Discover the secrets of Shakespeare Country this Christmas

Discover the secrets of Shakespeare Country this Christmas with spectacular Christmas Lights, Carol Concerts, Festive Markets, Christmas Stories and a Royal Shakespeare Company performance of Romeo & Juliet. Historic Warwick and Kenilworth, Royal Leamington Spa, Shakespeare’s Stratford-upon-Avon and the Cotswolds offer all the components for a magical break this Christmas.

Christmas lights provide the perfect backdrop for festive shopping. The lights are switched on in Leamington on 16 November and in Stratford on 27 November. Visit Christmas Markets on 27 November & 4, 11 & 18 December in Bridge Street, Stratford and on every Sunday from 23 November - 21 December in Leamington. The Warwick Victorian Christmas Evening takes place on 27 November when the Christmas lights are switched on in the town.

During Christmas the Royal Shakespeare Company will be presenting one of the Bard’s most famous works, Romeo and Juliet. Shakespeare’s epic tale of thwarted love runs in repertoire at The Courtyard Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon from 27 November - 24 January 2009. Featuring a company of 23 actors and a 7 piece live band, this boldly theatrical new staging of Shakespeare’s play tells the fast-moving story of two teenagers torn apart by their families’ vendetta. Don John, a new production inspired by Mozart’s opera Don Giovanni runs in repertoire at The Courtyard Theatre from 12 December – 10 January 2009.

Go on a festive journey as Warwick Castle is transformed into a perfect Christmas destination. Entertainments will include the magical Christmas Tree Forest and its mischievous resident Jack Frost and Christmas stories and fairytales in the State Rooms courtesy of the Snowflake Fairy. In addition to this, ‘The Crafts at the Castle’ weekend over 29 & 30 November is the perfect opportunity to indulge in some Christmas shopping.

Enjoy a host of festive events at Kenilworth Castle, one of the largest and most spectacular castle ruins in England. From 29 – 30 November, children can enjoy Christmas story telling. Join Raphael Falconry from 6 – 7 December for a special falconry event looking at the tradition of hunting in the winter, Christmas birds and festive recipes. Join the colourful minstrels Nonimus for music and dancing with a festive flavouring. From 13 – 14 December be entertained by Wyndebagge’s ‘Warmer Winter’ Christmas show which celebrates the history of Christmas, packed with seasonal tales, tunes and laughter.

Inspired by the Dickens tale A Christmas Carol, the spirit of Christmas past, present and future will be reflected throughout Blenheim Palace. From 15 November - 14 December, the Great Hall will be decorated with an emphasis on all things Victorian, while in the Saloon the grand table will be set for a Christmas feast. Festive entertainment will take place every weekend including Stir-up Sunday on 16 November traditionally held on the Sunday before advent when families take it in turns to stir the pudding and make a wish. On 7 December the Blenheim Singers will perform Handel’s Messiah in the Long Library.

Coughton Court prepares for a traditional Victorian Christmas from 6 – 7 December. Enjoy children's craft activities and pay a visit to Father Christmas. From 13 – 14 December see the Crescent Theatre from Birmingham perform Christmas stories and sing carols in the Saloon. Sit near the roaring fire listening to the performance whilst drinking mulled wine and eating mince pies made at the property.

Wander around a Christmas Market at Sulgrave Manor on 29 November. On 14 December experience a Yuletide Celebration and hear about the traditions of past times. On 28 December be entertained with music and join in wassailing the ancient apple tree. At Ragley Hall experience a Victorian Christmas Market and Fair on 29 & 30 November. Enjoy Ragley by candlelight on 12, 13, 18, 19 & 20 December with a glass of mulled wine, canapé reception, candlelit dinner and festive concert performed by Con Spirito String Quartet in the Great Hall.

At Upton House wander around a Christmas Market on 6 & 7 December. Experience a 1930s’ Christmas on 6 & 7, 13 & 14, 20 & 21 December and discover Lord and Lady Bearsted’s unique and stylish 1930s’ Christmas as the ground floor is opened. Walk off your Christmas indulgence with a gentle stroll around the new winter walk in the gardens from 26 December – 4 January.

At Compton Verney Art Gallery on 29 & 30 November, 6, 7, 13 & 14 December listen to Christmas carol concerts set in the magnificent back drop of the Adam Hall. Visit a winter grotto with Compton Verney’s own winter wizard, enjoy storytelling and take part in family workshops to create Christmas cards and decorations.

Heritage Motor Centre has a selection of Christmas themed activities and quizzes for visitors and families. Attend a Christmas Lecture followed by a two course Christmas lunch.

At Hatton Farm Village, children can visit Santa in his magical Grotto, meet his reindeer and enjoy a programme of festive fun on 29 & 30 November, 6 & 7, 13 & 14, & 18 - 24 December. At Hatton Shopping Village, a Christmas Craft Fayre takes place on 8 & 9 November with a Christmas Food Fayre on 15 & 16 November.

For theatre and attraction tickets, accommodation, brochures, special offers and more information visit Shakespeare-country.co.uk.