit.
Enjoy a festive Sunday at Ansty Hall on 14th December when Santa Claus stops by! Adults will be welcomed with a Christmas cocktail before sitting down to a delicious three-course lunch and petit fours. Every child will receive a special gift from Santa, making it a perfect family treat.
As if he wasn’t busy enough, you’ll also find the big man at Storytime with Santa in The Box at FarGo Village. Starting Sunday 7th December, and running every Sunday until the week before Christmas, step into a festive wonderland filled with Christmas joy for just £13 per child (with up to two accompanying adults per family). With a delicious breakfast treat and drink, a special meet-and-greet with Santa himself, a gift and photo, arts and crafts, and a magical storytime, there’s plenty of fun to be had for the whole family.
If you are looking for unique holiday presents, FarGo Village is also hosting Christmas Makers Markets on Saturday 6th and 13th December. These markets are packed full of handcrafted gifts and unique designs, perfect for finding something special for everyone on your list! Entry is free.
Enjoy a winter performance
An exciting range of festive performances designed to captivate all ages will also arrive in Coventry over Christmas.
First up is Planet Ice Coventry Skydome, where you can experience the magic of Christmas with Dick Whittington on Ice on Tuesday 2nd December. This sparkling festive family show features talented local skaters. Tickets start from £10.50. But, the festive fun doesn't end there: you can also join their Christmas Jumper Party on Saturday 12th December, followed by their Christmas Disco on Friday 19th December.
The Belgrade Theatre’s panto for 2025 is the much-loved classic Sleeping Beauty, with organisers saying it will be jam-packed with festive fun, magical mayhem and loads of Christmas sparkle from 19th November to 3rd January.
The Warwick Arts Centre is set for a spectacular Christmas packed with diverse entertainment. Families can enjoy the highly acclaimed, Olivier Award-nominated musical play, The Tiger Who Came to Tea, from 29th November – 28th December. Or witness mind-boggling science experiments with Ally Caldecote on Wednesday 10th and Friday 26th December.
For adult audiences, catch a spectacular all-star comedy show on Thursday 11th December, featuring Lucy Beaumont, Tom Rosenthal, and John Robins. Rounding out the line-up, the popular Strictly Come Dancing judge, Anton Du Beke, takes the stage on Tuesday 16th December with his live band for an evening of music, dance, and laughter.
The Albany Theatre will take inspiration from Beauty and the Beast for its hugely popular professional Christmas production this year, featuring bold storytelling, breathtaking visuals, music, and dance – with shows from 6th December to 4th January.
And if you’re looking for a A Festive Journey Through Dickensian Coventry, visit St Mary’s Guildhall on Wednesday 10th December for a captivating one-man performance of A Christmas Carol in ‘Scrooge’s Spirit’, and witness Ebenezer Scrooge's transformation in a 45-minute, 1 man show.
Christmas music concerts in Coventry
Get ready to hear the sounds of the season! This December, Coventry offers a spectacular selection of live music that celebrates the best of Christmas.
On Friday, 12th December, BBC Radio 3's Friday Night is Music Night, hosted by Katie Derham, brings the magic of the cinema soundtrack straight to Warwick Arts Centre. The Concert Orchestra presents a special Yuletide edition featuring music from timeless classics like White Christmas to modern hits like Love Actually.
You can also catch the Albian Christmas band on 12th December at Warwick Arts Centre, enjoy a seasonal mix of carols, spoken word, and humorous readings.
Head to Coventry this winter
Coventry is the perfect destination to celebrate the magic of winter, with festive events, performances, and attractions lighting up the entire city. Wrap up warm, grab your loved ones, and start making memories that will last a lifetime.
Still looking for more inspiration? Don't miss our Ultimate 2025 Christmas Guide for everything festive happening in Coventry this year. If you're planning an extended visit and need a comfortable base while seeing family and friends, be sure to take a look at our guide on Where to Stay.
Make your journey easy: consider travelling by train with Avanti West Coast for a convenient arrival right into the city centre.