Christmas is a wonderful time of the year, in the UK. You can celebrate however you choose, in a way that will allow you to have the most enjoyable period possible (even if it is just a break from studying!). There is plenty going on in and around the University of Warwick during the festive period…

1. Warwick Arts Centre

Don’t forget that Warwick Arts Centre is the largest arts centre in the Midlands, and the largest venue of its kind in the UK outside the Barbican Centre in London. It’s undergoing a multi-million pound transformation at the moment but, rest assured, you still have access to a multitude of wonderful events. So, if you’re staying on campus over Christmas, you’re in for a treat!

Between Wednesday 27th and Sunday 29th September, you can see A Lyric Hammersmith and Pins and Needles production of Raymond Briggs’ Father Christmas:

‘Join Santa as he awakes from a dream of sun, sea and sand only to find it is the busiest day of the year: Christmas Eve.

Watch as he prepares his Christmas deliveries, feeds his reindeer and finally takes flight into the snowy night.

This heart-warming adaptation is full of merry touches with plenty of live music, songs and playful puppetry. It’s a perfect introduction to theatre for young children who won’t be able to look away as secret doors and hidden hatches are revealed in this beautifully visual show.’

There are even discounted tickets for students!

You can find more events going on at Warwick Arts Centre over Christmas here.

1. Coventry

Coventry, being the nearest city to our University, hosts a number of festive activities throughout the period. It’s just a short bus journey away, and a nice escape from campus!

Coventry Cathedral is a particular nice venue, and has religious significance during this time of year too. You’ll find plenty of candles, and a spectacular Christmas, amongst other things inside. Entry is free, and the Cathedral is open 7 days a week.

There are also particular events that you can attend at the Cathedral throughout the Christmas period. The Snowman is a beautiful Christmas film, by Raymond Briggs. It follows a young boy, who builds a snowman in his back garden, which comes to life. The pair share a magical adventure together. There are 2 showings of this film, with a live orchestra, on Saturday 7th December at Coventry Cathedral. Find out more here.

Christmas Music by Candlelight is taking place on 16th December. This promises to be a sequence of Christmas music, and readings, that will be guaranteed to make you smile. There are discounted tickets for students.

You can find more events taking place in Coventry over Christmas here.

1. The Chaplaincy on Campus

The Chaplaincy provides a space for those of all faiths to reflect, and relax, on campus. It takes up a particularly special place over Christmas, as Christmas can be a very thought-provoking time.

There will be a Carol Service at 4:30pm on Friday 6th December. This is a free event, and falls just at the end of term. There will also be a Catholic Mass at 12:30pm every Sunday throughout the vacation.

You can find more information about the Chaplaincy here.

There is plenty more happening on Campus and in the local area over the festive period. Do check out this website to stay updated on everything that’s happening, and make the most of your time off studying. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!